Marshall picks up the pace via Canada operations

Marshall Canada has just awarded armour manufacturer and vehicle integrator NP Aerospace Canada a contract to support the flagship Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) programme.

The contract, amount undisclosed, will see NP Aerospace design, develop, test, certify and produce Armoured Personnel Transport Modules (APTM) over a three-year period as a major supplier to the Power Team, an industry consortium comprising General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, Marshall Canada, Mercedes-Benz (Daimler Trucks), Manac and Soframe. The Power Team was formally awarded the LVM contract by Canada’s Department of National Defence in May 2024.

The APTM is one of a range of module variants to be delivered by Marshall to Canada’s Department of National Defence under the programme, which will provide the replacement for the Canadian Armed Forces’ existing fleet of logistics vehicles - an essential capability for transferring resources, personnel and military assets during domestic and international operations and training exercises.

The modules will provide a significant level of blast and ballistic protection to the internally transported personnel. With a fully integrated design, the system will deliver the functionality and protection required to safely and comfortably transport troops on the back of Canada’s new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Zetros trucks, adding significant capability, protection, mobility and flexibility to deployed dismounted troops.

As a modular ISO compatible system, the APTMs will be interchangeable between multiple base LVM platforms, as well as being able to be ground-dumped when not in use. The ISO compatibility also means they can be easily and commonly handled for strategic logistic purposes, on trucks, ships and in aircraft.

Marshall and NP Aerospace are currently working together internationally on several major projects, including the Canadian Land Equipment Program – Engineering Technical Support Services Contract (LEP-ETSS).

The contract will result in the recruitment of up to 20 more staff at NP Aerospace’s Ontario base, continuing the operation’s successful growth trajectory and further contributing to the London and Southwestern Ontario region.

James Kempston, CEO, NP Aerospace said: “Our Canadian business is growing fast having doubled in staff in the last 12 months, and this contract will enable us to further develop our on-shore capability to serve our customers, both domestically and as a Canadian exporter.”

The Power Team is also advancing a previously won deal awarded a year ago to enhance Canada’s Logistics Vehicle Modernization (LVM) contract. The programme will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with a new fleet of over 1,500 light and heavy trucks, as well as associated equipment such as armoured protection kits, modules, containers, and trailers.

Marshall’s state-of-the-art facility in Moncton, New Brunswick, will deliver a range of truck-mountable light mission modules for the LVM programme. Prototype production is expected to start in late 2025, ramping up to full-rate production in 2026 through 2028.

Marshall Canada’s 82,000 sq ft production site opened its doors in October 2023. Since then, the facility has been tried and tested through a number of successful projects—most notably the Netherlands Specialised Containers (NLSC) programme, for which the Moncton team produced a total of 93 containers.

Delivering other smaller-scale projects from Moncton has also allowed the team to rigorously test and validate their production lines, tooling and equipment to fine-tune processes and ensure the facility is optimised for efficient, high-quality output.

Equally, engaging manufacturing teams has been particularly important throughout the process of preparing for LVM production. Teams have been actively involved in some low-volume projects, where the emphasis has been on ensuring individuals are given a firm grasp of the complete end-to-end process from design through to delivery. This exposure has helped build a strong sense of ownership, fostered collaboration across teams and instilled a culture of continuous improvement.

The ramp-up to LVM production has provided a perfect opportunity to embed industry-leading practices into the team’s processes, creating a culture that encourages continuous learning and prioritises quality, efficiency, and innovation.

The LVM programme is set to be a catalyst for domestic and regional economic growth, creating wide-ranging benefits for both individuals and industry partners in the area. From generating skilled jobs and training opportunities to fostering the development of a robust supply chain within the region, Marshall has been working over the past 12 months to effectively prepare for LVM and deliver long-term value.

In line with the expected creation of over 500 direct employment opportunities in Eastern Canada from the LVM programme alone, Marshall has already started creating job opportunities across a range of disciplines including manufacturing, logistics and project management and has been actively training its teams to create a highly skilled workforce. Further recruitment is planned in line with the production schedule.

Alain Gauthier, Vice President - North America, Marshall said: “Through planning, investing and partnering, we have been hard at work over the last 12 months, laying a solid foundation to ensure we’re ready to deliver at volume for the Canadian Armed Forces. Standing up this brand new facility has required extensive work behind the scenes and proactive planning to ensure we are well prepared for production to start in late 2025.”

Marshall also has overall responsibility for delivering a range of larger heavy capability modules. The team is working closely with leading industry partners on the design and development of these modules, which will include personnel transport carriers, fuel modules and flat racks, among others.

As the LVM programme continues to gather pace, the strength of these strategic relationships will enable the Power Team and its extended network of suppliers and partners to deliver world-class, reliable products for the Canadian Armed Forces.