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[January 2005]
Ceradyne Opens Michigan Armoured Vehicle Operation
Ceradyne Inc (Costa Mesa, CA, USA) has announced the opening of a new vehicle armour design and armoured vehicle prototype facility in Wixom, MI, USA.
Ceradyne is expanding its armour systems design and engineering capability for both military and commercial vehicles. The new Wixom facility is planned to be a centre of engineering excellence for the design and application of advanced armour and blast protection systems for the military's tactical wheeled vehicle fleet.
The Wixom facility will be managed by Mike Kurilla, Senior Manager Business Development. Mr Kurilla joined Ceradyne in June 2001 as the armoured vehicle Manager in the Detroit area.
Marc King, Ceradyne's Vice President of Armor Operations, said: "The new facility was established in the Detroit area due to the proximity to various suppliers of vehicle related components and services, as well as the government's Tank Automotive Command (TACOM) in Warren, Mich. With this expansion, we can help prevent vehicle manufacturers from going into another round of costly design changes for armor components on future vehicles. We are already working closely with prime contractors as well as the government to ensure that we are ahead of their requirements in the future.
"With a 30-year background in designing and building ceramic armor composites for military helicopters, Ceradyne is also in the production of specially designed ceramic armored 'Humvee' seats as well as special mission vehicles for DOD prime contractors. Ceradyne's goal is to develop and manufacture state-of-the-art lightweight ceramic composite armor systems that are 50% lighter than current steel systems. The lightweight ceramic composite armor enables our military armored vehicles to operate with current standard suspensions, transmissions and engines."
www.ceradyne.com
ENDS