Rigorous Evaluation by KMW/WFEL Ensures Best Value and Low Risk

Horstman UK Ltd is to supply over 250 angular gearboxes and control units for Britain’s BOXER Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme, KMW and WFEL UK announced on 27 April.

The £12 million (€13.8 million) contract, awarded after a rigorous supply chain evaluation to ensure best value and lowest risk to the programme, means another significant transfer of technology to the UK will be undertaken from Horstman’s parent company, RENK, which has made all production Angle Drive Gearboxes for the BOXER vehicles to date. In close collaboration with KMW and WFEL, RENK will ensure all required technical support and investment for Horstman, to ensure that identical BOXER gearbox products are built in the UK, following identical processes and procedures. The gearboxes will then be supplied to WFEL’s new manufacturing facility for assembly.

Horstman is already well known for its armoured vehicle suspension systems, and this BOXER contract rekindles a significant history in producing gearboxes for battle tank turrets, tactical 4x4s and combat engineering vehicles. Having supplied suspension systems for Germany’s PUMA IFV, Horstman already has established relationships with KMW’s engineering and delivery teams and this sub-contract will create or sustain up to 20 skilled roles across the company and its wider UK supply chain.

The BOXER MIV programme aims to source 60% by value of the contract from within the UK, protecting sovereign engineering and manufacturing skills and ensuring that the vehicles remain supported through their 30-year operational life.