ADA: More machinists needed

BENDIGO: It seems it's not just private security firms making big bucks from the protection racket. Bendigo-based clothing company Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) has announced plans to double its workforce after it won a lucrative $80 million Australian Defence contract.

ADA managing director Brian Rush said the contract, which includes high-tech full-body protective suits, meant the company would need to lift staff numbers from 130 in 2007 to 300 this year.

Rush told local newspaper The Advertiser that the company was "desperately" seeking sewing machinists to fill part time and full time positions on both night and day shifts, in order to keep up with demand.

Rush told the newspaper ADA had already begun shopping its products to police forces in the United Kingdom and Vietnam and was optimistic there would be future opportunities to supply the British Army.

ADA is also in the running for a $10 million contract to fit out the Victorian Police, to be decided by the state government later this year.