Workers at Spartan Motors will soon be gearing up for a big government defense contract. It's been awarded a $14 million deal for construction of mine repellent vehicles. Last Wednesday it received orders from BAE Systems, a British defense contractor for Iraqi light armored vehicles.

"This contract is particularly important," said John Sztykiel, president and CEO of Spartan Motors. "It demonstrates Spartans on going need or ability to supply high quality mine resistant ambush protective vehicles in the marketplace."

Last year the federal government approved increased funding for the mine resistant vehicles, something Congressman Schauer supports.

"Because of Spartan's track record they were chosen by a primary contractor so that will stabilize the employment," said Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek. "$14 million will definitely have a job impact and economic impact here in MIchigan."

Spartan was forced to lay off 14 percent of its workforce and closed a warehouse but the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce sees this contract as a positive for not only Spartan but for Charlotte.

"It's definitely good news for Spartan Motors and good for Charlotte. They have continued to help insulate us from the downturn in business," said Ann Garvey, executive director of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce.

The light armored mine resistant vehicles will be in production here later this year but Spartan said it's still too early to tell if there will be any additions to the workforce.

"We're focused on growing the business but at the same time we're taking the right steps to show we're not just going to be in business today but tomorrow," said Sztykiel.

Focusing on tomorrow is exactly what Spartan Motors is doing with its new line of Iraqi light armored vehicles.

"War has changed, the enemy has changed and their weapons of choice have changed so we need to stay a step ahead of them," said Schauer.

The defense business has been slow for Spartan in the past year and a half so this boost couldn't come at a better time.