| Client
Profile:
International
Military and Government’s MRAP Project
International Military and Government (IMG) operate a plant located
in West Point, a small town located in northeast Mississippi. This
IMG plant produces Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles
currently employees 400 people with plans for adding more employees
as production ramps up.
Situation:
Approximately two years ago, International Military and Government
contacted Mississippi State University (MSU) requesting assistance
in start-up of a new automotive facility located in West Point,
MS. This request was forwarded to MSU’s Center for Advanced
Vehicular Systems (CAVS) Extension, a partnering center within the
state’s MEP.ms network. Immediately an engineering team was
formed to support the launch. A series of smaller, yet highly effective
projects played a key role in the West Point facility successfully
securing contracts to build the MRAP vehicle.
The work of MEP.ms Center at MSU’s CAVS Extension has included
designing and implementing manufacturing systems which have established
the track record of delivering vehicles on-time with high quality
and against very aggressive schedules. The MRAP vehicle is produced
for the U.S. military for use in Iraq to protect troops from roadside
bombs, improvised explosive devices and other threats.
Solution:
The engineering team, led by Project Manager Glenn Dennis has played
a key role in the commercialization and production start-up of this
vehicle. Initial work included the evaluation of proto-type vehicles
from the standpoint of improving manufacturability. The primary
work of the MEP.ms Center at CAVS-Extension team, in close relationship
with IMG engineers, was the design and implementation of the full
scale manufacturing system. This effort included the design and
construction of the assembly lines, and acquisition of key capital
equipment (e.g., cranes, paint booths, ovens, and conveyors). In
addition a rapid simulation model was developed which was used by
senior managers to make facility construction decisions, in advance
of actual operations.
Results:
The
success of this project by MEP.ms Center at CAVS-Extension played
a key role in IM&G recently landing a major contract, in excess
of $620 million, to build 1,200 MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected)
vehicles for the Marines. IMG using the CAVS-Extension team were
able to slash the development lead-time to within 6 months from
prototype to full scale production. The MRAP vehicle is the DOD's
number one priority, which is being fast tracked to the overseas
mission. This effort has not only brought quality jobs into the
West Point, MS area, but also is delivering a key product needed
by our troops involved in the war on terror.
Testimonial:
David Creasap, IMG’s Manager of Business Development said,
"The story started for MRAP in December of 2006. With CAVS
Extension, lead by Glenn Dennis, we were able to conceptualize,
budget, and provide a transition plan to create the highest production
output facility supporting the MRAP program. Over the next 11 months
the planning has become a reality and our West Point Manufacturing
facility has become the premier plant for this product supporting
the Warfighter and saving lives. … Glenn continues to provide
the leadership and innovative ideas to enhance our product quality,
volume capacity, and overall process flow.”
Client Contact: David Creasap, Manager of Business Development
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