Battelle to Build Armored Vehicles for Special Operations Forces

COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwired - May 9, 2013) - Battelle's Tactical Systems business will begin transforming standard pickup trucks into Special Operations vehicles for the Department of Defense. For the past year, Battelle has steadily built its specialty automotive manufacturing capabilities in a non-descript west side industrial park that is about to start humming with activity.

The General Services Administration recently awarded Battelle a Blanket Purchase Agreement to modify trucks as required by SOF for the coming year with an option to extend the Blanket Purchase Agreement for two additional years. Work begins immediately to fulfill the initial requirements -- valued at up to $2 million.

"Battelle has a proven track record of performing sophisticated systems integration for military and commercial applications. Under this contract, our vehicle systems team will execute on its custom designs and integrate complex systems to meet mission requirements -- at a competitive cost," said retired Air Force Major General John Folkerts, Vice President for Battelle's Special Operations Market Group.

Battelle takes existing vehicles, reengineers them with protective armor and adds other durability features, such as stronger suspensions for operations in rugged terrain and enhanced alternators to withstand extreme climates.

"Increasingly, Battelle has looked to advanced manufacturing capabilities to help customers solve complex problems in the aerospace, maritime and automotive industries," said Steve Kelly, President of Battelle National Security.

Battelle is the prime contractor and draws upon the skills and expertise of seven different sub-contractors, including small businesses that are disabled veteran-owned, and Native-American owned companies. Battelle's teammates include: Action Group of Blacklick; Hollingsworth Logistics in southwest Columbus; Defense Logistics Services; Gryphon Group; GS Engineering; Triad Services; and UPI Manufacturing.

Battelle has a long history of helping U.S. armed forces with protected vehicles, all the way back to its work on tank armor in World War II. More recent work has included armoring High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and training military personnel and contractors to install more than 500 protective armor kits onto existing vehicles.

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.