About General Dynamics Land Systems Inc.
A business unit of
Operations
The company is the only producer in the US of the Abrams MBT, which has been the anchor and spearhead of mechanized ground assaults and on-ground security; it is the only battle tank used by the US military. While proving to be a moving fortress against combat ballistics, the Abrams MBT is extremely vulnerable when it comes to federal funding. This project, as well as the entire company, is at the mercy of the
The reasoning behind the budgetary shift is based on the US' desire to increase the flexibility, speed, and precision of the military. GDLS's lighter, smaller, and faster armored vehicles, such as the EFV and the Stryker, are critical in this respect and have been in particular demand as troops try to control combat situations on the ground. Additionally, General Dynamics Robotic Systems, which is a part of GDLS, has designed an Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) program to create sensors and technology that enable navigation, perception, path-planning, and vehicle-following capabilities for unmanned ground vehicles.
Geographic Reach
The company builds its vehicles at plants in Eynon, Pennsylvania; Lima, Ohio; Sterling Heights, Michigan; Tallahassee, Florida; and Woodbridge, Virginia. It also has manufacturing facilities in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland.
Sales and Marketing
GDLS counts the US Army, Navy, and National Guard among its customers. At times it partners with other General Dynamics subsidiaries including
Strategy
As warfare continues, GDLS (which is the main contractor for maintenance and repair of Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles) expects replacement and refurbishment of battle-damaged vehicles to increase. In partnership with the Anniston Army Depot, Land Systems updates the oldest M1A1s to like-new condition in a process called Abrams Integrated Management (AIM). The US Army used about $10 million in funding to contract GDLS for the double-V hull design that upgrades Stryker armored combat vehicles; the V-shape provides more blast protection for a battlefield vehicle. The Stryker can be designed in 10 varying configurations depending on its purpose.
As defense spending favors more high-tech, as opposed to traditional warfare equipment, GDLS is doing its best to adapt to the changing demands of the market, as well as expand its customer base by introducing new products into existing markets. This unit makes additional weapon systems including anti-tank guided missile systems, turret systems, and integrated battlefield information systems (IBS) that use modern digital technology to provide tactical information to commanders.
GDLS is looking to land more projects and contracts. It is heading up an approved bidding team, including
GDLS is facing competition from
Company Background
General Dynamics Land Systems was formed when General Dynamics acquired and integrated
38500 MOUND RD
Sterling Heights, MI 48310-3200
Phone: 1 (586) 825-4000
Employer Type: Privately Owned
Manager: Faatau Togia
Chief Pilot Aviation Department Manager: Matt Vaneck
President: Gary L. Whited
Employees (This Location): 2,300
Employees (All Locations): 6,900
Sterling Heights, MI
Anniston, AL
Tallahassee, FL
Sterling Heights, MI
Lima, OH
Eynon, PA
Killeen, TX
Woodbridge, VA