News

VT Group to Consolidate U.S. Operations

September 14, 2009 – VT Services, an industry leader in the delivery of customer-critical services to government agencies and U.S. arm of U.K.-based VT Group plc (VTG.L), today announced that it will be consolidating its U.S. operations which are comprised of VT Aepco, VT Griffin, and VT Milcom. Operating as one VT Group, the new organization will be based in Washington, DC with operating locations in Alpharetta, Georgia; Gaithersburg, Maryland; and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The combined company will include 3,400 personnel based at more than 100 locations throughout the U.S. and serving in forward locations such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Africa and Guam. For 2008, total revenue for U.S. operations was approximately half a billion. Worldwide, VT Group plc has more than 12,000 employees and annual revenues approximately $1.5 billion.

Consolidation will enable customers served by any VT Group business unit to access service offerings from both the U.S. and U.K., as well as to take advantage of VT Group’s domestic U.S. locations and more than 100 international sites. At the same time, it will streamline the operations of three businesses into one, empowering on-site personnel and program managers to respond quickly and flexibly to customer requirements. The net result for government customers is access to broad, global service offerings with the speed and responsiveness of a small company.

“Government agencies partner with VT Group because we help tackle their critical challenges with the ownership, personal care and enthusiasm not typically seen in a large government contractor,” said David Dacquino, chief executive officer of VT Group’s US operations. “The consolidated organization will keep that keen focus on partnership and performance while significantly improving the scope, depth and global reach of services available to our customers.”

For example, our customers currently use VT Group for a range of facility operations and maintenance, integrated logistics and depot-level management services. The consolidated organization will readily enable those customers to access VT Group’s range management operations, world-class training capabilities and industry-standard C4IT offerings through one VT Group organization.

“Government customers don’t need any more complexity or administrative burden from their contractors,” continued Dacquino. “They need simple, fast solutions that they can rely upon to complete the mission at hand.”

For investors, the consolidation will result in a leaner operating entity with improved opportunity to leverage capabilities. By shedding its former brands, one VT Group will strengthen operations and maximize efficiencies. At the same time, it will allow VT Group to bring new capabilities to existing, committed customers. The consolidation will enable VT Group to put the capabilities of the entire global company behind new contract capture, presenting the larger profile and wide service offerings needed to prime larger contracts.

Moving forward, VT Group’s operations will be focused on four market areas:

C4IT Integrated Solutions
VT Group provides systems integration and engineering solutions for C4IT systems and facilities infrastructure. The company is the premier installer and implementer of fleet C4ISR, submarine communications and shore-based C4IT systems, and it is currently the largest C4ISR Alteration Installation Team (AIT) contractor for the U.S. Navy. VT Group’s C4IT personnel – 70 percent of whom have secret clearances or higher – deliver flexible, innovative, and turnkey solutions to civilian and defense agencies worldwide.

Readiness and Logistics Support
VT Group works extensively with the armed forces and a limited number of commercial customers to help maintain readiness of key platforms. Beyond maintenance logs and inventory sheets, VT Group collaborates with the customer to determine operational requirements, and then continuously looks for ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Supporting organizations with global operations requires world-class data management systems, in-depth training and – especially – a highly-skilled workforce. VT Group’s readiness and logistics teams are lean, highly responsive, and enthusiastic about the customers they serve.

Base and Range Operations
From facilities management to specialized, critical services VT Group plays a pivotal role in providing multi-dimensional, non-combat operations support at military bases around the world. VT Group enables base commanders to access a broad range of basic services along with deep specialized services such as Hazmat response and emergency operations center management.

Training
VT Group is the largest provider of vocational training in the U.K. and a major provider of training to support services personnel in the U.S. The company’s training expertise spans both commercial and military organizations, applying both subject matter expertise and a deep knowledge of training doctrine to deliver integrated solutions.

About VT Group’s U.S. Operations
VT Group’s U.S. operations provide customer-critical technical services to governments and large organizations around the world. Focused on supporting government agencies in the U.S., VT Group’s 3,400 personnel are passionate about serving our customers. We provide services from design and acquisition to operation and maintenance of facilities and assets, through to providing support and training – to everyone from electrician’s mates and aviators to crew captains, financial managers and logisticians.

