CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP) announced today the appointment of Thomas H. Thebes, Jr., to the position of Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Thebes will hold the same position in Technical Solutions Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Force Protection, Inc. He will report directly to Michael Watts, the Company's CEO.
Mr. Thebes has a demonstrated ability to streamline operations to increase efficiency and optimize results. With a strong background in new product development, activity-based costing and strategic planning, he brings a wealth of experience to Force Protection. Mr. Thebes holds an undergraduate degree from Miami University and an MBA in International Business and Finance from the University of Toledo. He brings more than two decades of experience to his new position. He has held financial positions in Owens Corning Fiberglass, and Insilco Technologies, among others. While working for Exide Electronics, a Fortune 1000 manufacturer, he was involved in more than $180 million in mergers. In his consulting practice, he regularly managed financial operations for major manufacturing concerns at home and abroad.
Commenting on the appointment, Michael Watts, CEO of Force Protection, remarked, "Tom has shown exceptional leadership in just the kinds of situations we have at Force Protection. I'm looking forward to working with him as we continue to aggressively pursue growth."
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. manufactures and distributes vehicles that protect and save lives under the Technical Solutions Group, Inc., (TSG) brand. The Company manufactures and markets military vehicles that are protected against landmines and hostile fire. These vehicles are typically used to transport personnel safely in areas infested with landmines and for the actual removal of landmines. The vehicles are manufactured in Ladson, SC, where the Company is based. For more information visit www.forceprotectioninc.com. Recently, Technical Solutions Group was highlighted on CNBC's Business Center. A video clip of the segment is available at: www.forceprotectioninc.com. Contact: Investor Relations, Force Protection, Inc., 714-903-0025, investorrelations@forceprotectioninc.com or visit www.forceprotectioninc.com.
Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) 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 www.sec.gov). 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.