Oshkosh Defense opens new E-coat facility to support U.S. Army vehicle program

Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, officially opened the doors of its new electrodeposition (E-coat) facility October 15 in Oshkosh, Wis., welcoming political and military guests as part of a grand-opening ceremony. The facility was built specifically to support production of the U.S. Army’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV).

“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. We extend our thanks to our customers, partners, supporters and employees for their dedication to this program.”

The new 150,000-square-foot facility houses two independent E-coat systems, which use a multi-step finishing process to prevent corrosion on the body of the FMTV. The truck cabs and trailers are dipped in a “paint bath” and electrically charged. Next, the FMTV components are heat cured, which strengthens the paint to prevent corrosion, and then they receive a top coat.

Ground was broken for the Oshkosh E-coat building in December 2009, and construction was completed this month. Initial work in the facility began in August with FMTV frame assemblies. Vehicle cabs began undergoing the E-coat process in the facility in September.

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.

About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation, is an industry-leading global designer and manufacturer of tactical military trucks and armored wheeled vehicles, delivering a full product line of conventional and hybrid vehicles, advanced armor options, proprietary suspensions and vehicles with payloads that can exceed 70 tons. Oshkosh Defense provides a global service and supply network including full life-cycle support and remanufacturing, and its vehicles are recognized the world over for superior performance, reliability and protection.