Tru-Hitch gets $10.6M Army contract

HARTFORD — A Barkhamsted-based manufacturer has received a $10.6 million contract from the U.S. Army for the procurement of critical components of the Army’s Modular Catastrophic Recovery Systems, officials said in a release Friday.

Tru-Hitch was recently awarded a three-year contract for new production, according to a release from U.S. Rep. John B. Larson, D-1.

“The contract will be for additional MCRS (Modular Catastrophic Recovery Systems) that support combat brigades on recovery missions as well as other towing and recovery requirements,” company President Martin Marola said in the release. “The systems will be manufactured at Tru-Hitch’s Torrington and Barkhamsted facilities. Congressman Larson has recognized the cost savings and efficiency of using the Tru-Hitch MCRS over other recovery equipment.”

Larson said this is “terrific” news for Marola and his teams in Barkhamsted and Torrington.

“Tru-Hitch has been working with the U.S. Army for over 26 years and has produced over 600 recovery devices, ” Larson said in the release. “The military knows it can rely on Tru-Hitch to meet its MRCS needs, and the women and men of our military can rely on the quality of Tru-Hitch’s devices. Under Marty’s leadership, TruHitch continues to provide steady work for its 28 employees as well as support for the local economy.”

Tru-Hitch produces the XM20 FWTRD (Fifth Wheel Towing and Recovery Device), and the XM1234 TDRT (Tilt Deck Recovery Trailer) to meet the towing and recovery needs of the U.S. Army, according to the release.

The company develops the hitch systems, which the military then uses to recover tanks and other combat vehicles that have been disabled by IED’s and other explosives, according to past reporting.

“We’re talking about multi-million dollar vehicles. Anything you can recover is (good for taxpayers),” company President Martin Marola has said.

The Barkhamsted company began production in 1990 and entered into its first military contract in 1992, according to past reporting. It has been awarded several contracts with the U.S. Army in prior years.