Marine jet manufacturer NAMJet announced the relocation of its manufacturing and operational headquarters to Denver. The relocation results from the firm’s successful bid to provide propulsion solutions for Birdon America’s US Army Bridge Erection Boat (BEB) platform.
The NAMJet expansion brings an estimated 63 new jobs to Denver. The firm will make an estimated capital investment of $4 million at its 50,000-square foot leased site at 4959 Kingston St. in northeast Denver.
“Denver is growing as a manufacturing hub for high-growth industries, and we’re proud to welcome NAMJet as our newest employer to the region,” said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. “Our strong labor force, global connectivity and supportive business landscape provide a strong foundation for firms like NAMJet to thrive into the future.”
The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) has pledged incentives to support the NAMJet relocation. The city’s Business Incentive Fund will reimburse corporate relocation and start-up expenses. Additionally, the city’s Business Investment Program will provide business personal property tax credits. OED has also offered workforce development and technical assistance to support the relocation.
Bridge erection boats are primarily used to provide propulsion and maneuverable thrust to support temporary floating bridges often made necessary when existing bridge crossings have been destroyed in military conflict. They can also be used in a ferry configuration to transport equipment supplies and troops, and to tow other BEBs. The vessels are transportable by road, rail and air.
The BEB contract through the US Army Contracting Command’s Tank and Automotive group calls for the replacement of the entire fleet of nearly 400 BEBs valued at over $250 million. Stringent requirements for the BEB included maximum stability, thrust, and reliability. Propulsion for the 23-foot boats will be supplied by dual 250-horsepower (hp) Cummins engines mated to TRAKTOR® Jet 381HH’s.
“NAMJet propulsion played a key role in Birdon securing the contract, as their TRAKTOR Jet products provide significantly more thrust than other water jets while maintaining top end speed,” said Jim Ducker, General Manager at NAMJet. “US defense contracts are among the most competitive in the world, and this win is a testament to NAMJet’s propulsion expertise and ingenuity.”
With 2-3 times the impeller clearance of high-speed jets, TRAKTOR Jet systems operate at much lower RPM than their high-speed counterparts, which decreases fuel consumption and system wear to provide a significantly lower lifetime cost of ownership. Designed for engines in the 150- to 850-horsepower range, TRAKTOR Jet systems are available with 15- to 24-inch (387-610mm) impellers to meet the standards of the most demanding commercial, military, and workboat operators. In addition, NAMJet’s proprietary design pumps significantly more water than high-speed jets to provide exceptional thrust per horsepower, which makes it a perfect fit for the BEB project.
“Denver is well known for its thriving tourism sector and quality of life, but it is also emerging as a global leader in manufacturing and export operations,” said Ducker. “The city’s exceptional labor force and business-friendly environment provide us unparalleled opportunities for growth, and we’ve been welcomed with open arms by the entire community.”
About NAMJet
For over 25 years NAMJet’s advanced marine propulsion systems have set the standard for Thrust, Durability, and Speed. Designed for a wide variety of commercial, military, and workboat applications, our TRAKTOR® Jet line of high-thrust marine jets is tough enough to withstand the most brutal conditions imaginable. TRAKTOR® Jets are rated for speeds up to 35 knots, and may be fully customized to meet the standards of the world’s most demanding operators.
About OED
The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) is dedicated to advancing economic prosperity for the City of Denver, its businesses, neighborhoods and residents. Working with a wide variety of community partners, OED operates to create a local environment that stimulates balanced growth through job creation, business assistance, housing options, neighborhood redevelopment and the development of a skilled workforce.