AM General subcontracts Plasan North America to supply JLTV A2 armored cabs
Plasan North America (PNA) on July 17 announced its selection as a subcontractor for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle A2 (JLTV) program by AM General. This partnership is a significant milestone for PNA as it expands its involvement in delivering cutting-edge survivability solutions to the Warfighter.
The subcontract award valued at around $300 million over five years, is vital in supporting AM General’s commitment to delivering superior military vehicles to the U.S. armed forces. The effort includes the major subcomponents of the armored cab. To meet the requirements of this significant effort, PNA anticipates hiring 170 highly skilled professionals over the next 18 months. These job opportunities will range across various fields, fostering local employment growth and bolstering the region’s economy.
Plasan North America has a long-standing relationship with the JLTV program, providing high-quality armor components for the last seven years. With this new contract, the company further contributes to the safety and performance of the JLTV A2. “We are honored to be selected as a subcontractor for the JLTV A2 program by AM General,” said Col. (Ret.) John Cavedo, president of Plasan North America. “This partnership recognizes our long-standing dedication to the success of the program and our unwavering commitment to supporting our armed forces. We are proud to build on our legacy and expand our involvement with the JLTV A2, create new job opportunities for West Michigan, and contribute to the growth of our local community.”
On February 9, 2023, AM General announced that the U.S. Army Contracting Command Detroit Arsenal awarded it a 5-year (plus 5-year option) contract to manufacture an estimated 20,000 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) along with approximately 10,000 trailers and includes implementation of technology enhancements for delivery to the US Armed Forces.
“We are humbled and honored to receive this contract and continue our strong partnership with the US Armed Forces. The effort that we put into our winning proposal is a testament to our commitment to serving those who serve to protect us,” said Jim Cannon, AM General President and CEO. “It was with the Warfighters in mind that we set out to not only demonstrate our world-class manufacturing capabilities, but also to integrate innovative solutions into the JLTV so they receive the best product for their mission.”
AM General is well-positioned to evolve next-generation JLTVs to meet mission demands across the full range of military operations. The company’s core capability of Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) development and production, coupled with its R.I.D.E (Responsive, Integrity, Dynamic, Excellence) values and culture, ensures that the end user is well-equipped and supported on the battlefield. Further, AM General combines unmatched LTV program experience with proven transformative commercial manufacturing initiatives, like their Smart Factory, Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGV), Radio Frequency Identification/Global Positioning System (RFID/GPS) traceability, and rigorous International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949 certified Quality Management System (QMS) standards to produce and deliver JLTVs equipped with technical enhancements that surpass requirements. Some of the JLTV technology enhancements include enhanced corrosion protection and improved fuel efficiency in addition to continuous developments for an updated Next Generation Vehicle Architecture.
The JLTV will be produced in a dedicated military production facility at their 96-acre Mishawaka Manufacturing Campus (MMC) in Indiana. MMC features an onsite test track where JLTVs will undergo testing in a dynamic operating environment. These dedicated facilities underpin the company’s readiness to execute a smooth transition for JLTV production, quality testing, and delivery. Deliveries are expected to begin 17 months after contract award.