Oshkosh opens new electrodeposition plant

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OSHKOSH, Wis., Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense has officially opened an electrodeposition facility in Wisconsin to support production of the U.S. Army's family of medium tactical vehicles.

The 150,000-square-foot facility houses two independent electrodeposition, or E-coat, systems that use a multi-step finishing process to prevent corrosion on the body of the vehicle.

The truck cabs and trailers are dipped in a "paint bath" and electrically charged. Next, the FMTV components are heat-cured, which strengthens the paint to prevent corrosion, and then they receive a top coat.

"Our state-of-the-art E-coat facility will play an integral role in delivering thousands of Oshkosh FMTV trucks and trailers to our nation's brave soldiers," said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. "This accomplishment represents a collaborative effort involving government, military and industry leaders at the national, state and local levels."

Oshkosh broke ground for the facility last year. Construction was completed this month. Initial work in the facility began in August with FMTV frame assemblies.

Vehicle cabs began undergoing the E-coat process in the facility in September.

The FMTV is a series of 17 models ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads. The trucks and trailers support Army and National Guard operations both domestically and internationally, including combat operations, relief efforts, unit resupply and other functions.

Oshkosh Defense said it has received orders to deliver more than 9,500 FMTV trucks and trailers.