Vehicles will protect U.S. Marines abroad from threat of explosive devices
CHARLOTTE, Michigan, May 12, 2006 – Spartan Chassis, Inc., a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPAR), today announced it has received a subcontract order from Force Protection, Inc. to supply and integrate key chassis components and assist in the manufacturing of 45 Cougar Joint Explosive Ordinance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRV) for use by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The prime procurement contract, worth $50 million, was awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense on May 2, 2006, to Force Protection, a Charleston, S.C.-based manufacturer of ballistic and mine-protected military vehicles. The order placed with Spartan Chassis is worth $6.1 million. Spartan Chassis issued a statement on May 4, 2006, that it expected a subcontract order from Force Protection to supply chassis for an additional 79 Cougars, which encompassed this order.
“Spartan Chassis is honored to be assisting in protecting the lives of those U.S. Marines that will utilize these vehicles,” said Richard Schalter, president of Spartan Chassis. “Our specialty vehicle expertise has assisted us in meeting the ever-changing needs and pressing demands of the U.S. military, and we’re pleased that the in-combat performance of the Cougar has resulted in additional orders.”
The Cougar is a medium-sized, blast-protected vehicle produced in both four- and six-wheel configurations. The vehicle's V-shaped hull is designed to deflect the force of explosions away from passengers inside the armored hull. It can be customized for multiple tasks including urban patrol, route clearance support, troop transport, mine and explosive ordnance disposal, command and control, reconnaissance and as a lead convoy vehicle.
Schalter added that production on existing orders will need to be completed before work can begin on these units. “It is our commitment to all our customers that we ensure the timely delivery of a high quality product and that is no different for the key components for these vitally important vehicles.”
About Spartan Chassis, Inc.:
Spartan Chassis, Inc. (http://www.spartanchassis.com) is a subsidiary of Spartan Motors, Inc. and is a leading developer and manufacturer of custom chassis for recreational vehicles and fire trucks. The company has a reputation for high quality, value, service and being the first to market with innovative products. Spartan Motors is publicly traded in the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol SPAR.
About Force Protection, Inc.:
Headquartered near Charleston, South Carolina, Force Protection, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: FRPT) manufactures ballistic and mine protected vehicles through its subsidiary. These specialty vehicles are designed to offer significant protection against landmines, hostile fire and IEDs. For more information about Force Protection, visit http://www.forceprotectioninc.com.
CONTACT:
Karen Hildebrant
Spartan Chassis, Inc.
(517) 543-6400 x111
Ryan McGrath, Jeff Lambert
Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc.
(616) 233-0500
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