Germany’s Rheinmetall announced its U.S.-based subsidiary, American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV), has opened a new facility in Sterling Heights, Mich. as it prepares to compete for the Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle competition
The new 28,000 square-foot facility includes a hardware and software integration lab and a prototype build area to “accommodate the rapid growth” associated with ARV’s potential participation in the Bradley-replacement program.
“Driven by strong and consistent growth, this early investment initiative demonstrates ARV’s commitment to the OMFV program and the U.S. Army,” the company wrote in a statement.
Rheinmetall was one of the first companies to announce its intent to go after the Army’s rebooted OMFV competition, offering its Lynx platform alongside a team that includes Textron Systems [TXT], Raytheon Technologies [RTX] and L3Harris Technologies [LHX].
“The investments we are making in our operations are a strong reflection of American Rheinmetall Vehicle’s position in the marketplace and positive outlook for the future,” Matt Warnick, ARV’s managing director, said in a statement. “I’m excited that our team and new facility are well-positioned to fully support the Lynx OMFV offering and look forward to continuing to change the landscape of the U.S. defense industrial base by introducing next-generation manufacturing capabilities and creating new, quality U.S. jobs.”
The submission deadline for OMFV proposals closed last month, with the list of current competitors also including General Dynamics [GD], BAE Systems, Oshkosh Defense [OSK] in partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha, as well as Point Blank Enterprises, a supplier of body and lightweight platform armor.
The Army will award up to five contracts for OMFV digital designs in June, which will be graded on their conceptual approach and capability to meet nine flexible characteristics as well as the ability to incorporate modular open systems architecture into their proposals.