Oklahoma truck maker wins contract
Air Force to replace less-efficient fleet under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
Debbie Blossom, Business Writer
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Published: June 13, 2009
Poteau-based Tiger Truck will produce these small, fuel-efficient models for the U.S. Air Force. Photo provided
POTEAU — Local truck manufacturer Tiger Truck has snagged an $11 million General Services Administration contract to make 863 vehicles for the U.S. Air Force.
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Dealers throughout Americas
Tiger Truck is a privately held international company with headquarters, manufacturing and assembly operations in Poteau. The trucks and vans are distributed in the United States through dealers. There are additional dealer outlets in Central America and the Caribbean basin.
Trade act compliant
Production on the Air Force contract has started, with a delivery date set for about 120 days from now, the company said.
The fast turnover time stems from delays that put the Air Force behind in its plan to install smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles on bases around the world.
Tiger will produce five minitruck and van models for the Air Force, which will feature automatic transmissions and engines that use either regular or ethanol-added fuel, Levering said.
Tiger assembles its products in Oklahoma, with parts and materials from U.S. and global suppliers. All units are compliant with the Trade Agreements Act, which means they are produced by American manufacturers or other specified countries that have trade agreements with the United States, he said.
The contract was first awarded to a company in China, which was not in compliance with the TAA, Levering said.
The Air Force will be replacing larger vehicles that were more costly to operate for base use, Levering said. The switch to smaller vehicles is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that is encouraging federal fleet managers to convert gas-guzzling fleets to more efficient and alternate energy transportation.
"This is strong testimony to our investors, our first-class work force and supporters in Oklahoma, and our dealer network, all of whom contribute to keeping Tiger Truck at the forefront of this off-road and alternative energy vehicle segment,” said Mike Ward, Tiger’s chief executive.
Ward said the company’s effort to win the contract and deal with the compliance issues was supported by U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, state Sen. Kenneth Born and Poteau Mayor Jeff Shockley.
Related Topics:
Political Policy, Politics, Business, Armed Forces, Trade Policy, Trade, International Relations
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