Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA) has delivered the first tranche of flatracks to the NZ Army as part of the company’s Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicle fleet (MHOV) contract with the NZDF.
Each flatrack has been designed and manufactured by the Sea Box International, an Australian company which is also a key subcontractor to RMMVA for the supply of more than 2,000 heavy flatracks for the incoming Australian Army medium and heavy logistic military vehicle fleet.
Sea Box International is an Australian Systems Engineering company that designs and fabricates purpose-built flatracks and deployable facilities, shipping containers and derivatives. The company generates most of its business in the mining and gas industries in Australia.
RMMVA Managing Director Marco van Lieshout said he had been impressed by the quality of the products and professionalism of Sea Box International throughout the design and development phases for both the New Zealand and Australian programs.
“Sea Box International has developed an innovative and effective flatrack system which allows the user to store flatracks with a minimal footprint whilst retaining the full operational payload carrying capability of comparable products,” van Lieshout said.
RMMVA was awarded the contract to supply the NZDF with 194 medium and heavy vehicles and specialist trailers in April 2013. The company delivered its final vehicle and trailer combination in June 2015.
In addition, the NZ MoD ordered the flatracks which will allow the NZ Army to rapidly transport and resupply its troops with logistic supplies such as weapons and ammunition, shelters and containers.