For more information on the VT Group, visit http://www.vt-group.com

[ Top ]

David J. Dacquino Appointed CEO of VT Services

Atlanta, GA – April 13, 2009 – VT Services, an industry leader in defense logistics, communications and support services and U.S. arm of UK-based VT Group plc (VTG.L), is pleased to announce the appointment of David J. Dacquino to serve as Chief Executive Officer.

VT Services Proxy Board Chairman Leonard Moodispaw commented: “David brings a wealth of experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense in technical support services. His knowledge of the industry makes him an ideal choice to lead the further development of VT Services Inc., as we seek to strengthen our role as a major support provider to the DoD and other Government agencies.”

With over 25 years experience in delivering services to the U.S. Government, Dacquino will focus on driving improved alignment between VT Services, its industry partners and U.S. Government agencies. Dacquino will also look to enhance the current VT Services offerings in the U.S by harnessing VT Group’s considerable experience and expertise, gained from providing support services to governments in the UK and worldwide over several decades.

VT Services includes VT Aepco, a leading logistics firm delivering hands-on analytical, design and management support both domestically and internationally to Government and private sector clients; VT Griffin, a premier services provider to the military, government, and commercial sectors; and VT Milcom, which provides engineering design, fabrication, and installation of electronic and communication systems and equipment. Prior to joining VT Services, Dacquino was the Vice President, leading Integrated Support Solutions (ISS) for Raytheon Technical Services Company LLC (RTSC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Raytheon Company. RTSC provides technical, scientific and professional services for defense, federal and commercial customers worldwide. He has nearly three decades of experience in the aeronautics, electronics and technical services industries, including Vice President and General Manager of Logistic Services for Lockheed Martin Aircraft & Logistics Centers. In this capacity, he had responsibility for over 3,500 personnel at 75 locations worldwide providing field teams, U.S. DoD base operations management and spare parts sales for military and commercial customers. Dacquino holds a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering technology from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in finance from California State University. His professional designations include international certifications in management, purchasing, contracts, and production inventory management. He is currently a member of the Board of Advisors of SOLE – the International Society of Logistics. In addition, he serves on the Technical Operations Governing Council of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and is a member of the Aerospace Advisory Council, Center for Executive Education, College of Business Administration, at the University of Tennessee.

[ Top ]

Christopher Taylor Appointed President of VT Aepco

VT Services recently announced the selection of Christopher Taylor as President of VT Aepco, effective February 9, 2009.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Taylor as President VT Aepco," said VT Services CEO Ken Smith in a statement released by the company. "Most recently Chris has served as Executive Vice President VT Aepco. Please join me in congratulating Chris on his new role and wishing him the very best as he leads VT Aepco to continued growth and success."

Mr. Taylor succeeds Larry Vance at the helm of VT Aepco. Mr. Vance retired as President effective February 6, 2009. Mr. Smith added, "Larry was responsible for the formation of the Army Group within AEPCO and led the group from its infancy to the successful, professional organization that it is today. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Larry for his years of service and his key contribution to the growth and success of the company." Mr. Vance will serve on the VT Services Advisory Board, where he will advise and consult on key business issues across VT Services.

[ Top ]

VT Aepco Announces New Executive Vice President

VT Services CEO Ken Smith along with VT Aepco President Larry L. Vance recently announced the selection of Christopher Taylor as Executive Vice President of VT Aepco.

Mr. Taylor will be based in Gaithersburg, MD and report directly to Mr. Vance. Mr. Taylor has been with VT Services for two and a half years, most recently as Director of Corporate Development. He brings strong leadership skills and a broad strategic vision to his new role at VT Aepco.

VT Aepco President Larry L. Vance wholeheartedly endorsed Mr. Taylor's selection, saying, "I am looking forward to Chris Taylor coming aboard the VT Aepco Team and working closely with me to further our strong corporate growth in support of our U.S. Defense Department customers."

[ Top ]

VT Services Completes Acquisition of AEPCO

VT Services (VT), the US arm of UK based defence and support services company VT Group, has completed the acquisition of military aviation support specialists Advanced Engineering and Planning Corp., Inc. (AEPCO), following US regulatory approval.

AEPCO manages life cycle support programs, primarily for US Army helicopters and has a significant presence at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama – Headquarters of US Army Material Command (AMC) and US Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM).

The company, which will strengthen VT’s capabilities and service offerings in the US, employs approximately 450 people.

VT Group Chief Executive Paul Lester commented: “AEPCO will enable us to further improve our margins in the US, supplementing our existing work in base operations and systems upgrades for naval vessels.”

[ Top ]