Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), and its parent company Logistik Unicorp, have designed and made clothes for the Australian military for about a century and recently secured a “wearable supply and managed services” contract with the NZ Defence Force.

ADA business development manager Sarah Pender​ said the company would set up shop with a temporary location in Palmerston North and would create 16 jobs to fulfil the contract.

The Higgins Family Group was working on the permanent headquarters, which was currently in its design stage and due to be built in El Prado Drive by the end of November 2022.

Pender said the new facility would include warehouses, offices and a research and development centre the company aimed to make a “global centre of excellence for military wearables”.

ADA will partner with Kiwi academics and universities to develop new materials and designs for everything from helping soldiers carry more, to being able to wear body armour that is more comfortable and protective.

Central Economic Development Agency business development manager Nats Subramanian said that on top of creating new jobs, the contractor would bring a unique set of new opportunities for Manawatū businesses.

ADA will offer the chance for local suppliers to provide goods for its Australian and Canadian operations, giving Kiwi manufacturers a connection to the global military market.

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said the city was a great choice for ADA’s New Zealand headquarters, since it was both a hub for road, air and rail freight and was the country’s “defence capital”.

More than 7000 service personnel, civilians and families connected to the Defence Force live in Palmerston North, with Linton Military Camp and the Ōhakea air force base located nearby.

“Also located within two hours of the city are Waiouru and Trentham camps, giving ADA a close location to the majority of its customers.”