WFEL and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) have announced an agreement with Huddersfield-based David Brown Santasalo (DBS), for the supply of Powerpack blocks for the UK BOXER Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (MIV). On behalf of WFEL and KMW, DBS will assemble around 250 Powerpack blocks (transmission, engine and cooling systems), beginning delivery in Autumn 2022 and covering a 10-year period of supply.
As part of KMW’s extensive UK BOXER Technology Transfer Programme, this particular contract will sustain and create at least 20 jobs in the North of England at DBS and its wider supply chain, whilst further contributing to the UK’s sovereign industrial defence capabilities. DBS is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative suppliers of bespoke land and marine power transmission systems. The £30M order will ensure that the fully assembled and tested Powerpack units are delivered to WFEL’s new, dedicated, state-of-the-art BOXER MIV production facility in Stockport, where they will be integrated into the BOXER vehicles.
The BOXER vehicles are being provided to the UK MoD as part of the £2.3Bn contract placed with the ARTEC consortium in November 2019.
The DBS contract is one of the first tranche of UK supply chain contracts to be awarded for the BOXER MIV programme and will help support economic growth and level-up regional economic opportunity. The MIV programme aims to support and enhance the UK supply chain, including SMEs. It will also ensure that the UK retains the skills and expertise to support the BOXER vehicles throughout their operational life.
Jack Richardson
