ROXBORO, N.C., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles producer Force Protection Inc. announced the official dedication of its new production facility in North Carolina.
Force Protection, developer of the Cougar and Buffalo MRAP vehicles, celebrated the dedication of its new Cheetah light-armored vehicle manufacturing facility in Roxboro, N.C., with an open house and ceremony. Company officials say the new Cheetah is designed for reconnaissance and urban operations among other applications.
Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C., Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Rep. Brad Miller, D-N.C., made an appearance at the ceremony.
"We are so pleased to welcome Force Protection to our great state," Dole said in a statement. "This facility will not just benefit the local economy and create good North Carolina jobs -- the folks working here will build bomb-resistant vehicles that are absolutely critical to keeping our men and women in combat safe."
The new 430,000 square foot facility is expected to employ approximately 270 people.
"Force Protection has experienced tremendous growth during the past year, and in light of our increasing production rates, this new location will enable us to better service our customers," said Raymond Pollard, Force Protection chief operating officer.
