General Dynamics To Consolidate Two Combat Systems Businesses

(RTTNews) - Defense contractor General Dynamics Corp. (GD) said Monday that, following a comprehensive review of the structure of its Combat Systems business group, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products will be consolidated into General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products designs, develops and produces market-leading weapon, armament and vehicle survivability systems for the U.S. military and its allies; high-performance composite structures for the commercial, aerospace and defense markets; and a wide range of axles, suspension systems and components for commercial trucks, military vehicles and industrial off-highway machines. The company employs about 2,500 workers at facilities in 10 states and several non-U.S. locations.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is a leading manufacturer of large, medium- and small-caliber munitions, mortar weapons and systems, artillery projectiles, bomb bodies, propellants, non-lethal and force-protection products. The company also manufactures precision metal components; provides explosive load, assemble and pack services for a variety of munitions, tactical missile and rocket programs; and designs and produces shaped charge warheads and control actuator systems. The company employs about 3,500 workers in the U.S. and Canada.

Michael Wilson, president of General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, will lead the combined organization. The company's headquarters will be in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The consolidation will result in the closing of the Charlotte, North Carolina, headquarters of General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products by the end of this year.