New Hudson, MI – Pratt Miller Motorsports, constructors and operators of the legendary yellow Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in the IMSA series, is thrilled to announce a dynamic new partnership with Forgeline Motorsports, manufacturers of the world’s finest custom made-to-order lightweight forged aluminum street and racing performance wheels. This collaboration is set to kick off at the 62nd running of the Rolex 24 at the Daytona International Speedway.
This new partnership will provide Forgeline brand integration into several Pratt Miller Motorsport team assets including placement on the No. 3 and No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs piloted by Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Tommy Milner and Nicky Catsburg with Dani Juncadella and Earl Bamber rounding out the driver roster for endurance events.
In addition, this partnership will highlight content creation, distribution, and community engagement within the digital realm which will also include signage inside Pratt Miller Motorsports podcast studio in Huntersville, NC. It will continue to be the focus for both entities to tell the motorsports story well beyond race weekends.
Brandon Widmer, Pratt Miller VP, Motorsports: “We are thrilled to welcome Forgeline into our family of team partners. Steve and David are exceptional individuals who have solidified their reputation in a fiercely competitive industry. Their wheels, which we proudly use on our team cars, are a testament to their commitment to quality and performance. Now, we eagerly anticipate the innovative ventures and unique experiences we will craft together beyond the racetrack.”
Steve Schardt, Forgeline Motorsports Founder: “Having the chance to partner with Pratt Miller Motorsports and their fabled sports car team has been something we have had our eye on for a while and felt now was the right time to partner with them. The growing passion for motorsports in the United States is palpable, and we’re thrilled to be part of this vibrant scene. Our goal is to not only engage existing fans but also to captivate new audiences, contributing to the sport’s ever-expanding appeal. In the world of motorsport, every victory on the track is a shared triumph, and we’re excited to be part of this winning formula.”
Industrial robotics leader collaborates with Mortenson, JLG Industries, Array Technologies, and Pratt Miller to complete validation of system designed to enhance safety and efficiency in solar field construction.
SALT LAKE CITY— March 8, 2023—Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation (“Sarcos”) (NASDAQ: STRC and STRCW), a leader in the design, development, and manufacture of advanced robotic systems that redefine human possibilities, announced today that it has successfully completed final validation of its Outdoor Autonomous Manipulation of Photovoltaic Panels (O-AMPP) project. During this field trial, Sarcos collaborated with Mortenson, JLG Industries, Array Technologies, and Pratt Miller to achieve this critical project milestone at a Mortenson project site, which validated the Sarcos robotic solar field construction solution.
“Achieving this market validation and field test milestone is a mission-critical step on our path to commercializing our robotic solar field construction solution and, ultimately, enhancing safety and productivity in the solar field construction industry,” said Kiva Allgood, president and CEO, Sarcos. “I am grateful to the teams at Mortenson, JLG Industries, Pratt Miller, and Array Technologies for their support, expertise, and resources throughout this process, and we look forward to collaborating in the future as we prepare to make this solution readily available to the industry.”
“The solar construction industry is facing unprecedented labor shortages while simultaneously facing an increase in demand for solar energy,” said Trent Mostaert, vice president, industrialization, Mortenson. “We believe the O-AMPP system can address these challenges while improving safety, productivity, and efficiency for our workers. It will also enable solar project developers to scale output and production to the levels needed to achieve the Energy Department’s 2030 and 2050 renewable energy goals. We are excited about the possibilities and potential impact of the O-AMPP system in solar construction.”
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), annual solar installations will need to increase by 60% between now and 2030 in order to meet the Biden administration’s climate targets of solar energy reaching 30% of U.S. electricity generation by 2030. To meet this solar installation goal, SEIA estimates that an anticipated workforce expansion of nearly 900,000 new workers will be required. Given current labor force limitations—the U.S. solar industry employed approximately 230,000 workers in 2020—and a labor-intensive solar installation process, the solar field construction market represents a potentially massive addressable market for robotic technology.
The O-AMPP project, which began in 2021 with funding support from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO), aims to streamline the process of solar field construction into one harmonized robotic system to deliver, detect, lift, and place photovoltaic modules in the field. The benefits for energy companies implementing the system for solar construction include lower soft costs for projects, the ability to engage in more projects simultaneously, improved construction timelines and quality, and a safer worksite that reduces the risk of injuries, including lifting and fatigue-related injuries.
