- GENERAL DYNAMICS TO ESTABLISH IMPERIAL
VALLEY MATERIAL MANAGEMENT CENTER -

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. -- General Dynamics Land Systems and Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-52nd/CA) jointly announced today the establishment of an 11 employee Material Management Center at General Dynamics’ Imperial Valley facility by July 1997. The 65,000 square foot facility is located at West Aten Road in Imperial, California.

"These are technically skilled professional positions that will be responsible for ordering, purchasing, and managing material services for our business," said Charles M. Hall, General Dynamics Land Systems vice president - Domestic Operations. "We are extremely pleased to be able to locate this Material Management Center in Imperial Valley and will work with Imperial Valley College to create a job training program to fill these new positions. We are hopeful that this center will lay the foundation for future growth in the material management departments of General Dynamics."

"General Dynamics Land Systems is a leader in building the weapons and components vital to our national defense," said Rep. Duncan Hunter. "I am proud that the Valley is a part of that effort and I’m confident that as General Dynamics continues to grow and expand, so will their operations in Imperial County -- that means jobs."

Former employees will be given first precedence when the new positions are created. Hiring at the facility is done through the Employment Development Department of California.

The Imperial Valley facility employs 36 people which are working on five separate kitting contracts and manufacturing wire harnesses for the M1A2 Abrams tank.

"Our business is in the strongest position it has been at any time since the end of the Cold War," said Arthur J. Veitch, President, General Dynamics Land Systems. "We see growth opportunity and increased production in the near future. Therefore, it made sense for us to make use of a facility that has always given us superior performance. Imperial Valley has talented, hard working people, as well as the support of local government and the community, and we intend to capitalize on these strengths."

"The impact General Dynamics will have on the county in the coming years cannot be overstated," Hunter said. "From helping our schools promote literacy, to working with the local college curriculum and efforts to attract new business, General Dynamics is committed to our community."

General Dynamics closed the Imperial Valley operations after the completion in 1995 of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft program. The company re-opened the facility August 9, 1996 as a second source for cable assemblies and other services for its Land Systems’ business.

Hunter is Chairman of the House National Security Subcommittee on Military Procurement, which oversees acquisition of all weapon systems for U.S. armed forces. He actively worked with General Dynamics officials last year to encourage the firm’s return to Imperial County.

General Dynamics Land Systems is a world leader in the development, production, integration, and support of armor vehicles and electronic systems. Its 3,500 employees operate plants and facilities in seven states and at three international locations. Land Systems builds main battle tanks, amphibious assault vehicles, bridge launchers, reconnaissance vehicles, engines, and radio systems for military forces worldwide. It is the first U.S. military contractor to provide command, control, and communications systems developed for and integrated on armored combat vehicles. More information about General Dynamics Land Systems can be found on the Internet at http://www.gdls.com.

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LS-97-2
2-13-97