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North Charleston company lands $10M military contract

Oct. 1, 2003
Charleston Post and Courier
By Terry Joyce
North Safety Products of North Charleston learned Wednesday it has won a $10 million contract from the Defense Department to manufacture chemical protection gloves for U.S. troops in Iraq.

"It's great news," said Jack Wilks, plant manger at North Safety Product's Atlanta Avenue facility. "We have an around-the-clock operation going now. Without (the new contract), we might have had to cut back."

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., announced the contract award Wednesday.

Wilks said North Safety Products has about 100 employees at the plant and could add 10 to 15 more or convert some temporary hires to full time. The contract covers operations for the next 12 months and comes with a one-year renewal option.

Most U.S. soldiers in Iraq and any high-threat zone carry suits designed to protect them against chemical and biological agents. The military keeps hundreds of thousands of spare suits handy, and all include protective gloves.

"South Carolina companies provide the tools necessary to protect the health and safety of our men and women in uniform," Graham said in a statement. "They deserve the best equipment and supplies money can buy. The employees at North Safety Products should be proud of the role they are playing to win the War on Terrorism."

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