Larson: Tru-Hitch’s Army Contract Increased to $29.1 Million
For Immediate Release: February 22, 2010
Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888
Larson: Tru-Hitch's Army Contract Increased to $29.1 Million
The New Contract will help create jobs and sustain the company for Years
Hartford, CT- Days after visiting Tru-Hitch, Inc in Barkhamsted for a tour and to speak with employees about the military contract he helped secured for the small business, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced that the U.S. Army has agreed to expand their current contract with the company. The new contract for additional towing hitch systems will increase the cumulative contract amount to $29.1 million dollars.
With the help of Congressman Larson, who has extolled the company's work and its abilities to create jobs in the region to the Army, Tru-Hitch originally secured a $16.2 million U.S. Army contract to produce 105 safe and efficient recovery equipments that will transport disabled armored and heavy duty military vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"My visit with Tru-Hitch's President Martin Marola and his employees was both informative and inspiring. This company was created by Martin's ingenuity – Yankee ingenuity if you will - and the highly skilled workers of Tru-Hitch," said Congressman Larson. "Connecticut must retake its lead in patents per capita in order to help create jobs in our communities and opportunities for our residents. Manufacturing is in our DNA and our state's soul. I am proud to see its vitality in the success of this small business."
The contract has allowed Tru-Hitch to maintain their current workforce and create 21 new positions. The company, with the recent modification of the contract, has the potential to create 20-30 more jobs. During military testing, Tru-Hitch's product out-performed its competition, in addition to costing less than a third of the price of their competitors' product.
Congressman Larson added, "The Army and Tru-Hitch's partners know the quality and reliable equipment this company produces. This growing small business is valiantly serving our men and women abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan while saving taxpayers money, creating local jobs and enhancing our economy."