Stockport manufacturer signs contract with Irish Defence Forces

Stockport manufacturer, WFEL, has announced it has signed a new contract to provide tactical bridges to the Irish Defence Forces.

The supply of 31m double storey MGB Medium Girder Bridging Systems will be supplied to Irelands Corps of Engineers. The variant is adaptable not only during military operations, but also in disaster relief and emergency scenarios, such as recent severe flooding in mainland Europe.

The Irish Defence Forces can expect delivery of their new bridging assets by the end of 2023, with a full support and training package also included in their contract with the Stockport manufacturer.

The Irish Military have been users of WFEL’s MGB Medium Girder Bridging System since the 1970s. Colonel Damian McEvoy, Director of Engineering for the Irish Defence Forces, said,

“As long-time users of the Medium Girder Bridge system, we are already familiar with its many benefits and, by updating our bridging assets with the latest version of the MGB, we will continue to be equipped with the most versatile, modular bridging system available, allowing our Engineering Division to rapidly react to situations both on and off the battlefield. 

“Of particular importance to us is the lightweight nature of the MGB system, not only for reducing transportation weight, but to enable the bridge components to be handled by our troops without the need for mechanical aids.”

Tom Winney, Business Development Director at WFEL, said,

“We are delighted to be working closely with the Irish Defence Force once again and refreshing their military bridging stocks with the latest MGB systems, to provide vital engineer capabilities.  We are seeing increased interest in our MGB bridging systems worldwide, due to their modular and versatile nature, as forces worldwide recognise the need for rapid gap-crossing capability to ensure unrestricted manoeuvre for vehicles of up to 70 tonnes.”