During the validation of this system, a proof-of-concept O-AMPP system consisting of an Autonomous Working Vehicle (AWV) featuring the Guardian® XM robotic system, and an Autonomous Delivery Vehicle (ADV), was used to optimize the flow of photovoltaic modules from delivery to installation. Sarcos collaborated with several leading companies involved in the renewable energy industry to complete this testing, including:
Mortenson provided critical subject matter expertise and a validation site. JLG Industries supplied the mobile elevating work platform used for the AWV, onto which the Guardian XM robotic system was mounted and integrated. Array Technologies supplied the tracker technology used in the project along with engineering resources. Pratt Miller provided the mobile base, leveraging their Flexible Robotic Platform with the PM-ADS™ autonomy system, on which the ADV prototype was built. Sarcos expects to commercially launch its robotic solar field construction solution in 2024. For more information on Sarcos and its robotics technologies, please visit www.sarcos.com.
OSHKOSH, Wis. (July 26, 2021) — The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA) announced that it has selected Oshkosh Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), to participate in the Concept Design Phase for the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) program. The OMFV will replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), which has been in service since 1981.
As part of the Concept Design Phase, Oshkosh Defense will develop initial concepts supported by Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A), which will inform OMFV requirements up to a System Functional Review (SFR).
The Oshkosh Defense consortium includes Pratt Miller Defense, Hanwha Defense USA, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, QinetiQ Inc., and Plasan.
“As a leading innovator of defense technologies, Oshkosh Defense is committed to providing the best possible solutions to the U.S. Army for its evolving modernization priorities,” said Pat Williams, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “Each of our industry partners will contribute their own best-in-class expertise in ground combat vehicles, turrets, armor, and autonomy. Together, we will provide a modular OMFV solution designed to defeat emerging threats with flexibility and room for growth to accommodate evolving requirements.”
Oshkosh’s OMFV concept leverages the proven capability of Hanwha’s Redback chassis and Rafael’s SAMSON family of turrets. The Redback is one of two contenders for Australia’s Land 400 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), while the SAMSON family of turrets serves as the foundation for Oshkosh’s recently awarded Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS) contract with the U.S. Army.
About Oshkosh Defense
Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles, technology solutions and mobility systems. Oshkosh develops and applies emerging technologies that advance safety and mission success. Setting the industry standard for sustaining fleet readiness, Oshkosh ensures every solution is supported worldwide throughout its entire life cycle.
Oshkosh Defense, LLC is an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE: OSK].
Learn more about Oshkosh Defense at www.oshkoshdefense.com.
About Pratt Miller
Pratt Miller, a wholly owned subsidiary of Oshkosh Defense, is a ground-breaking product development company that solves its customers’ most technical and complex challenges in the Motorsports, Defense, and Mobility industries.
Pratt Miller Defense (PMD), one of the company’s three core business lines, provides complete vehicle integration, from concept to production. PMD specializes in Platform Development, Robotics, Advanced Concepts, and Technology Integration.
Learn more about Pratt Miller at www.prattmiller.com.
About Oshkosh Corporation
At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs more than 14,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common cause: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, Oshkosh® Airport Products, London™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
About Hanwha Defense
A defense business arm of Hanwha Group, Hanwha Defense is the leading wheeled and tracked combat vehicle and weapons systems developer in South Korea with a half century of accumulated experience, advanced capabilities and technology in multiple proven direct and indirect fire solutions. Expanding its global vision, Hanwha Defense has provided over 8,500 cutting-edge combat vehicles to South Korea and countries around the world, including Malaysia, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Turkey and India.
Learn more about Hanwha Defense at www.hanwha-defense.co.kr/eng/index.do
About Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
Rafael is an established leader in RWS technology, recognized for delivery of high-performance systems in support of customers’ needs. For the past 40 years, through intensive joint development with the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Rafael has gained considerable expertise in the development and production of Weapon Stations for light tactical vehicles, armored combat vehicles and naval vessels, and is currently the main supplier of RWS for the IDF. This extensive experience enables Rafael to continuously implement lessons learned and to improve our products in order to supply optimal solutions, meeting ever-changing operational challenges.
About QinetiQ Inc.
QinetiQ Inc. is a leading defense and security company in the U.S. providing mission-led innovation at pace. We support our customers worldwide with mission-critical solutions to create, test and use the latest technologies to deliver real world advantage. QinetiQ Inc. operates as the U.S. arm of QinetiQ Group PLC (QQ.LSE), a global integrated defense and security company focused on mission-led innovation for defense, security and civil customers around the world.
We are 6,000 people creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they work as expected; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced-existing capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the outcomes required. QinetiQ’s 750 U.S. employees are based predominantly in Virginia and Massachusetts.
