PHOTO: Oshkosh Defense
A major military contract could help create new jobs in northeastern Wisconsin.
Oshkosh Defense was awarded a $6.7 billion US Military contract on Tuesday to build the next generation of armored vehicle to replace the Humvee. The deal calls for the company to produce 17,000 vehicles by 2018, although the order could grow to $30 billion and 55,000 vehicles over the next eight years.
Jerry Murphy is the executive director of New North, an economic development organization focused on the northeastern region of Wisconsin. He says the deal is great news for Oshkosh and surrounding areas, with the added business likely helping to secure jobs at the defense contractor and its suppliers for several years.
Oshkosh had previously cut nearly 2,000 jobs because of dwindling military orders. Murphy says this new contract should give them stability for several years. In addition to building the trucks, he notes the company will also bring in revenue through servicing the vehicles.
WHBY