Vehicles will protect U.S. Marines abroad from threat of explosive devices
CHARLOTTE, Mich., May 12, 2006 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ — 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 .
This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without
limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives
and the performance of our products. These forward-looking statements involve
certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate.
Actual results and future events could differ materially from those
anticipated in such statements. Technical complications may arise that could
prevent the prompt implementation of the plans outlined above. The company
cautions that these forward-looking statements are further qualified by other
factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company’s Form
10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov ). Government contracts and
subcontracts typically involve long payment and purchase cycles, competitive
bidding, qualification requirements, delays or changes in funding, extensive
specification development and changes, price negotiations and milestone
requirements. An announced award of a governmental contract is not equivalent
to a finalized executed contract and does not assure that orders will be
issued and filled. Government agencies also often retain some portion of fees
payable upon completion of a project and collection of contract fees may be
delayed for long periods, which can negatively impact both prime contractors
and subcontractors. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or
revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
SOURCE Spartan Chassis, Inc.
Karen Hildebrant of Spartan Chassis, Inc., +1-517-543-6400 x111; or Ryan McGrath or
Jeff Lambert of Lambert, Edwards & Associates, Inc., +1-616-233-0500, for Spartan
Chassis, Inc.