WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, recently contacted the United States Air Force urging renewal of Intercontinental Truck Body’s (ITB) contract to build Flight Line Tow Tractors.  ITB currently provides 70 full-time jobs for Montana employees at its Conrad production facility.  At least 35 of these jobs are a direct result of its Air Force contract.

“Losing 35 well-paying jobs would be devastating to the local economy at any time, but in the current economic climate it would be even worse,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  “I commend ITB for hiring locally and offering advanced, state-of-the-art training for folks in Pondera County.  As the County’s largest employer, I’m committed to working with ITB and the Air Force to save these jobs.”

ITB has produced truck bodies in Conrad for more than 30 years.  During the last three years of the contract, it has produced 919 tow tractors for the Air Force.   “On behalf of ITB’s employees, and my partners, I would like to thank Congressman Rehberg for his support,” said Rob Cook, ITB’s Operations Manager.  “In the past, competition for this contract has been fierce, and we don’t expect this submittal to be any different—I’m sure his support will strengthen our proposal.”

Rehberg’s Letter of Support:

March 9, 2009

Erica Farrell
Buyer
642 CBSG GBKBB
Robins Air Force Base, GA 31098-1813

Dear Ms. Farrell:

It’s a privilege to offer my support for Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB) as it applies to renew its contract with the United States Air Force (USAF) to build Flight Line Tow Tractors at its facility in Conrad, Montana.

ITB has produced truck bodies in Conrad for over 30 years, averaging around 395 bodies per year.  During the last three years, it has produced 919 tow tractors for the USAF.  ITB has developed a reputation for outstanding quality, on-time delivery and excellent customer responsiveness.  It remains an important source of employment for folks in North Central Montana.

I understand that ITB currently has 70 full-time employees, making it the largest private employer in Pondera County.  The named contract accounts for approximately 35 of those jobs, and I remain committed to retaining them during this period of economic uncertainty.

I commend ITB for hiring locally and offering advanced, state-of-the-art training for folks in Pondera County.  I urge you to retain ITB’s contract with the USAF, and I look forward to working with you in the future.  Please don’t hesitate to contact my office for further assistance regarding this proposal.

Sincerely,