CSIRO named Supplier of the Year

Monday, 23 May, 2011

Global aeronautics company, Boeing, has recognised CSIRO's research and development, performance and customer service by naming it as a Supplier of the Year at an awards ceremony in Seattle.

Selected from a field of more than 17,500 suppliers from 50 countries, CSIRO is one of 16 organisations - and the only Australian organisation - to be awarded the honour.

Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the recognition of the CSIRO by Boeing highlights the organisation's strength in global markets and showcases Australia's export industry to the world.

"This award also demonstrates the strength of this government's strategy of bringing research and industry closer together, outlined in our ten-year agenda for innovation," Senator Carr said.

“The CSIRO has been working with Boeing for more than 22 years on a range of projects, including research into aircraft repainting methods, sustainable aviation fuels, aircraft assembly processes, fire retardants and aircraft maintenance management software.

“The Australian Government's partnership with Boeing through the CSIRO and other government agencies and initiatives has and will continue to be vital for Boeing’s development in Australia. The government is committed to this and other global partnerships that see critical R&D conducted in Australia, creating high-skill, high-wage jobs for Australians,” Senator Carr said.

Commenting on the award, the CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Megan Clark, said, “We know we cannot be successful unless our collaborators, partners and stakeholders realise the value and outcomes of our science and describe working with us as a pleasure. I congratulate all of our people who have been working to make a meaningful and valuable collaboration with Boeing.”

Boeing recently established R&D laboratories in Brisbane and Melbourne, employing 37 scientists, many of whom collaborate with the CSIRO on joint projects. Together, these projects have more than 120 Australian scientists engaged on advanced aerospace technologies.