Mattracks CEO recognized with the “Faces of Trade Award”

Mattrack’s success is recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by presenting CEO Brazier with the “Faces of Trade Award”. The award was presented following a hearing on "Promoting Export Success for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses". The hearing was convened by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and held on Monday October, 26th at Skyline International Design Center in Eagan, MN.

The “Faces of Trade Award” was presented to Brazier by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in recognition of Mattracks success in exporting Mattracks products and expanding its international market presence. Brazier spoke on Mattracks experience to an audience of several hundred small-business officials, citing that the use of federal government programs helped in gaining new international business.

Senator Klobuchar invited Mr. Brazier to speak at the hearing to reveal how even businesses from the “Moose Capital of the North” can grow if they know how to utilize federal help; Mattracks is a good example of that success. Brazier also stated, “up to 80 percent of the company’s sales are for work related uses, with a major demand in foreign countries. There are more unimproved transportation systems in other countries”.

“Most companies don’t know about it” said Brazier speaking on programs designed to expand U.S. exports offered by the U.S. Commerce Department. Mattracks was introduced to the U.S. Commercial Service’s Minneapolis Office in late 1990’s as international interest and requests for the Mattracks Product were becoming more frequent. At that time Mattracks didn’t take advantage of all the services that were available.

Since then, Mattracks has gained more international exposure and product demand grew in new and different markets. Mattracks has turned to U.S. Commercial Service for help in bringing product to those markets. In 2000 approximately 15% of Mattracks sales were outside of the United States and Canada. Currently, Mattracks’ international business comprises over 50% of sales, experiencing sales growth into over 55 international markets, with track systems in use on all 7 continents.

MATTRACKS T4-3500 Robotic Project Demonstrated at TARDEC

DETROIT ARSENAL, WARREN, MI - The TACOM Life Cycle Management Command is the center for Department of Defense-based ground vehicle robotics projects. The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) Track and Suspension Team, Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility Directorate, in conjunction with the Intelligent Ground Systems Directorate, are exploiting opportunities for near-term technology solutions to satisfy a broad range of operational needs in developing ground vehicle robotic platforms and platform components, to include advanced chassis, suspension and robotic drive systems.

TARDEC has been working with MATTRACKS, a Karlstad, MN-based company, for more than a year on a Tracked Unmanned Ground Vehicle project to develop a chassis and electric drive system with superior off-road performance.

During the May 20 demonstration, the 3,100-pound robot whirred to life as it glided down a ramp onto the pavement making less noise than a remote-controlled child’s toy.

The T4-3500 was put through its paces, successfully performing 360-degree pivot turns, crab walking and driving over moguls. It also navigated up and down hills. During testing attended by TARDEC Program Manager Munira Mesiwala on April 1, 2008, the T4-3500 was also able to navigate a one-meter step with ease.

The T4-3500 has five unique components:

• A four-track drive system that allows for maximum mobility and greater stability.
• A walking beam suspension that allows flexibility when encountering mogul-like bumps.
• A modular track system with interchangeable tracks that can be easily replaced by removing only one bolt.
• A passive dual rocker, shape-changing suspension that absorbs road shock.
• Four MATTRACKS electric wheel motors to power the vehicle.

MATTRACKS designed the track system, suspension system, in-hub drive motors, chassis and power source. It will continue over the next year to develop a second version of the T4-3500 that will incorporate installation of common Military Communication Language and hardware, the ability to remotely control the vehicle, higher-powered in-hub motors and high-energy batteries and the ability to operate in a manned and unmanned capacity.

For more information about the TARDEC MATTRACKS program, please contact us.

LiteFoot ATV tracks part of Military review and evaluation program
Several models of the LiteFoot ATV track system are slated for review and evaluation by the U.S. Military as part of an anticipated Army TACOM (Tank-automotive and Armaments Command), procurement contract.

Products included in the testing are from both the Mattracks truck tracks and LiteFoot ATV tracks systems product groups. Participates in the evaluation program include the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers at the Waterways Test Center, the North Dakota National Guard, Navy Seals as well as The U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

Mattracks supports responsible use and operation of All-Terrain Vehicles. We recommend you follow your ATV Manufacturers operational instructions. Use proper safety equipment including a helmet and respect private property and the environment while operating your ATV.

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Karlstad, MN 56732
Phone 218-436-6000