About Plasan
As a global company based in Israel, Plasan Sasa Ltd. (http://www.plasan.com), along with its American subsidiary, Plasan North America (www.plasan-na.com), is a worldwide leader in the design, development, and manufacture of holistic survivability solutions for the defense, homeland security, automotive, and aerospace markets. Plasan’s advanced survivability solutions can be found on more than 32,000 armored platforms fielded worldwide, including, most recently, Hanwha Defense’s Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicle as part of the Australian Land400 program. Plasan’s capabilities include design and prototyping, advanced ballistic lab & field tests, real-time advanced FEA simulation, and state-of-the-art Michigan-based manufacturing
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and others to address or otherwise mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies and the Company’s customers, suppliers and employees; and the cyclical nature of the Company’s Access equipment, Commercial and Fire &Emergency markets, which are particularly impacted by the strength of U.S. and European economies and construction seasons.
– Garcia, Taylor, Catsburg team for Corvette Racing’s fourth Rolex 24 win
– Milner, Tandy, Sims finish second in landmark Corvette 1-2 result
– Two Corvettes combine to lead 716 of 770 laps
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTLM RACE WINNER: “This is both one of the best days of my career but also one of the most frustrating and disappointing. I did have COVID in late December with some symptoms. I isolated until I fully recovered, and followed all Spanish and CDC protocols to be cleared for traveling. It’s frustrating but there are protocols that are in place for this. It’s painful not to be able to celebrate with Jordan, Nicky and the rest of the team. We worked so hard over the past months and weeks to achieve an endurance win like the Rolex 24. We didn’t make mistakes, we had good pace with the Corvette. After winning the championship a year ago, this was the type or result we all wanted for the start of a new season.
“Ever since we started at Daytona with this new car, we knew it would be fast and competitive. Obviously, the preparation we had last year wasn’t enough to win this race. But after the lockdown, that gave us an opportunity to develop the C8.R and we went on to win six races as a team and the championship. Last year, we didn’t manage to win a long race so it was still in our minds to get this, and now we’ve started with a big one like the Rolex. We proved today that Corvette Racing was the strongest team.
“I have to say this was a flashback to the 2016 race (a runner-up finish in a Corvette 1-2). It was pretty nerve-wracking when it looked like it could happen again but I’m glad we came out on top this time.”
JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTLM RACE WINNER: “It was an amazing day. All 24 hours in this class are always intense. I think every year you kind of forget how intense it is until it starts again. All the cars were within 10 seconds all race long. No one could make a mistake; any little mistake would put you on the back foot. For us, we had a flawless day at Corvette Racing. The No. 3 I don’t think missed a beat the whole race. All the drivers did a perfect job, the team did a perfect job, and it’s great for Corvette Racing to get its first endurance win with the Corvette C8.R. Last year, we won six sprint races and the championship but one thing that was missing was an endurance win. To start off 2021 with the Rolex 24 win is amazing. To do it with Antonio and Nicky… it’s our first win as a trio so that was definitely special and makes us want to be a little more hungry to win the Sebring 12 Hours on our next time out.”
ONCE YOU FOUND OUT ABOUT ANTONIO, WERE YOU CONCERNED YOU WOULDN’T BE ALLOWED TO FINISH: “No, I wasn’t too concerned. Corvette Racing takes safety and health very seriously. The protocols we have are super serious. The drivers don’t really interact. I didn’t see Nicky all race long. We pretty much just pass the car off to the next guy and then we see each other after the race. For me and Antonio, I saw him before the race and that was the last time. We’re always social distancing. We’re always observing the correct protocols. Surface-to-surface, we’re wearing gloves, we’re wearing balaclavas and helmets in the cars. So nothing in the car could be at risk for us. We didn’t have too much concern. We took the lead from IMSA and NASCAR to trust ourselves. We’re here to compete. They gave us this platform to race and to be here, so the last thing we want to do is break their protocols and do something unsafe and unhealthy. We stick to what they say. It’s definitely disappointing and sad that Antonio wasn’t there for the end. He was a huge part of our victory today. He leads this 3 car and has been here for years. He started the race off so well for us. It was sad he couldn’t share it with us at the podium, but we’ll definitely see him in a couple of weeks when he’s clear and we can go celebrate.”
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO NOW: “I’m fine to go sit in my house by myself for as long as it takes and caress my Rolex for awhile! I’ll get tested and make sure I’m safe. I just live with my dog we’ll be alright.”
