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The military finally made its decision: BAE Systems will now take over.
"We try to reassure them that the majority of the work force will stay here. But until you have that contract in hand, or job in hand, of course, folks are uncertain about the future,” said LTC Munera.
BAE Systems has reached out to union leaders about maintaining the existing workforce but nothing has been put in writing.
Union leaders say workers just want security.
"Getting negotiations out of the way, back to the normal routine day of business, just the routine stuff," said Stoots, of what he's most looking forward to when this process is over. "Instead of going through a contract with a company we know nothing about."
ATK's contract runs through the end of September.
The transition to BAE Systems will take place over the upcoming months.
Officials say there have been layoffs at the plant in anticipation of this contract change, but no more details about contract terms or employment numbers has been decided yet.
NEWS RELEASE FROM BAE SYSTEMS
RADFORD, Virginia – BAE Systems has been selected by the U.S. Army to manage, operate, and maintain the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in southwest Virginia. The operating contract includes a 10-year base plus three five-year options, which, if fully exercised, will extend the award thru 2036. Initially, the Army has awarded approximately $850 million to the company for the first five years.
The Radford plant, established in 1941, is a government-owned, contractor-operated facility that manufactures propellants for military munitions. Covering more than 6,900 acres, the facility provides employment for more than 850 direct and subcontractor personnel.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with the Army in maintaining this vital facility,” said David Herr, president of BAE Systems Support Solutions. “Radford provides essential products to support the men and women around the world who defend our nation.”
The plant will be operated by BAE Systems Ordnance Systems, Inc., a business unit of BAE Systems Support Solutions. Ordnance Systems is the current operating contractor for the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport, Tennessee, under an Army contract awarded in 1998 that extends through 2023.
“We will bring to Radford innovative ideas, cost-effective solutions, and demonstrated past performance,” said Jerry Hammonds, vice president and general manager of Ordnance Systems. “We will also bring a proven track record for safe, secure, and efficient facility operations. With Radford, the Army should expect the same level of excellent performance that has been provided at Holston.”
BAE Systems Support Solutions is a business sector of BAE Systems, Inc., based in Arlington, Virginia. Support Solutions provides a range of services to meet needs in readiness and sustainment and operational support across the land, aviation, maritime, and C4ISR domains, supporting theU.S. Department of Defenseand federal agencies. Support Solutions is also a leading non-nuclear ship repair, modernization, and conversion company, serving theU.S. Navyand other maritime customers.
