-GENERAL DYNAMICS MUSKEGON OPERATIONS COMPLETES ITS
FIRST M1A2 ABRAMS GUN MOUNTS-

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. -- General Dynamics Land Systems Muskegon Operations has completed its first month's production of M1A2 main battle tank gun mounts. The gun mount represents the majority of the work content that was transferred to Muskegon from the Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant (DATP) in Warren, Michigan.

"I am proud to be a part of the Muskegon Operations team. All of our employees worked together to successfully maintain the M1A2 machining operations' high quality standards and delivery schedules," said Gary D. Tidball, Muskegon Operations Plant Manager. "With the outstanding and dedicated support of many Land Systems Sterling Heights Complex employees and DATP transferees, the Muskegon Operations team met all start-up challenges and continued the Land Systems' tradition of providing its customers with high quality and affordable products."

Less than two months ago, General Dynamics dedicated its new tank components manufacturing area at the Muskegon facility. Movement of the 108 machines and associated equipment from the Detroit Arsenal Tank Plant in Warren, Michigan began last fall. Since then, more than sixty new jobs dedicated to manufacturing M1A2 components have been filled at the Muskegon Operations facility.

General Dynamics has invested over $21 million in its Muskegon Operations facility readying it for state-of-the-art manufacturing. The tank component manufacturing facility builds over 35 components for the M1A2 tank, including gun mounts, struts and engine compartment gear box assembly parts.

The opening of the Muskegon Operations tank component manufacturing area continues the expansion and improvement that General Dynamics has made to the facility since it was acquired from Teledyne in March of last year. Today's Muskegon Operations workforce is almost at 400 employees. The economic impact of the tank component manufacturing operations for the Muskegon area is estimated to be in excess of $12 million annually.

General Dynamics Land Systems is a world leader in the development, production, integration and support of armored vehicles and electronic systems. Its 3,400 employees operate plants and facilities in seven states and at three international locations. More information about General Dynamics Land Systems can be found on the Internet at http://www.gdls.com.

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LS-97-11
5-30-97