Stuart Canvas secures £800k MoD contract

STUART Canvas, a Warrington firm which specialises in industrial coverings, has won a £800,000 order to supply the Ministry of Defence with 400 covers for armoured vehicles returning from Afghanistan.

The company, which has 45 staff, was asked to come up with covers for 10 different types of vehicle that weighed less than 30kg and could be applied by two people.

Made from a lightweight, fireproof material, the covers are also designed to protect the vehicles from corrosion.

The firm’s chief executive Ed Stoddart said: “We are proud to have been selected to support the MoD in this significant programme. Our team in Warrington has designed and manufactured bespoke covers for each vehicle so that they can be quickly and easily protected from environmental damage and yet are easy to access when needed.”

Major Shaun Goodman said: “The ability to provide vehicle covers that provide the environmental and climatic protection, specifically to the high levels we have demanded, was no mean challenge. From an early stage Stuart Canvas came up with a solution by vehicle type that meets the stringent demands placed on the usage and durability of the covers.

“In addition, they placed high value on the safety of the user whilst deploying the covers. As a small medium enterprise, they have shown great potential, and if their willingness to please is anything to go by, they have a long future with the MoD”.