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NewsUltra Armoring & Defense Announces New President
September 19, 2017
Mr. James W. Cluck, Jr. has accepted the critical role of President of Metal Works Mfg. Co. and Ultra Armoring & Defense. Jim will be based in Shelby, NC.
Jim has over 41 years of combined military and civilian Federal service including over 29 years experience in Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition.
A member of the Senior Executive Service, Jim served as the Acquisition Executive (AE) and the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), MacDill Air Force Base, FL. As the AE from 2009-2013, he had responsibility for all Special Operations Forces (SOF) research, development, acquisition, procurement, and logistics programs as well as management of the SOF Acquisition Workforce Enterprise. As the CIO from 2005-2009, he was responsible for the business planning, fielding, operations and performance of all SOF garrison and tactical information technology systems as well as standards, interoperability and network migration of systems comprising the world-wide SOF Information Environment.
Prior assignments within the SOF Acquisition and Logistics Center include Director of Management; a Program Manager for Intelligence Systems; and Program Manager, C4I Automation Systems.
Jim's military experience includes U.S. Marine Corps service as an aviation photographic-electronics technician, air defense officer, signals intelligence systems engineering officer, and intelligence/communications acquisition officer. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, and prior to joining USSOCOM, Mr. Cluck was employed in the private sector managing the development of Defense-related telecommunications systems.
Jim is a graduate of The Citadel, Charleston, SC; has a Master's Degree in Telecommunications Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College, Ft. Belvoir, VA and National Security Studies, Syracuse University. Jim is a recipient of the David Packard Award, the USCINCSOC Quality Award and the 2013 R. Lynn Rylander Award.
Jim's extensive military and defense experience, as well as his outstanding leadership ability, will most certainly ensure our Metal Works and Ultra Armoring divisions success and future growth.
Ultra Armoring, LLC Announces $15 Million Order from U.S. Department of State
Shelby, N.C. - March 16, 2017 - Ultra Armoring, LLC, a Universal Mfg Co. (OTC: UMFG) company, announced today that they've been awarded an order for armored vehicles and related support from the U.S. Department of State (DoS). This order follows the previously awarded ten-year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) and is valued at more than $15 million.
"Building on the success of the previously awarded ten-year BPA, this contract supports our mission and strategic growth as a company," said Phil Sprio, President and CEO of Ultra Armoring, LLC. "We're proud to be selected as a strategic partner to the DoS and expect to build significant quantities of armored vehicles."
Delivery of the vehicles will begin late 2017.
About Ultra Armoring & Defense
Ultra Armoring & Defense was founded in 1989 in Shelby, North Carolina, and is a known industry leader in ballistic and armor protection for government and private sector applications. UAD works hard to provide customers with innovative solutions that provide increased safety and productivity.
The facility at UAD is ISO 9001 certified and possesses unique equipment including five laser cutters, six plasma cutters, and press brakes with capacities of 1,600 tons. UAD has the ability to tailor solutions to customer requirements with fewer welds and seams, providing a stronger, safer, and more economical product while keeping the bottom line low. Ultra Armoring & Defense has invested additional resources in quality control, assuring that every product is produced in accordance with the tolerances and standards required by its customers.
Ultra Armoring & Defense Secures 10-Year Blanket Purchase Agreement from U.S. Department of State
Shelby, N.C. - January 2017 - Ultra Armoring & Defense (UAD) has been awarded a 10-year blanket purchase agreement with the Department of State. A blanket purchase agreement allows government agencies to use a simplified acquisition method to obtain repetitively needed supplies or services.
Three contractors, including UAD, were awarded the opportunity to deliver the initial vehicles as part of the new agreement.
UAD will be responsible for supplying full armor and integration packages on the Toyota Land Cruiser, Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota Hilux.
About Ultra Armoring & Defense
Ultra Armoring & Defense was founded in 1989 in Shelby, North Carolina, and is a known industry leader in ballistic and armor protection for government and private sector applications. UAD works hard to provide customers with innovative solutions that provide increased safety and productivity.
The facility at UAD is ISO 9001 certified and possesses unique equipment including five laser cutters, six plasma cutters, and press brakes with capacities of 1,600 tons. UAD has the ability to tailor solutions to customer requirements with fewer welds and seams, providing a stronger, safer, and more economical product while keeping the bottom line low. Ultra Armoring & Defense has invested additional resources in quality control, assuring that every product is produced in accordance with the tolerances and standards required by its customers.
Ultra Armoring & Defense Poised for New Growth and Expansion
Shelby, N.C. - July 2015 - Ultra Armoring & Defense is proud to announce a new alliance with Universal Manufacturing, Co. (UMC) of Lincoln, Nebraska. Located at 2501 W. Dixon Blvd. in Shelby, N.C., the 110 acre campus includes a 227,000 square foot facility with new systems aimed to streamline processes and improved technologies to foster future growth.
Ultra Armoring & Defense has the capacity to produce armor and other materials in-house using efficient systems and cutting-edge technology, allowing for the completion of more complex work to better serve its current and future customers. While vehicle armor systems have previously been the cornerstone of the business, this new expansion and growth has enabled Ultra Armoring & Defense to become a player in survivability, armor, and defense across multiple mission platforms including refurbishment, modernization, and service life extension to existing military and other platforms.
The facility possesses unique equipment including five laser cutters, six plasma cutters, and press brakes with capacities of 1,600 tons. Ultra Armoring & Defense has the ability to tailor solutions to customer requirements with fewer welds and seams, providing a stronger, safer, and more economical product while keeping the bottom line low. Ultra Armoring & Defense has invested additional resources in quality control, assuring that every product is produced in accordance with the tolerances and standards required by its customers.
Phil Sprio, new President and CEO of Ultra Armoring & Defense, states that "We make products that make our workers safer and more productive. We also make products that keep our war fighters safe and there is nothing more important than that. This acquisition allows us to take our core manufacturing and engineering strengths and not only improve our current operation but also branch out into new projects and opportunities.
At the time of its acquisition by UMC, Ultra Armoring & Defense had 60 employees. Since the purchase, the company has been awarded new government contracts and subcontracts and has increased its workforce to over 150 employees, with plans for continued growth in the future.
UMC recently relocated Man Lift Mfg. Co. and Metal Works Mfg. Co. to the same facility in Shelby, N.C. and placed all three brands under the leadership of Phil Sprio, President and CEO, and his team.
Ultra Armoring & Defense was founded in 1989 in Shelby, North Carolina, and is a known industry leader in ballistic and armor protection for government and private sector applications. Ultra Armoring & Defense works hard to provide customers with innovative solutions that provide increased safety and productivity.
