Defense Secretary Gates to visit Wis. truck maker
OSHKOSH, Wis. (AP) — Defense Secretary Robert Gates will be visiting Oshkosh Corp., where he's expected to thank the workers who make the latest generation of military trucks.
The new vehicles began arriving in Afghanistan last month. They're more maneuverable than heavier trucks, and they also protect occupants better than smaller Humvees do.
The Pentagon has ordered about 6,200 of the vehicles from the Oshkosh, Wis.-based company. The contracts are worth more than $3.2 billion.
The deals enabled the company to hire or recall almost 1,400 workers.
Oshkosh chief executive Bob Bohn says workers are excited about Gates' visit Thursday. He says it's good recognition for his employees, who often double-check their work because they know soldiers' lives depend on what they do.
Nov 12, 2009 at 4:26 p.m.
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I have worked there for 5 yrs now & it was very cool to have him visit. I wish there was a way to get some of this work to the people who need it in Rock County. I know we looked at buildings in the area however the cost & the fact these contracts won't last forever were reasons to keep the work closer to it's home. It is an honor to be a part of this company as we build the trucks to save our troops lives.
Nov 12, 2009 at 3:19 p.m.
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One of the bright spots in Wisconsin's economy, no doubt.
Nov 12, 2009 at 9:58 a.m.
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What's this, good news and no comments?
:-)
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