KDH awarded contract, planning to hire
KDH Defense Systems is planning to hire new employees at its plant that recently opened in Jefferson, Greene County. According to U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, KDH is planning to hire 40 people to make side pouches that will hold protective plates for the U.S. Army’s interceptor vest system. KDH is a subcontractor to Ceradyne, a contractor for the U.S. Army, Murtha said.
Murtha also announced that KDH has been awarded a contract from the General Services Administration that qualifies the company to receive additional orders for body armor. The contract does not immediately impact employment but has the potential to do so over the next several months.
“We’re extremely pleased to see KDH growing already in its new facility,” said Murtha, who was instrumental in attracting the company to the area two years ago. “And these 40 new jobs will more than double their employment here.”
David Herbener, KDH president and chief executive officer, said, “We are very excited about our new facility. It will augment our existing Johnstown operation, which is expected to grow over the next few months as well. In Greene County, as in Johnstown, we find that the strong work ethic of our employees continues to be our biggest advantage.”
KDH initially opened a plant in Johnstown, which currently employs 75 people, and recently opened a second facility in the former Fechheimer Brothers garment factory in Jefferson. The Jefferson facility currently employs 26 people.
The company’s main product is protective vests or body armor, which it makes for the Navy, and elbow pads, which it makes for the Army.