Manufacturer lands $5m US defence contracts

Solid State, based in Redditch, has secured US contracts worth $5.1m (£3.8m) from defence contractors for battery packs for the US defence sector, handled through its US subsidiary.

The contracts were awarded to Custom Power USA, a subsidiary of Solid State.

Solid State is a supplier and manufacturer of specialised computing, power, and communications products, employing over 400 people worldwide, with seven production facilities in the UK and two in the USA.

The battery packs will be used in maritime and aerial applications, with deliveries starting in early 2025 and expected to be completed within that year.

Both projects may also lead to long-term agreements.

Matthew Richards, managing director of Custom Power, said: “Whilst diverse in operating environments, these two contracts respectively required solutions that optimised size, weight and power for operation in harsh environments, which are key strengths for Custom Power.

“We are delighted that in both instances, existing customers, who are leaders in their respective markets, selected our Fountain Valley California facility as their business partner for such prestigious programmes that have the potential to run for several years.”