BAE SYSTEMS receives $13 MILLION U.S. GOVERNMENT contract for armored commercial vehicles

CINCINNATI, Ohio – BAE Systems has received a $13 million contract from the U.S. Government for the purchase of approximately 100 armored commercial vehicles, including armored Chevrolet Suburbans and armored Sprinter vans.

The armored commercial vehicles will be manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio and production is expected to be completed by December 2008.

BAE Systems’ heritage in armored commercial vehicles dates back to the 1940s when the company designed its first armored vehicle for President Harry S. Truman. BAE Systems is now the largest commercial armored vehicle supplier to the U.S. Government.

Commercial armored vehicles utilize many of the same technologies and systems as those incorporated in the armored military vehicles produced at the same location. However, these products are designed to be inconspicuous and cannot be distinguished from their unarmored counterparts, providing extra security to the occupants.

BAE Systems employs more than 1,600 people in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati has almost 1 million square feet of manufacturing and office space and a state-of-the art ballistic glass plant. The manufacturing plant has played a vital role in both the Caiman and RG33 MRAP programs by providing armor systems for both vehicles. BAE Systems also manufactures up-armored vehicles, commercial armored vehicles, integrated armor kits and accessories for a full range of tactical wheeled vehicles, combat vehicles and construction equipment.