WILL YOU QUARENTINE? IF YOU WANTED TO DO GO KNOCK ON YOUR DAD’S DOOR AND CELEBRATE WITH THEM, WOULD YOU? “Tonight I probably won’t. Every year after the Rolex, the tradition is our family gets pizza together. I think that one will be broken this year, which is unfortunate since we both won. But it’s better to be safe than sorry. I’ll go home and celebrate in the quiet, make sure I’m healthy and safe, and then I’ll go knock on my parents’ next door and congratulate them when I’m all clear.”
MORE DETAILS ON TEAM PROTOCOLS: “We’re in the same room part of the time, but not for an extended period of time. We wear our masks. Everyone sanitizes when then enter and exit the trailers. Safety is a huge concern. When we meet with the engineers, it’s super brief. It’s actually kind of odd how little interaction there has been in the past year with our engineers. A lot of it is via text, email and exchanges like that. We try to get in a couple of quick meetings throughout the weekend in-person. Even those are quick with masks, and we stay as safe as possible.”
WINNING IN THE NO. 3 CAR ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EARNHARDTS DRIVING FOR CORVETTE RACING: “It is amazing. I think everyone is a fan of Dale Sr., and Dale Jr. When I joined Corvette Racing in 2012, I was in the No. 3 car and obviously the No. 3 is so symbolic and historic, especially here at Daytona. Doing it in a Chevrolet it is super special. Dale Sr. had unbelievable success here at Daytona. Today we were making our passes on the high banks so maybe we had a little bit of Dale Sr. in the car with us this weekend.”
GETTING A ROLEX WIN THE SAME WEEKEND YOUR BROTHER DOES, AS WELL AS COMING 25 YEARS AFTER YOUR DAD’S FIRST WIN: “I didn’t realize it was 25 years. For me and Corvette Racing, it’s awesome to get a win. From a family point of view, it is amazing that my Dad and my brother won overall. I don’t know what that is…like three out of four years they’ve won or four out of five. It is amazing what my Dad has built over there at Wayne Taylor Racing and the success they’ve had, especially at this event. They are so strong in at Daytona and in endurance races. They’ve only had those cars for a month or two to prepare them with no testing except for the Roar last week. I think that speaks volume to the personnel there – the engineers, the mechanics, the crew, and all the drivers obviously did a great job. I don’t think they had the ultimate pace in the race, but it came down to strategy and execution. That is what that team is known for. So it’s an amazing day for the Taylor family. These days are so rare that it’s hard to imagine them; it could easily be the last time it happens that we both win on the same weekend. You have to savor these moments.”
IMPACT ON DRIVER ROTATION WHEN ANTONIO GARCIA COULDN’T CONTINUE: “It wasn’t great news, to be honest. I had finished my triple stint in the morning or whenever it was. I got out and was supposed to be done, go have a massage, relax and watch Nicky and Antonio go race. I was so excited to go just relax and then they said Antonio can’t get back in the car. To be honest, I was in shock. I was like, there is no way. Antonio is our guy and our finisher. That’s who we want in the car at the end. I was so disappointed for Antonio because I know how much this races means to him, how much he wanted to win it and finish the race. It was sad, but thankfully we train well. We have good support from the doctors here and keep us healthy and keep us fit. The physicality of it wasn’t too bad. It was more the mental strain that was difficult.”
NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTLM RACE WINNER: “It means a lot to win this race, to be honest. Last year I joined Corvette, and they won the championship and races, but every time I was there we didn’t win! So I’m really happy to get this out of the way. I have my win so we can continue doing that! In all seriousness and like Jordan said, the team did an amazing job. The drivers did well, the strategy was nice, the C8.R was great. So it was a great day for us and I’m really proud of winning this great event.”
WINNING IN THE NO. 3 CAR ON 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EARNHARDTS DRIVING FOR CORVETTE RACING: “To be very honest, obviously I know about Dale Earnhardt and Junior, as well. I didn’t know so much about the history of the No. 3 car. I do now, and it is definitely a special feeling. I am very proud to be part of this. I always dreamed about racing in America. Now I’m here with a big race under my belt now and just looking forward to getting more.”
WINNING AT DAYTONA COMPARED TO 24-HOUR RACES AT SPA AND NÜRBURGRING: “I think it fits right in line with the other big events. It’s a race which is part of this lineup of big races: Le Mans, Spa, Daytona, Sebring, and now I have a couple of them. So hopefully we will do Sebring as well, then Le Mans later in the year. So I am just happy to write this one off the list.”
