Global satellite communications firm, AST Australia, is gearing up for strong growth after being awarded a multi-million dollar government contract with the Department of Environment and Conservation and moving to new, larger premises.
Global satellite communications firm, AST Australia, is gearing up for strong growth after being awarded a multi-million dollar government contract with the Department of Environment and Conservation and moving to new, larger premises.
AST recently won the contract to supply satellite communication services to the DEC’s fire management services division, comprising vehicle tracking solutions, and satellite voice and data communications, including mobile broadband terminals.
With the project roll-out in three stages, the total value is estimated at more than $5 million.
Managing director Henrik Jacobsen said the company had been working with the DEC for almost two years, trialling various communication solutions to see which one worked best.
“It’s been a long time coming,” he told WA Business News.
Mr Jacobsen said the contract was significant due to the potential for ongoing revenue through long-term services management of the billing of satellite airtime.
AST is no stranger to government contracts, having previously worked with state and federal government agencies, including the WA Department of Fisheries and Defence.
In addition to the maritime sector, the company also specialises in oil and gas operations, providing remote satellite communication solutions for North West Shelf oil and gas platforms and offshore support vessels and platforms in South-East Asia.
Mr Jacobsen said AST had experienced a 100 per cent growth in revenues this financial year, and was planning further expansion.
To facilitate this, AST has relocated to purpose-built premises in Osborne Park, shifting from its former site in Claremont, where it had been housed for six years.
At 600 square metres, the new premises is almost three times the size of the Claremont premises.
Mr Jacobsen said the company had outgrown its former offices, which also served as a stock warehouse, servicing dealers across Australia and housed its 20 staff.
The company invested $2 million in the move, including the purchase of the property.
“We didn’t have room to move, we were sitting on top of each other,” Mr Jacobsen said.
He said the company was currently engaged in a number of initiatives, which could lift revenues by 50 per cent next financial year.
AST was also targeting the government defence area, and expanding its geographic reach by opening an eastern states office to service interstate clients.
The company was eyeing possible acquisitions in the coming year, and increasing its number of dealerships from 30 to 50 nationwide.
“We’re in a unique position at the moment, and its one of the reasons we’re investing more in what we do,” Mr Jacobsen said.
AST Australia has been operating from its Perth head office for about 20 years.
The company is now part of the AST Group of companies, whose parent company is based in the UK.
AST Group bought a majority shareholding in AST Australia about five years ago.
AST also has an office in Singapore with eight staff. Perth remains the head office for Asia Pacific region.
