AxleTech International and Hendrickson Awarded Contract by Navistar Defense for 2,717 MaxxPro Suspension Systems

WOODRIDGE, Ill., and TROY, Mich. -- Hendrickson, a Boler Company, and AxleTech International, a General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) company, were recently awarded a contract from Navistar Defense, LLC, to equip 2,717 International® MaxxPro® Long Wheel Base (LWB) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles with independent suspension systems. This order continues the team’s work to enhance the capability of the entire MaxxPro fleet, which recently included procurement of new MaxxPro Dash vehicles and the MaxxPro Dash ambulance variant.

Hendrickson’s integrated independent suspension system for the MaxxPro LWB MRAP program incorporates Hendrickson’s advanced engineered sub-frames, sway-bars, coil springs and shocks with AxleTech’s 5000 Series Independent Suspension Axle System (ISAS®). This state-of-the-art system delivers improved mobility in rough terrain, better control and greater wheel travel to improve driver efficiency at higher off-road speeds. As the Tier 1 supplier, Hendrickson will supply the completed suspension systems to Navistar for installation on the MRAP vehicles, which will ultimately be delivered to the U.S. Army.

Production work for the MaxxPro upgrades is conducted at Hendrickson’s Kendallville, Ind., facility, which has a workforce of approximately 215 employees, and AxleTech’s Oshkosh, Wis., facility, which has a workforce of approximately 200 employees. Deliveries began in January 2012 and will be completed in October 2013.

Doug Sanford, the vice president and general manager of Hendrickson’s Truck Suspension Systems, stated, “Hendrickson and Navistar Defense’s long-standing and strong cooperative relationship has once again produced a highly engineered, advanced vehicle capable of protecting our military and allowing them to perform and excel in harsh environments. We have teamed with AxleTech to supply highly engineered and technologically advanced components for the MaxxPro program. Our leading-edge independent suspension design and vehicle integration expertise, coupled with Navistar Defense’s strength in developing durable, rugged military vehicles, has produced a revolutionary MRAP vehicle platform.”

“The AxleTech / Hendrickson system will modernize and standardize the suspension system of the Army’s MaxxPro fleet,” said Gerry Giudici, vice president and general manager of AxleTech International. “In partnership with Hendrickson, we are delivering a world-class product that enhances the vehicle’s mobility, ride control, handling and safety.”

Hendrickson, a Boler company, is a premier, global manufacturer and supplier of truck, tractor, bus and recreational vehicle suspensions and heavy-duty springs; trailer suspensions, controls and nonintegrated axles; truck and trailer lift axles, and bumpers and trim components to the commercial transportation industry. Hendrickson, based in Itasca, Ill., USA, continues to meet the needs of the transportation industry after more than 95 years. Visit the Hendrickson web site at www.hendrickson-intl.com.

February 20, 2012
Contact: Karl Johnson
AxleTech International
Tel: 704.714.8121
kjohnso3@gdatp.com