FINDING OUT ABOUT ANTONIO GARCIA: “I think it was after the 17th hour in the race. I’m not exactly sure, but I think it was the 17th hour. Me and Jordan did the rest of the race. For me, I also tested on Saturday and I tested negative. I will do another test tomorrow before I can go back to Europe. For me, I feel safe and I never felt any threat from his positive result.”
IMPACT ON DRIVER ROTATION WHEN ANTONIO GARCIA COULDN’T CONTINUE: “I fully agree with Jordan. To be honest, I was kind of tired from the triple stints. I also think we are one of the only crews that drives with three drivers, and then all of a sudden we were two. So it is definitely heavy. I must say, in the last bit of the race, I asked if I needed to do another stint and they said, ‘Yes, you need to do another stint.’ I thought, ‘Oh no, here we go again.’ But obviously it was it super nice and we made it happen. We had some support from a physio here. I feel fit actually.”
IT WAS VERY CLOSE WITH THE 4 CORVETTE BEFORE THE BALANCE CHANGED SUNDAY. DO YOU KNOW THE REASONS? “I think the 4 car was better suited to the softer compound tire. I think their car balance was a little bit different compared to ours, and that kind of has to do with what drivers like and what they prefer. Our car really came alive on the medium tire in the warmer conditions. Obviously that is when it needs to be done. I guess we got lucky there. It was super cool to fight our teammates the whole race. I remember in one of my stints during the night fighting Alexander Sims, who I also know from other places than Corvette Racing. I had a good fight with Philipp Eng as well, and it was just super cool to be so close for the whole race. That’s what GTLM is about – close racing and the best race drivers in the world. It’s so much fun to be part of it. It’s such a shame that we are going to have to say goodbye to it.”
ISSUE WITH A SLOW STOP LATE: “The car didn’t want to rev up. It’s almost like we had an engine issue and we weren’t really sure how to solve it. I just kept trying to start it up and eventually it worked. I think we got quite lucky there. A 24-hour race is always a big stress on your equipment and material. Corvette Racing builds great race cars, and this one survived and we won the race.”
TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FINISHED SECOND IN GTLM: “The race for us in the No. 4 Corvette and for us as a team really couldn’t have been better. Maybe on our side it could have been a little bit better in the last two hours… but we had a really, really fast car. We probably we had the car to beat for the first 20 hours of the race. Then the last four hours of the race, for whatever reason, we lost some of that pace in the car. We still did everything right. We had good pit strategy. Alexander and Nick both drove fantastic races. In the end when a yellow bunched us all back up again, the No. 3 car once the sun was beating down on the racetrack, it seemed like they were just a little bit better than us and everybody else. They had a great car at the end and definitely executed in the end. Congratulations to Jordan, Antonio, Nicky and all the No. 3 car guys. They did an awesome job.
“Certainly it stings a little bit to be that good for that long and not come away with first place. For us, we’ve at times spent time a little bit behind the eight-ball in certain situations. Today we were at the front for pretty much the whole race, so we can be proud of that and all the work and the effort that goes into trying to find what we were missing in the past. We’re just making sure we are doing everything right from every angle. Obviously we have new teammates, but it’s not just that. They are obviously did a great job today. I’ve had fantastic teammates in the past with Olly (Gavin) and Marcel (Fässler) and you go down the list… Simon Pagenaud… we’ve had phenomenal guys in the Corvette here. It was good to see the hard work from the crew guys and our engineers… to see the fruits of that labor with the car up front for so long. We can absolutely be proud about that. We can take that, go to Sebring and get a win there.”
NICK TANDY, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FINISHED SECOND IN GTLM: “There are a whole loads of positives to take out. After one weekend, I already feel fully part of the team. Not that I didn’t expect to, but I feel part of the team and part of the Corvette Racing family. Of course everyone wants their car to win or their side of the garage to be victorious. We worked with the other drivers and the other crew on the No. 3 Corvette as much as our guys on the No. 4 car. To be part of a winning weekend, it’s been an awesome start. I’m happy to say my first weekend with Corvette Racing has been super successful – first and second in qualifying and first and second in the Rolex 24. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM DAYTONA: “I’m pleasantly surprised how well we gelled and worked together so quickly. From getting an understanding on how the car works and getting an understanding from the engineers of what we like out of a race weekend and a race car. Everything has gelled so smoothly that it makes me excited about the future and what this relationship can build on between us all as part of the team and lead to future successes. As I said, being new to the team but having sampled a faultless weekend with the results over the course of two weeks, I hope it’s a good omen of things to come. It’s obviously awesome to get the first away our endurance victory for the C8.R, and to have a 1-2 and double victory is pretty awesome, and it vindicates all the work that has gone on behind the scenes since last year.”
ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FINISHED SECOND IN GTLM: “I think it is just massive for the whole team. Yes, from a sportsman’s point of view, there is obviously disappointment it couldn’t be us on the top step. But looking at the bigger picture, it is 1-2o for Corvette and that is what we came here to achieve. I’m just really, really proud of the whole team’s efforts. Having only coming into this team as a newbie as such and to be a part of the operation and to be part of the effort here at Daytona was a real privilege. Everyone worked their absolute socks off. I’m really pleased to be a part of it. We come here to win, all of us, but in the end there is only one winner. So if it can’t be you, then you want it to be your teammates so that the team does well. So, it’s a good day.”
New Hudson, MI (December 21, 2020) – In a continued effort to bring confidence back to the travel industry, Pratt Miller Mobility (PMM) has deployed its disinfecting robot, Safi, at the Detroit Metro Airport McNamara Terminal. Safi was piloted at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan earlier this year, and is scheduled for deployment in Delta terminals at LaGuardia Airport in New York in the coming weeks.
Safi combines multi-head electrostatic sprayers and autonomous technologies to provide consistent and thorough coverage on surfaces. The robot has a 16-gallon tank capacity that carries FDA-approved disinfectant materials, a long run time and is offered in single or dual battery configuration with an optional charging station. A tight 3-4 foot turning radius allows for zero-turn operation.
This combination of electric, autonomous, large electrostatic spray pattern, and connected digital reporting of coverage provides unmatched value for a wide range of facilities including convention centers, big-box retailers, manufacturing facilities, casinos, resorts, and stadiums, just to name a few.
“Our robot is not intended to take the place of human cleaning crews,” said Simon Dean, PMM’s Vice President of Mobility and Core Engineering. “It is however intended to work in parallel with their efforts that could be better spent cleaning smaller, niche spaces.”
Safi is ideal for electrostatically spraying down large spaces and surfaces such as lockers in schools, gaming tables in casinos, high touch points and common areas in big box stores, resorts, cruise ships, etc., allowing maintenance staff the time to focus on spaces that require the personal touch of a human. While the robot is working, it reports back to a web interface dashboard accessible to facility supervisors informing them of what surfaces were covered, when it was covered, and how much disinfectant was used. This sensor and data analytic capability is a first in the disinfecting industry and provides confidence to facility staff and the public alike.
“At Pratt Miller, we have a 30-year history of quickly solving complicated problems with smart engineering and cutting-edge technology, and when we saw how COVID-19 was disrupting the travel industry, we were quick to offer our product to airports,” said Dean. “Safi is one solution that allows us to safely get back to business and our daily lives.”
“Safi has been received very well both by the airlines and passengers,” said Jeff Holaly, Key Account Director of ISS, the global facilities services provider for Delta Airlines. “Everybody gets excited when they see Safi, and it brings confidence that they know they’re entering a clean facility.”
Pratt Miller | Autonomous Disinfecting Robot – ISS Interview on Vimeo
About Pratt Miller Mobility
Pratt Miller is a groundbreaking engineering and product development company. Our winning roots in motorsports enable us to deliver ingenious solutions to our clients’ most challenging problems — and wildest ideas.
Pratt Miller Mobility is the preferred Research and Innovation partner and niche-production supplier to the most innovative mobility companies in the world, specializing in Autonomy, Electrification, and Performance.
For more information on Safi, please visit www.prattmiller.com/disinfectingrobot or contact Christopher Andrews, Director of Mobility & Innovation at Pratt & Miller – candrews@prattmiller.com
New Hudson, MI November 9, 2020 – Pratt Miller has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2020 honor by
The Detroit Free Press The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.
“In times of great change, it is more important than ever to maintain a connection among employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward based on real-time insights into what works best for your organization. The Top Workplaces program can be that positive outcome your company can rally around in the coming months to celebrate leadership and the importance of maintaining an employee-focused culture, even during challenging times.”
“We are thrilled that Pratt Miller has once again been selected as a Detroit Free Press Top Workplace,” said Matt Carroll, Pratt Miller CEO. “This is the 3rd consecutive year we’ve received this award, and we have our employees to thank for it. While we may be partial, we know our team is simply the best, but based on 2020 survey responses, it’s nice to know they feel the same way about our company and each other.
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About Pratt Miller
Pratt Miller is a groundbreaking engineering and product development company headquartered out of New Hudson, MI. The company leverages technology, innovation—and its winning expertise in motorsports—to transform what’s possible in the Motorsports, Defense, and Mobility industries.
