Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corp. has opened its new 150,000 square foot electrodeposition (E-coat) facility in Oshkosh. The new paint facility was built to support production of the U.S. Army’s family of medium tactical vehicles.
“Our state-of-the-art E-coat facility will play an integral role in delivering thousands of Oshkosh FMTV trucks and trailers to our nation’s brave soldiers,” said Mike Ivy, vice president and general manager of Army Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “This accomplishment represents a collaborative effort involving government, military and industry leaders at the national, state and local levels.”
The new facility features two independent E-coat systems, which use a multi-step finishing process to prevent corrosion on truck bodies. Truck cabs and trailers are dipped in a “paint bath” and electrically charged. FMTV components are heat cured, which strengthens the paint to prevent corrosion, and then they receive a top coat.
Construction on the new facility started last December. Although work continued until earlier this month, production began in August.
The FMTV is a series of 17 models ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads. The trucks and trailers support Army and National Guard operations both domestically and internationally, including combat operations, relief efforts, unit resupply and other functions. To date, Oshkosh has received orders to deliver more than 9,500 FMTV trucks and trailers.
