Oshkosh Truck Announces $8 Million Expansion and 400 New Jobs

3 February 2000

Oshkosh Truck Announces $8 Million Expansion and 400 New Jobs

    OSHKOSH, Wis.--Feb. 2, 2000--Oshkosh Truck Corporation (NASDAQ-OTRKB) plans to invest $8 million to expand production facilities and capacity at its headquarters in Oshkosh, Wis. The announcement was made by Robert G. Bohn, chairman and chief executive officer of Oshkosh Truck. Oshkosh Truck is expanding its operations to support production of up to 8,168 Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) trucks for the U.S. Government contract valued at up to $1.2 billion, and to support growth of its commercial product sales. As a result, the company expects to create 400 new jobs over the next three years.
    "We're very excited to hear Oshkosh Truck is bringing new jobs to the community. Oshkosh is a vital component in the overall health and vitality of the entire state and this will mean an improved quality of life for many Oshkosh and Fox Valley families," stated Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson, during a visit to Oshkosh Truck.
    The capital investment will enhance overall production capacity and create a state-of-the-art cab fabrication operation, adding to Oshkosh's existing capabilities. The 110,000-square-foot expansion provides for restructured production, a dedicated independent suspension assembly area and increased receiving capacity.
    "The growth of our business is driving this capital investment. The expansion promises to benefit all product lines with improved efficiency and enhance our business with a new core competency -- cab fabrication," said Bohn.
    "This is good news for the membership and for the company. The company and union are committed to working together to make positive things happen," said Perry G. Graves, president of UAW Local 578 representing production employees at the Oshkosh facility.
    The expansion project is expected to be complete in March 2001.
    Oshkosh Truck Corporation is a leading manufacturer of specialty trucks and truck bodies for the defense, fire and emergency, concrete placement and refuse hauling markets. Products are marketed under the Oshkosh, Pierce and McNeilus brand names. Annual sales are $1.165 billion.