About Energage
Energage offers a fully unified SaaS platform, plus support and professional services, to help organizations recruit and retain the right talent. As a B-Corporation founding member, Energage has committed itself to the purpose of making the world a better place to work together. Based on 14 years of culture research, the engine behind 51 Top Workplaces programs across the country, and data gathered from over 20 million employees at 60,000 organizations, Energage has isolated the 15 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any business, and developed the tools and expertise to help organizations measure, shape and showcase their unique culture to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. For more information, please visit energage.com. Follow us on Twitter @teamenergage and Facebook and LinkedIn @energage.
Strengthens key technologies and strategic growth opportunities
OSHKOSH, Wis. – Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of mission-critical vehicles and essential equipment, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Pratt Miller, which specializes in advanced engineering, technology and innovation across the motorsport and multiple ground vehicle markets, for a cash-free, debt-free purchase price of $115 million. Additional terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Pratt Miller will maintain its name, team members, facilities and branding elements.
Founded in 1989 and headquartered in New Hudson, Mich., Pratt Miller brings over 30 years of experience solving its customers’ most complex and technical challenges. Led by its world-class engineering and motorsports heritage, Pratt Miller has made significant advances in dynamic growth areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous and connected systems and electrification.
“We look forward to welcoming the Pratt Miller team to Oshkosh Corporation,” said John Pfeifer, Oshkosh Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer. “We believe combining Pratt Miller’s engineering expertise with Oshkosh’s innovation and operational strengths will enable us to better serve customers and position our Company for growth.”
“Pratt Miller’s motorsports heritage has created a culture of speed, agility, and innovation, which has defined our success. Oshkosh is an ideal partner for us to apply that mindset to some of the most significant challenges facing customers today,” said Matt Carroll, Pratt Miller Chief Executive Officer. “Together, we expect to grow our decade-long partnership and expand our pipeline of new business opportunities. We look forward to learning from one another and continuing to innovate to bring market-leading products to our customers.”
The transaction is expected to close First Calendar Quarter of 2021 and is subject to customary closing conditions.
About Oshkosh Corporation
At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs more than 14,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common cause: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Frontline™, Jerr-Dan®, Oshkosh® Airport Products and London™. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.
®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the possibility that the parties will fail to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction; potential negative effects relating to the announcement of the proposed transaction; failure to realize the expected benefits of the transaction; the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and others to address or otherwise mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies and the Company’s customers, suppliers and employees; and the cyclical nature of the Company’s Access Equipment, Commercial and Fire & Emergency markets, which are particularly impacted by the strength of U.S. and European economies and construction seasons.
Forward-thinking partners debut disinfecting vehicle at Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids Michigan
Pratt Miller Mobility (PMM), in concert with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and PlanetM, demonstrated its Large Area Autonomous Disinfecting (LAAD) Vehicle at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in front of key stakeholders and members of the press.
LAAD, the first-of-its-kind to be deployed in the U.S., is a connected, electric and autonomous disinfecting robot that dispenses FDA-approved disinfecting materials through a multi-head electrostatic sprayer array. The electrostatic technology sprays disinfectant into the air and adheres to surfaces for maximum virus protection, while the autonomous platform monitors and guarantees coverage through the use of sensors and data analysis.
LAAD has been surveying and disinfecting areas of the airport since Monday and will continue doing so through Friday.
“The new technology from Pratt Miller is a great tool in our Fly Safe. Fly Ford. campaign to restore confidence in the flying public,” said Tory Richardson, CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. “We appreciate the partnership with Pratt Miller and support from the MEDC that enable us to test leading-edge technology to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
“This continues to build on the partnership between Pratt Miller and the state in delivering transportation solutions that reflect the leading-edge technology we aim to provide across all forms of mobility,” said Trevor Pawl, chief mobility officer of the state of Michigan’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. “Pratt Miller’s ability to pivot their product development capabilities in support of innovative solutions that fight the virus showcases the company’s expertise and the culture of innovation rooted here in Michigan. We’re thrilled to see this pilot off the ground and look forward to its successes.”
“At Pratt Miller we provide solutions to complex mobility problems,” said Simon Dean, Pratt Miller’s Vice President of Mobility and Innovation, following the demonstration.
“COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the way the world moves. LAAD-V is one solution that will allow us to safely get back to business and our daily lives – and thanks to our partnership with MEDC and Gerald R. Ford Airport, we are one step closer.”
About Pratt Miller Mobility
Pratt Miller is a groundbreaking engineering and product development company. The company’s winning roots in motorsports enable their team to deliver ingenious solutions to its clients’ most challenging problems and wildest ideas.
