The industrial site dedicated to the repair and refurbishment of military vehicles is facing an unexpected cut in several state orders. Local officials are urging Minister Catherine Vautrin to intervene.
Is it a pause or a brake? French manufacturer of armored vehicles and military vehicles Arquus (formerly Renault Trucks Defense) has been in negotiations with the military staff since last month after being suddenly notified of a significant reduction in orders for the maintenance of the Petit Véhicule Protégé (PVP) and – especially – the Renault GBC-180 trucks. Two production lines revised downward without any warning, to the surprise of the company that may have to partially shut down its factory in Saint-Nazaire.
“This happened in a very surprising way, while we have been working in good faith, and for years, with the SIMMT” (the Integrated Structure for the Operational Maintenance of Land Equipment, client of the two ranges concerned, Editor’s note), said Arquus CEO Emmanuel Levacher, who added that he was indirectly informed of the ministry’s decision.
