Ceradyne Inc. recently announced it has received the first of possibly two low rate initial production enhanced combat helmet (ECH) orders. The initial release has a value of approximately $3 million. The full multi-year production order is expected by the end of the second quarter 2012. The total for the initial orders plus full production is expected to exceed $170 million.

The awarded initial order is expected to be shipped to both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army starting in the second quarter of calendar year 2012.

“We are extremely pleased to have been awarded this ECH order,” said David Reed, vice president and president of North American Operations. “The ECH is a significant technology leap forward for our Marines and soldiers in providing increased head protection on the battlefield. We anticipate meeting the government's performance, quality and delivery requirements with this order and look forward to meeting all of the requirements of full rate production in the near future.”

For more information, visit www.ceradyne.com.