DRS Technologies’ Test and Energy Management unit’s search for a supplier to produce the U.S. Army’s Sidecar Embedded Diagnostic Kits was sweeping.
It needn’t have been.
The Test and Energy Management unit, based in Huntsville, Ala., found exactly what it was looking for inside the DRS family at Laurel Technologies in Richland Township.
The unit had considered a number of longtime suppliers for the project, but none of them could meet the guidelines for unit production.
On Monday, officials from the sister companies announced the deal that could be worth up to $10 million during 18 months.
The award will require DRS Laurel Technologies to hire 35 to 40 workers to handle the order, production of which is expected to begin in August.
“This is a very important contract and a very important strategic step for our company,” said Patrick Marion, general manager of DRS Laurel Technologies. “We do a lot of business with many major outside customers, but we have been less likely to do work internally.
“What we’re seeing now is the development of centers of specialization that we all can rely upon.”
The kits provide an instant diagnostic solution for the Army’s fleet of Abrams class ground vehicles. The kits monitor the performance of the vehicles and allow for real-time data collection that allows the vehicles to be maintained in a more efficient fashion.
“It became evident very early in the process that Laurel would be our best bet,” said Gary Smith, vice president and general manager of DRS Technologies’ Test and Energy Management unit. “It is extremely important from a corporate standpoint that we’re able to do this on cost and at quality which was part of what made Laurel stand out early in the process.”
The new jobs should be filled by early October, Marion said. They will bring staff total to just under 750 at DRS Laurel, but Marion said loftier employment targets may be reached in the near future.
“We have three or four things in the works that should lead to major announcements over the summer or even sooner,” he said.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, was on hand for the announcement and seemed to bolster Marion’s prediction of even bigger things on the horizon.
“To go from 25 employees not so long ago to well over 1,000, I’m sure, in the near future, is a tribute to this company and its fine employees,” he said, addressing an assembly of DRS Laurel workers. “I have no doubt this company’s strong growth is because of the quality work you do.”
Economic boost
What: Major contract – worth up to $10 million for 18 months – awarded to DRS Laurel Technologies, Richland Township.
Work: Producing kits to monitor the performance of military vehicles and allow for real-time data collection.
Jobs: 35 to 40 new employees.
Local News
DRS to add 35-40 jobs
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