OSHKOSH, WIS. (December 20, 2001) — Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] will provide logistical support for the U.S. Army’s newest, high mobility vehicles – up to 62 High Mobility Engineer Vehicles (HMEV). As the exclusive North American HMEV representative of ADI Limited’s Engineering and Vehicles Division, based in Bendigo, Victoria, Australia, the manufacturer of the unique HMEVs, Oshkosh will be responsible for supplying parts, on-site service and technical support for these excavators. The equipment contract is valued at more than $17 million.
“Excellent logistic support is the linchpin of most vehicle programs. This teaming arrangement provides the best of both worlds for the U.S. Army. It allows the Army to take advantage of truly unique excavation equipment, while counting on Oshkosh’s industry-leading, global service network and trained technicians for top-notch local support,” said Robert G. Bohn, Oshkosh’s chairman, president and chief executive officer.
Oshkosh will also provide in-country program management and contract administration support for the program.
The HMEV is believed to be the only vehicle specifically designed to combine the cross-country performance of four-wheel drive and the earth moving performance of a tractor with a front-end loader and back hoe. Originally designed for and in service with the Australian Army, it is currently being evaluated by Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Powered by a six-cylinder, turbo-charged diesel engine, these versatile tractors can be used for excavation of small emplacements, material handling and general construction tasks. The HMEV has the tactical mobility to handle rough terrain as well as achieve 60 miles per hour on-highway. It is air transportable by C-130 aircraft and CH-47 helicopter.
ADI is Australia’s leading defense contractor with annual sales of $350 million. The company provides a broad spectrum of technologies, products, services and systems that are in use to support the Australian Defense Forces. ADI has a growing international presence and reputation as a systems integrator and supplier of innovative defense products.
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NASDAQ: OTRKB] is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Oshkosh is a Fortune 1000 company with products marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce, McNeilus, Geesink, Norba and Medtec brand names. The company is headquartered in Oshkosh, Wis., and had annual sales of $1.45 billion in fiscal 2001.
For more information about Oshkosh Truck Corporation, log onto its web site at www.oshkoshtruck.com. # # #
