Johannesburg: Boksburg-based Land Systems OMC is set to expand in coming months in order to accommodate a United States army order for 148 armoured cars. The contract, worth up to R468 million, was awarded last week.

The order, for RG-31 medium mine-protected vehicles, is the largest single new vehicle export contract, by volume, ever placed on a South African defence manufacturer.

Land Systems OMC's Johan Steyn said the order was significant for the business and the economy and an example of how strategically valuable local engineering skills, expertise and technology could be retained for further development.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and the Cape Times.