Global aerospace and defence company Exelis has announced that it will make its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Melbourne, which says will create about 60 jobs.
The New York Stock Exchange-listed Exelis, which had its international headquarters in Virginia, employs about 17,000 worldwide and reported revenues of nearly $US 5 billion in 2013. It operates in over 50 countries.
The Melbourne location cements an Australian presence it began in January last year when it acquired C4i. The Melbourne HQ will be built to offer “state-of-the-art research and development (R&D), testing and systems integration” capabilities.
“The decision to establish our Asia Pacific headquarters in Melbourne was heavily influenced by the region’s robust engineering talent, growing market opportunities and the unwavering support from the Victorian Government,” said David Melcher, the company’s CEO.
“Paired with our more than 40 years of history serving the Australian market, this expansion represents our company’s continued commitment to growing our presence in the Asia Pacific region and our focus on international expansion.”
Victorian manufacturing minister David Hodgett, whose government Exelis praised for its cooperation, said the announcement was a vote of confidence in what the state had to offer North American defence companies looking to expand in the region.
Exelis describes itself as a world leader "in networked communications, sensing and surveillance, electronic warfare, air traffic solutions and information systems."
Image: http://www.exelisinc.com/