Lima tank plant gets upgrade of Abrams

5/8/2004

LIMA, Ohio - General Dynamics Land Systems announced yesterday that the Lima, Ohio, tank plant will be upgrading another 65 M1A2 Abrams tanks, ensuring jobs at the plant for another year.

The $121 million upgrades, called system enhancement programs, include adding a computerized system to the tanks, similar to work that was due to be finished by early next year. The added work will last through 2006, but won't add jobs, a spokesman said. The factory has about 500 workers.

The latest pact benefits General Dynamics plants in Michigan, Florida, Alabama, and elsewhere. The Lima plant refurbishes M1A1 Abrams and makes two other military vehicles.