Force Dynamics breaks production records

LADSON, S.C., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- South Carolina-based joint venture Force Dynamics LLC announced it has broken mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle production figures for November.

Force Dynamics is collaboration between Force Protection Inc. and General Dynamics Land Systems. The two companies joined in an effort to meet the demand of the U.S. Defense Department's MRAP vehicle needs in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Company officials announced that 288 MRAP category I and category II Cougar vehicles were produced in November, putting the total production figure for the company at 68 vehicles ahead of schedule. Force Protection produced nine category III Buffalo vehicles in November, putting the company two vehicles ahead of its production schedule.

"Throughout 2007, the refinement of our manufacturing processes and methods, combined with the efforts of our partner General Dynamics, has resulted in unprecedented strides in the production, delivery, and sustainment of these proven battlefield solutions in a fraction of the time that is normally required," Force Protection Chief Executive Officer Gordon McGilton said in a statement.

As the largest producer of MRAP vehicles for the U.S. Department of Defense, Force Protection is working to meet a Pentagon order of more than 2,700 Cougar and Buffalo vehicles.

"The joint venture continues to deliver on its promise to ramp up production of this lifesaving blast protection technology in support of our servicemen and women," McGilton said. "We will do everything we can in this effort, even beyond the current threat and MRAP program. Wherever free societies live and grow, they are susceptible to attacks from IEDs (improvised explosives device) and landmines. Our vehicles meet that threat head-on."