ICYMI: Bustos Highlights Federal Support for Innovative Military Artillery Systems in Visit to Mandus Group
ROCK ISLAND – This week, Congresswoman Bustos (IL-17)toured Mandus Group, an innovative engineering and manufacturing firm based in Rock Island to highlight recently secured federal support for military artillery systems currently under development, such as those manufactured by the company. The Congresswoman met with representatives of Mandus Group and AM General, a Mandus Group partner, during the visit.
VIEW PHOTOS of Congresswoman Bustos’ visit here.
“When it comes to American soldiers’ lives, there is no goal too big, no effort too great to keep our men and women in uniform safe,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Here in the Quad Cities, we have a proud history of commitment to our men and women in uniform, and it is a top priority of mine to continue to support that work. The artillery technology being produced at Mandus Group makes it possible for our weapons systems to be more accurate and deployed faster – and that saved time could mean a saved life. As the only company in the world that is producing this critical technology, I want to thank Mandus Group for their contributions to our community and to our military.”
“AM General could not be more proud of our partnership with Mandus Group and Rock Island Arsenal to bring next generation artillery solutions to our men and women in uniform. We are grateful for the leadership and support of Representative Cheri Bustos as we grow this collaboration in the Quad Cities, which we believe will be a critical part of the national defense ecosystem of the future,” said Andy Hove, President and CEO of AM General.
A local jobs creator that is currently developing new military technologies, Mandus displayed prototypes of the artillery system technology, which consist of a 105mm soft recoil howitzer weapon system, mounted on a Humvee named ‘Hawkeye’ and a 155mmweapon system mounted on a medium tactical vehicle, named ‘Brutus’.
As part of last year’s Appropriations package, Congresswoman Bustos helped secure $10 million in funding for the 105mmHawkeye soft recoil howitzer technology, like that manufactured by Mandus, which the Army has stated they plan to procure for research and development. In this year’s Appropriations package, Congresswoman Bustos helped secure $25 million for soft recoil technologies research, like that currently under development at Mandus Group.
VIEW PHOTOS of Congresswoman Bustos’ visit here.
###