BAE Systems,
AUSTIN, Texas: BAE Systems today opened a new facility that will produce armor kits to protect U.S. Army ground vehicles. The 33,000-square-foot facility will allow the company to build its L-ROD™ bar-armor kits faster and at lower cost. The company is under contract with the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command and the Marine Corps Systems Command, with orders totaling $34 million.
BAE Systems plans to manufacture L-ROD kits on a new, automated production line. The facility currently employs about half a dozen people, and about 30 more will be added this year. Several local businesses are subcontractors to the L-ROD production line, providing a further boost to the Austin economy.
“From the beginning, the L-ROD team has been motivated by the recognition that this product saves lives,” said Bill Kellner, L-ROD program manager for BAE Systems. “Our commitment to our troops and their families has led to innovations and enhancements in design, and now to a new manufacturing capability that will allow us to deliver this equipment to the frontlines faster and more efficiently.”
The low-cost L-ROD system protects vehicles without adding significant weight. It weighs less than half of comparable steel system, is bolted to the vehicle, and can be repaired easily in the field.
BAE Systems developed the L-ROD system in 2005 under a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency program to protect military vehicles. The system can be adapted for installation on most military ground vehicles and is used on BAE Systems RG-31 and RG-33 series MRAPs.
BAE Systems employs more than 650 people in Austin.
BAE Systems is the premier global defense and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 100,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US $31.4 billion) in 2007.
