Force Protection Announces Senior Management Changes

SUMMERVILLE, S.C., Aug. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ: FRPT) today announced changes to its senior management team, effective today, in the areas of business development and operations.  The changes are designed to further strengthen the Company's efforts in the pursuit of new opportunities and drive manufacturing and operational efficiencies in its business.  

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Randy Hutcherson has been named Chief of Business Development, a new position in the Company's corporate structure.  In this senior leadership role, Mr. Hutcherson will focus solely on the Company's worldwide business development activities.  He will continue to report directly to Michael Moody, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Force Protection Inc.  

Mr. Moody commented, "The shift in Randy's responsibilities clearly demonstrates the key role that business development plays in our long-term plans for success.  We have several large programs we are pursuing in which important customer decisions are expected in the coming months and expect that further requirements for the Company's products and services are likely to be defined in the near to mid-term.  In addition, we will continue to pursue opportunities to broaden our range of products and customers.  Randy's extensive experience and his knowledge of the Company and its products will be central to building Force Protection for the long-term.  I look forward to his continued contributions."    

Philip Ciarlo has been named Chief of Operations for Force Protection Industries, Inc., a new position in the operating company.  Mr. Ciarlo is a senior executive with over 30 years of manufacturing experience in the automotive, aerospace, aircraft and motor and controls industries.  He will report directly to Mr. Moody.  

Michael Moody said, "We are delighted to add someone of Phil's caliber to our senior management team.  He brings with him extensive experience that will prove invaluable as we strengthen our manufacturing and operations, and drive efficiencies in the business."

Mr. Ciarlo most recently served as Vice President, Sourcing at Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors. His strong foundation in manufacturing was established at General Electric, where he spent the first 20 years of his career, rising to Manager for Plant Operations in Defense Systems at GE's Pittsfield, MA plant.  He holds a BS degree in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts.  

Mr. Ciarlo commented, "I am very excited to join Force Protection.  The Company's mission of saving heroes lives is one that is well documented and well known in the defense industry.  I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to that mission, and will focus on ensuring that the Company continues to provide vital survivability solutions to warfighters around the globe."

About Force Protection, Inc.

Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones.  The Company's specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and the related variants of each, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and other operations and protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as roadside bombs).  Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed and mobility.  The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats.  In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced driver and maintenance training programs.  For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit http://www.forceprotection.net/.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection's management, and on information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest for Force Protection's services and products; expectations for future programs and the related timing of proposals and awards; the ability to meet current and future requirements; the ability to drive manufacturing and operational efficiencies; and, the Company's execution of its business strategy, including its development initiatives and opportunities to broaden its platform.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, the ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company's business; the ability to win future awards and finalize contracts; and the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

SOURCE Force Protection, Inc.