03.11.2008

Kalmar lands big reach-stacker order

Kalmar has won a new five year contract to supply its RTCH -Rough Terrain Container Handler/Reach stackers to the US Army.

The new contract, from the Tank-Automotive Armament Command (TACOM) in Warren, Michigan is initially valued at $125 million. Although the company expects to receive additional delivery orders during the contract period, which could take its value up to $385 million.

Kalmar’s RTCH is designed to load and unload 20 and 40 foot containers in adverse and rough terrain operating conditions. There have already been over 700 of these machines delivered since the first Kalmar RTCH contract was signed in April 2000. The unit is in service with the US Army, Navy and Marines along with a number of other armed forces.

Units for the new contract will be produced in a newly built manufacturing facility in the San Antonio, Texas and will result in 200 new jobs being created there.

Stan Simpson, president and chief executive of Kalmar RT Center, said: "We are proud of the critical role that the RTCH has and will continue to play in the US Army's forward mobility. The RTCH is easily transported, highly reliable, and adaptable enough to get the job done in real world environments. We are excited to be bringing a new manufacturing facility and over 200 new jobs to Texas, and proud to continue to be an important partner with the Department of Defence."