Senator Todd Young tours AM General ahead of JLTV production
MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- A major contract between AM General and the US Armed Forces will result in the production of nearly 21,000 military-grade tactical vehicles, pumping $8.6 billion dollars into the local economy.
“It’s a historical accomplishment for AM General,” says the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Ryan Durussel.
AM General won the contract award over incumbent company OshKosh in Wisconsin to manufacture then deliver the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles, or JLTVs.
“The marines have historically been an expeditionary force, they go from ocean to land, and they need vehicles to take them there,” says Indiana Senator Todd Young. “It’s a step change from the sorts of vehicles I had as a marine.”
Senator Todd Young, former marine and advocate for AM General, stopped by the company’s Mishawaka campus Thursday to learn more about production of the JLTVs and how the company plans to fulfill the contract.
“We have about 17 or 18 months before we have to produce the first JLTV,” Durussel says.
AM General plans to expand on an existing plant and install state of the art equipment and training for workers.
“We’ll be making them right here in building 2,” says Senator Young, pointing towards the building.
“Quality, manufacturing capability, our ability to add technology to the product,” Durussel says about the benefits of the expanded plant.
That alone will bring in a large number of new jobs for local Hoosiers and help grow the local economy.
“We are really developing a niche in this state of Indiana around growing jobs, but jobs that help enhance our national security,” says Senator Young. “Rest assured, our warfighters will be ready.”
AM General officials says a groundbreaking on the expanded plant will take place next week and they’ll be hiring people to help fulfill the contract.