AxleTech International and Hendrickson to provide suspension systems to Navistar Defense

WOODRIDGE, Ill., Feb. 21, 2012. 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 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 and AxleTech’s Oshkosh, Wis., facility. Deliveries began in January 2012 and will be completed in October 2013.