Force Protection Industries, Inc. received a third order from the Marine Corps Systems Command, worth $480 million for the delivery of 1,000Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. This is the largest order received by Force Protection to date, representing about 25% of the entire anticipated MRAP buy. According to the Force Dynamics JV , 50% of the contract ($244.50 million) are shared with General Dynamics. Manufacturing will be performed in Anniston, Alabama; Charlotte, Michigan; Ladson, South Carolina; Lima, Ohio; Kings Point, North Carolina; and Sealy, Texas. To date, Force protection obtained the lion’s share of the MRAP program, thanks to the maturity and proven combat survivability of the Cougar armored vehicle.
Despite its large volume, this order is still considered as ‘Low Rate Initial Production’ (LRIP). 300 of the vehicles will be 4×4 (Category I) and the remaining 700 Category II (6×6 vehicles). Deliveries are expected to complete by May 2008. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity. The Marine Corps Systems Command is the contracting authority for the MRAP program.
To increase production capacity in anticipation for the growing sales, Force Protection ivested in expansion of its production facilities, and established a joint venture with General Dynamics Land Systems. Further expansions are also underway at its chassis supplier, Spartan Systems.
