AN engineering company has won a deal to help create vehicles for frontline efforts in Afghanistan.

Henry Williams Limited has provided more than 1,000 parts for 200 Light Protected Patrol Vehicles (LPPVs) for the British Army and 20 similar vehicles for the US Army.

The Darlington company has recently invested more than £1.5m in its facilities, significantly increasing production capacity, which helped it secure the deal for the supply of wheel hub parts to the Jackal 1 and 2 and Coyote vehicles.

And as a result of its quick turnaround time for the order for 1,130 forged wheel hub components, 127-year-old Henry Williams is working on a range of vehicles to replace the Snatch Land Rover for the Army.

Andrew Nelson, managing director of the firm, based on Darlington’s Albert Hill, said the contract had helped the company secure more business.

“The contract came to us on a short lead time, but thanks to the recent investment to increase production capabilities at our Darlington factory, we have been able to meet the stringent quality and delivery demands you would expect from an assignment of this nature,” he said.

“Concerns about the need for greater protection for British soldiers are well documented, so we are very proud to be able to support, albeit in a small way, a project which will help to ensure the safety of troops on the frontline.

“After our success with this order we are now working with Supacat and Whiteland Engineering on a range of LPVs to replace the Snatch Land Rover.”

Henry Williams, which employs 100 people and has been a major supplier to the UK’s railway network since 1883, is also carrying out lucrative work for the Highways Agency, as well as helping to prepare the London Overground system for the influx of visitors to the 2012 Olympics.

In the past 18 months, the company has invested more than £1.5m upgrading production capabilities at its factory, installing a Germanmade Banning air-powered drop hammer capable of shaping steel with four-tonne blows, as well as a 100-tonne electric press brake and welding facilities.

The two vehicles that Henry Williams is helping to make are key to military efforts in Afghanistan. The Jackal, which entered service in the British Army in late- 2009, is used for reconnaissance, rapid assault, fire support and convoy protection.

The Coyote is a tactical support vehicle which supports the Jackal, and can transport supplies and equipment.