Kanjorski Announces Additional $23.3 Million Defense Contract for Scranton-Area Company

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA-11) today announced that Specialty Defense Systems in Dunmore was awarded a $23.3 million contract to produce 78,000 helmets for the U.S. Army.

SDS Executive Vice President Sean Martin anticipated the hiring of additional employees in September and October of 2004.

"I am pleased that the government is recognizing the quality work performed at Specialty Defense Systems by awarding this follow-up contract for these 78,000 helmets. This contract will boost the economy in Northeastern Pennsylvania with the additional jobs that it will create, and with the number of manufacturing jobs in Pennsylvania lost over the past four years at more than 158,000, this is great news," Congressman Kanjorski said.

Mr. Martin said the Warrior Helmets represents "state of the art, ballistic performance in a lightweight helmet."

Mr. Martin credited Congressman Kanjorski with helping SDS win the contract.

"Congressman assisted in keeping this product in private industry rather than being awarded to the federal prison industry," Mr. Martin said. "This extends production of the helmets through October 2005. I'm very happy to have additional, sustained production here in our plant."

This contract marks the third in three months for the Scranton-area manufacturing plant, having recently been awarded a $7.4 million contract for warrior helmets and a $6.1 million contract for military backpacks.

The helmets will be manufactured in the local plant and are expected to be finished by Aug. 31, 2005.

Congressman Kanjorski toured Specialty Defense Systems in April 2003. The plant, which employs 80 people, was founded in 1969.

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