Rock Island Arsenal-JMTC signs partnering agreement with Mack Defense

By Rhys FullerloveMarch 22, 2012

Press Conference
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Signing
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Press Conference
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ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- The Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center and Mack Defense, today signed an agreement that will provide Mack Defense access, via public-private partnerships, to the Army's only vertically integrated metal manufacturing facility and the only remaining U.S. Army foundry.

Under this agreement, Mack Defense and Army leaders will establish a working relationship to combine the best practices of industry and government to support the warfighter.

Mack Defense president and Rock Island High School graduate Tom Kelly and Col. James O. Fly, Jr. of the Rock Island Arsenal's JMTC signed the agreement at Arsenal Island.

"Mack Defense is honored to enter into this agreement with the Rock Island Arsenal. Mack is growing into the defense industry and having a partner like Rock Island Arsenal adds instant credibility" said Kelly. "We look forward to working with the RIA-JMTC to jointly seek ventures where we use our combined knowledge to best support our nation's defense."

"It is a great day for RIA as we look to solidify a partnership with Mack Defense," said Fly. "Those who operate within the Materiel Enterprise know how important it is for us to engage private industry. Partnering with industry provides us with manufacturing capabilities and shared knowledge that the Army's industrial base may not be as proficient in. It makes sense from a planning standpoint, as well as ensuring that we are putting taxpayer's money to good use."

The Rock Island Arsenal occupies three million square feet on Arsenal Island. As the only multi-purpose and vertically integrated metal manufacturer in the Department of Defense, the center possesses the unique technical expertise and equipment to manufacture products high in quality and sustainability. RIA also reaches out to the community by offering machinist apprenticeships and other training programs to qualified applicants. The availability of centralized manufacturing and testing allows production to come full circle, thus minimizing the need to outsource.

Mack Defense LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, Inc. is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses and construction equipment, drive systems for marine and industrial applications, aerospace components and services, and is one of the world's leading producers of heavy-diesel engines (7-16 liter).