WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., today praised a $96,851,697 U.S. Army contract award to Taylor Defense Products, LLC. of Louisville to support the Rough Terrain Container Handler (RTCH) Modernization program. The award follows a competitive process that selected Taylor Defense to modernize the Army’s existing machines, which are used to transfer heavy shipping containers in the field.

“Taylor Defense is a world-class company that makes some of the best heavy duty-equipment for our U.S. military,” Wicker said. “This award is a testament to their work and our state’s expanding role in supporting our service members.”

“This sizeable contract represents a true vote of confidence in the terrific work done by Taylor Defense in support of our armed forces.  I’m confident the Army will be well-served as this Mississippi company gives it the equipment it needs to move loads effectively,” Hyde-Smith said.

Wicker and Hyde-Smith previously praised Taylor Defense for winning a contract to produce the prototype for the modernized RTCH in 2021. The company will work to incorporate new technology to increase RTCH capabilities and extend the system service life of the vehicles.

This contract will support the production of field kits and modification kits and transportation, travel, training, and all other ancillary services in support of the program.