A US aerospace company that specialises in designing and manufacturing lifesaving equipment for Australia’s defence and aerospace industry personnel, has opened its Asia-Pacific region service centre in South Australia.
Based in Elizabeth, Life Support International (LSI) designs, manufactures, distributes and services life-saving equipment, including aerial delivery and life raft systems, life preservers, survival and first aid kits and pilot accessory equipment.
The new facility is the company’s first outside its home state of Pennsylvania in the United States.
As part of Invest SA’s Investment Accelerator Program, an invitation-only program designed to attract innovative, high-growth interstate and international companies to South Australia, the company received $100,000 to establish in the state, with the new facility to create 17 jobs by 2030 including specialised roles across aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering and supply chain logistics.
LSI is backed by a strategic partnership with local veteran-owned company, BiORG, which specialises in defence support systems and logistics. BiORG will manage the day-to-day operation of LSI’s new facility as part of a strategic partnership between the two businesses.
“Today marks a proud moment for Life Support International with the opening of our new facility here in South Australia,” said Greg Yerkes, President, Life Support International. “From the beginning, LSI has been guided by a simple but vital purpose – to deliver mission-critical equipment that saves lives.
“Over the years, our products have supported military aircrews, search-and-rescue teams, and first responders, ensuring that when they go into harm’s way, they come home safely.
“We are very grateful for the support from the Federal and South Australian Governments which have been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” he continued.
“I want to acknowledge the exceptional efforts, professionalism and dedication of the LSI and BiORG teams. We look forward to expanding our presence in the Indo Pacific region and hiring and training South Australians in our specialist field of Aeronautical Life Support Equipment.”
UNI-PAC III is an air-deployable search and rescue system designed to save the lives of people stranded at sea, providing air-drop support to survivors in emergency situations.
It contains a 20-person life raft and interchangeable survival aids that can be dropped from P-8A Poseidon aircraft, used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Life Support International’s facility will complement nearby activity at the Australian and South Australian Government’s $200 million Deep Maintenance and Modification facility which has been designed to accommodate long-term maintenance and modification requirements for the Defence Force’s fleet, which includes the P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
“BiORG is proud to have been engaged by Life Support International to co-develop a Global Through Life Support Strategy for the UNI-PAC III,” said Doug Phillips, CEO, BiORG.
“In under 10 months, our combined teams have delivered a comprehensive sustainment strategy, stood up a contract, established a brand-new business, hired and trained a South Australian workforce, and fitted out a facility from scratch.
“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the trust and partnership extended by LSI.
“Together, we’ve set a new benchmark for speed to capability; the first UNI-PAC III servicing was completed ahead of schedule, and within just three months of LSI’s contract signature with the Royal Australian Air Force,” he continued.
“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to innovation, agility and support to defence and first responders. I look forward to the continued success of Life Support International Australia.”
