South Australia’s defence sector continues to grow, with local veteran-owned company BiORG leading the way in delivering life-saving aerospace technology through its Adelaide operations.
A member of Veterans SA’s South Australian Veteran Employer Network, BiORG specialises in defence support systems and logistics. The company is playing a key role in managing the day-to-day operations of US aerospace company, Life Support International’s (LSI) first facility outside of the United States.
The specialised service centre for LSI, is located in in Elizabeth South and will see BiORG manage the site and oversee the servicing of LSI’s critical survival equipment, including its flagship UNI-PAC III system.
The UNI-PAC III is an air-deployable search and rescue system designed to save lives at sea. It includes a 20-person life raft and survival aids that can be deployed from Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft.
BiORG’s involvement ensures the facility is operated by a local team with deep defence experience, including veterans.
BiORG CEO Doug Phillips reflected on the achievement as a testament to innovation, agility and strong collaboration with defence.
“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,” said Mr Phillips.
“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.”
LSI President Greg Yerkes highlighted the significance of the new facility opening in South Australia, reaffirming the company’s core mission and future ambitions.
“Today marks a proud moment for Life Support International with the opening of our new facility here in South Australia. From the beginning, LSI has been guided by a simple but vital purpose: to deliver mission-critical equipment that saves lives,” said Mr Yerkes.
“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.”
The opening of this facility not only strengthens South Australia’s defence industry but also showcases the impact of veteran-led innovation in delivering life-saving capability to the region.
