~Company will construct fire training center
NEW MADRID - Kontek Industries was awarded a multiple-award task order contract from the Kansas City District of the Army Corps of Engineers. The New Madrid company is one of three HUBZone companies awarded this contract nationally that involves a $200 million pool of funds.
"We are excited to continue the great working relationship with the Corps of Engineers that we have developed over the years," said Charlie Merrill, chairman of Kontek Industries. "This contract continues to prove that our homeland security and force protection products are second to none in this industry."
As a result of this most recent Corps of Engineers MATOC, Kontek has immediately secured a $5.2 million task order to construct a fire training center and contract administration office in Fort Riley, Kan.
In a separate development, Kontek was selected as one of three finalists eligible to bid on a conventional munitions storage igloo contract at Ft. Bliss, Texas, that is potentially worth $15 to $25 million with immediate performance upon award.
"In light of this recent MATOC being awarded, Kontek will need to refocus its business units to rely more heavily on on-site turnkey projects rather than manufacturing at the New Madrid facility," said Merrill. "It is no secret that the support of Senator Kit Bond and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson has helped keep our factory humming for about five years longer than it otherwise might have. Their support continues to be instrumental as we identify new opportunities that allow us to grow."
Bond and Emerson were integral in helping Kontek secure its most recent $1.3 million research and development grant with Southeast Missouri State University, according to officials.