According to WLOS: Mills Manufacturing Corporation has received a stop work order from the U.S. Department of Defense. Mills must immediately suspend production on its 64’ G-12 cargo parachute while the government evaluates current stock levels.
Once the evaluation is complete, they will either ask Mills to resume production or cancel the balance of the order at the convenience of the government.
Up to 52 employees who work on the suspended production line and cannot be reassigned will be placed on paid leave until the government makes their decision. Mills is one of four contractors currently producing this item for the Army. All four received the same stop work order.
Mills was awarded the contract in September 2010 to manufacture 2750 G12 cargo parachutes; 2100 have been delivered. The company was on schedule to complete the contract in December 2012.
The G-12 cargo parachutes are used to drop food, fuel and supplies for humanitarian relief efforts and to our military personnel located in remote bases around the world. Mills Manufacturing manufactures parachutes and other lifesaving equipment for the U.S.military. Recognized as a world leader, the company has exported its products to more than 65 countries over its 77 year history.
The company’s founder, Ernest Mills, started the company in 1935 in New York. Mills has operated in Asheville since 1952.
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