GROUPE GORGE : An over 30 M EUR contract- ECA Group to supply Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to French Armed Forces

CEFA, ECA Group & SCOPEX were awarded a major contract for SMINEX tender released by French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) for the technology qualification, supply & maintenance of complete EOD & C-IED Equipment Solution. This equipment is dedicated to search, detection, analysis & neutralization of IED (Improvised Explosives Devices) or UXO (UneXploded Ordnance).

The three partnering companies (see the press release) will supply the first ever-made “road, rail & air deployable shelter of EOD & C-IED equipment” so as to provide transportation platform & in-service maintenance workshop for the 3 French Armed Forces: Army, Navy & Air Forces – as a unique, interoperable solution to be qualified by the DGA (French Defence Procurement Agency).

SMINEX* is the first project relative to EOD equipment (individual protection suits, handheld detectors, X-Ray systems, water cannon, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV), etc.) with a global approach in an integrated system to provide a maximum efficiency and resilience during operations.

Within the scope of this contract, ECA Group will supply the French Armed Forces with ground robots UGV IGUANA E and provide its expertise in integrated robotic systems to develop and qualify the mobile operations centers in shelters. This new solution will allow the operators to have a complete and modular integration of IGUANA E robot into a wide range of vehicles – so as to meet various and specific needs.

In the framework of this contract for a total amount of over 30 M€, ECA Group received a firm order over a timeframe of 40 months and an amount of over 10 M€ for the outcome of which is the delivery of 15 UGV IGUANA E robots equipped to neutralize Improvised Explosive Devices. Then, according to his needs and until 2024, the customer can through additional purchase orders up to an amount over 20 M€, be provided with up to 43 complementary UGV IGUANA robots and related equipment and maintain them in operational conditions.

The bomb disposal ground robot IGUANA E provides a complete solution in order to face any unconventional situation. This new generation UGV integrates a large set of equipment and performs complex operations (such as cars or false ceilings inspection, opening of packages, munition collect, etc.). 

Moreover, the UGV IGUANA E integrates intelligent solutions helping the operator to prepare his mission and reach his target in the most simple and ergonomic way. With its automatic mode the UGV IGUANA E is able cross obstacles independently and to intervene in places hard to reach. Thus, this robot can, for example enter and inspect marine vessels, climb autonomously stairs or intervene inside an overhead locker in the plane.

This contract is the first significant sale of the UGV IGUANA developed by ECA Group during 2015 and 2016. At the forefront of innovation, these latest developments for the French Armed Forces are part of ECA Group's commitment to its customers and a proof of the reliability and efficiency of its solutions. These are designed for use in hostile, restrictive and demanding environments and ensure safe and precise operations with reliable and sustainable technologies.

In coming years, another set of significant tenders for this type of UGVs will be issued by several world's armies. This contract awarded by French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) is an important reference for ECA Group and his partners.

* SMINEX – Acquisition tender for Mobile Intervention Systems for EOD and NEDEX units.

Disclaimer

GROUPE GORGE press releases may contain forward-looking statements regarding GROUPE GORGE's targets. These forward-looking statements reflect GROUPE GORGE's current expectations. Such forward-looking statements and targets depend on known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those anticipated herein. The risks and uncertainties that could affect the Group's future ability to achieve its targets include, in addition to those indicated in the press release: the strength of competition; the development of markets in which the Group operates and notably the 3D printing division; currency fluctuations; obtaining the export authorizations that may be required for certain activities; control of costs and expenses; changes in tax legislation, laws,
regulations or their enforcement; our ability to successfully keep pace with technological advances; our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and key staff; the evolution, interpretation and uniform application and enforcement of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), according to which we prepare our financial statements; manufacturing and supply chain bottlenecks; the performance of our business partners (subcontractors, agents, suppliers, etc.). Some of these risk factors are set forth and detailed in our Document de Référence (Registration Document including the annual financial report filed with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers), available on our website www.groupe-gorge.com. This list of risks, uncertainties and other factors is not limitative.
Other unanticipated, unknown or unforeseeable factors, such as changes in the economic situation or financial markets, could also have a material adverse effect on our targets.

This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe, or a solicitation to purchase or subscribe shares or securities in GROUPE GORGE or in its listed subsidiaries in any country whatsoever.

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About Groupe Gorgé

Groupe Gorgé is an independent group that specializes in high-tech industries. Today, the Group is active in the fields of security and protection in extreme environments, as well as in the 3D printing sector. It employs around 1,900 people, is located in eight countries and directly exports around 40% of its activity. In its more than twenty-five year history, Groupe Gorgé has always developed and driven the latest technological and industrial innovations.

Smart Safety Systems:

Developing complete, innovative technological solutions for complex missions in hostile and confined environments.

Protection of High-Risk Installations:

Protecting people and ensuring the active and passive protection of installations for energy markets and industrial and tertiary sectors in France. Ensuring the maintenance of these protection systems.

3D Printing:

Enabling major industry players to find new routes to successful innovation and production processes by providing systems, 3D printers and new premium material.

In 2016, the Group reported revenue of €281.2 million. It is backed by 1,900 employees and operations in over ten countries.

More information available on www.groupe-gorge.com

Groupe Gorgé is listed on Euronext Paris Compartment B.

ISIN code: FR0000062671

Ticker code: GOE

Contact

Groupe Gorgé - Raphaël GORGÉ – CEO & Chairman - Tel.: +33 1 44 77 94 77 - E-mail: [email protected]

Finance News – Anne-Pauline PETUREAUX – Analysts/Investors Relations - Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 72- E-mail: [email protected]

Finance News – Jean-Michel MARMILLON – Press Relations - Tel.: +33 1 53 67 36 73 - E-mail: [email protected]

Source: Actusnews