Pratt Miller Mobility serves the spectrum of the mobility industry, from the world’s largest automotive OEM’s to budding start-ups, commercial truck to powersports – to bring their vision into reality.
For more information on LAAD, please visit www.prattmiller.com/LAAD or contact Christopher Andrews at candrews@prattmiller.com
Program to Speed Capability Development and Inform Future Requirements
AUSTIN, TX – Six companies have completed a first-of-its-kind Cohort Program as part of the Army Capability Accelerator (ACA), an effort conducted by Alion Science and Technology in support of the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) and the Army Futures Command (AFC). The Field Artillery Autonomous Resupply (FAAR) Cohort was formed to support the Long Range Precision Fires Cross Functional Team (LRPF CFT) as it works to automate how the Army stores, ships, and loads munitions. The Cohort began Jan. 13 in Austin, Texas, and culminated Apr. 1 with capability concept presentations delivered virtually to LRPF CFT leaders.
During the course of the 12-week FAAR Cohort program, participants were asked to assess the Army’s artillery resupply process and offer solutions that could improve all or part of that process. To aid in their solution development, they worked directly with Soldiers and with one another. The resulting concepts include just-in-time supply chains, a modular robotic arm, and an ammunition management system among other solutions that work together across the complete lifecycle of artillery resupply.
“I remember how simple I thought the problem framing process was a year ago,” said Brig. Gen. John Rafferty, who leads the LRPF CFT. “What came out the other end was very illuminating in terms of how much I still had to learn, the value of having people from the outside look at a problem, and the structure of it. I was blown away by the evaluation of our ammunition process and, in some ways, how amateur it looks to an outsider. It just shows how much we can benefit from this collaboration and from the technology that’s out there that can be applied to a military problem.”
Following an orientation week in Austin, the FAAR Cohort traveled to Fort Bliss for week 2 of the program where they were able to explore the Army’s problem and equipment firsthand. This visit provided new insight that the companies used to produce draft concepts, which they reviewed with LRPF CFT leadership at Fort Sill during week 7. The participants used the information gleaned from that real-time collaboration to enhance and refine the final solution concepts they presented today.
“This is exactly the sort of thing we like to do every day — innovate and find solutions to really challenging problems,” said Matt Carroll, CEO of Pratt Miller, one of the six companies in the FAAR Cohort. “The AAL team that we worked with has been really world class, and it’s been great to work with all of the other companies as well,” added Jeff Cardenas, co-founder and VP of Innovation at Apptronik, which also participated in the FAAR Cohort alongside Actuate, CR Tactical, Neya Systems, and Hivemapper.
The LRPF CFT is exploring next steps with some FAAR Cohort companies as well as how to apply the learning and concepts uncovered through the Cohort Program to future operations and requirements.
“We want to apply this to our model and to our more traditional dealings with industry partners,” said Rafferty. “There are a lot of people who have only done things one way. But this reminded us how many really smart people are out there wanting to help us. What if we have routine periods of collaborating that were more serious than just monitoring the contract… that were actually about solving the problem? This type of exchange should be happening routinely. We should be fostering that. It’s much more powerful.”
ABOUT THE ARMY APPLICATIONS LABORATORY
The Army Applications Laboratory was established in 2018, along with the stand-up of the Army Futures Command, to act as a concierge service across the Army’s Modernization Enterprise (AME) and the broader commercial marketplace of ideas. Based on the 8th floor of the Capital Factory in Austin, AAL’s mission is to align innovative solutions and technologies with Army problems, resources, and programs to rapidly discover, validate, and transition technology applications in support of Army modernization. In other words, AAL exists to connect ideas from a broad range of solvers — startups, entrepreneurs, tech companies, VCs, research labs, and more — with the right people and organizations within the Army to close capability gaps and field novel solutions. Learn more at aal.army.
Pratt Miller Defense is proud to be supporting the Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L) program, sponsored by the U.S Army.
The QinetiQ North America and Pratt Miller Defense RCV-L solution utilizes Pratt Miller Defense’s Expeditionary Modular Autonomous Vehicle (EMAV) and meets the Army’s stringent safety and performance requirements. EMAV has spent a significant amount of time in engineering tests, demonstrations, and experiments which have all included extensive mobility, autonomy, and payload integration testing. The RCV-L variant of EMAV will provide the US Army a mature high-performance platform with low schedule and performance risk and future growth capability.
RCV-L will utilize PMD’s EMAV platform. Check out EMAV in action:
