Supplying four variants of loadbeds for over 800 trucks

Canada’s Armed Forces have taken delivery of the first Mack Defense KERAX trucks for the Medium Support Vehicle System (MSVS) Standard Military Pattern (SMP) Programme, these are fitted with loadbeds designed and produced by Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group.

Marshall, which has been established in Canada since 1999, has designed four variants of loadbeds to be fitted to more than 800 of the 1,500 vehicles on order from Mack Defense, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, Inc., part of the Volvo Group. These include the cargo, cargo and crane, gun towing and repair truck variants.

Marshall is also providing ancillary equipment including snow chain locker boxes for the whole fleet, which includes over 700 Load Handling Systems (LHS) vehicles.

“In support of Canada’s defence policy, Strong Secure, Engaged, Mack Defense along with Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group and all our other key suppliers are proud to deliver the MSVS SMP trucks to the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces. Logistics vehicles like these trucks are used to move critical equipment, personnel and supplies and form the backbone of ground transportation capability of the Canadian Forces fulfilling a critical capability need at an important time for our customer,” said David Hartzell Sr, President, Mack Defense LLC. “Marshall’s has professionally managed the production of the load beds and ancillary equipment which has supported Mack Defense ability to deliver the vehicles to the Canadian Armed Forces.” 

The Volvo Group, which includes Mack Defense and Arquus, formerly Renault Trucks Defense, was awarded, in 2015, a contract on behalf of the Canadian Department of National Defense, to deliver more than 1,500 8×8 trucks for the MSVS SMP Programme. In 2016, Mack Defense selected Marshall to provide the loadbeds and ancillary equipment.

“Our proven capability in designing vehicle components for defence forces across the globe, our project management abilities and our supply chain management skills, including Marshall Aerospace Canada Inc selecting leading Canadian companies to support us, were integral parts of achieving success in winning and delivering on this contract,” said Alistair McPhee, Chief Executive of Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group. “Production of the loadbeds, which is being done with our partners in Canada, has increased and is sustaining jobs in Canada.” 

Trials of the loadbeds, to prove their integrity, were completed during 2017 and passed the assessment, fully meeting the requirements. Production of the loadbeds and ancillary equipment started in late 2017 and final delivery will be during 2020.