BRUCK Textiles say they could have produced a new camouflage pattern for the Australian Defence Force more than 180 times cheaper than US firm Crye Precision.
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Bruck chief executive Alan Williamson is fuming Crye has been paid $2.9 million to develop a uniquely Australian camouflage pattern.
In the past 18 months Bruck produced a unique pattern for just $16,000.
“This did not include the garments but for the fabric and development, following Defence’s instruction, the total cost to Defence was $16,000,” Mr Williamson said.
The ADF also paid $4.4 million for licences to manufacture the new Multicam combat camouflage uniform in Australia, taking the figure to $7.6 million.
“During that time we were urging Defence to allow us to develop exactly the type of design you see in Multicam,” Mr Williamson said.
“My knowledge of the Australian textile, clothing and footwear industry is it is at least as technically advanced as the US if not superior.
“And to spend $7 million is ... mind-boggling.”
Bruck could have developed the Multicam design for less than $100,000, Mr Williamson said.
He and member for Indi Sophie Mirabella want the Minister for Defence Materiel, Jason Clare, to explain his decision.
“Defence must release to the public immediately this mind-blowing technology that they’ve paid $7 million for,” Mr Williamson said.
“Unless justified publicly, it is seven million reasons for Australian textile, clothing and footwear industry workers to be offended, this goes to the core of questioning our ability.
“If they won’t produce it then they should get out of the commitment.”
Mrs Mirabella said she was disappointed local textile companies had been locked out from tendering for the design.
“Why does the government have money for a US design company but not for local, proven and technically advanced companies like Bruck to develop new products to enhance Australian soldier survivability?” she said.
Mr Clare said soldiers fighting in Afghanistan chose Multicam from several options “because it gives them the best camouflage and protection”.
“The government has bought a licence for this uniform so we can make it in Australia,” Mr Clare said.
“If we didn’t do this we would have to buy it from America and that’s not good for Wangaratta.”
Mr Williamson said Bruck would tender for the contract to help produce the new uniforms.
