General Dynamics Land Systems Ranked Canada's No. 1 Defence Company for 2008

Canada's leading defence and military journal, Canadian Defence Review, has released its annual survey and ranking of defence companies in Canada. General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, based in London, Ontario, was ranked number one in the CDR survey for 2008.

In announcing this year's rankings, CDR Editor-in-Chief, Peter Kitchen, stated, "GDLS Canada, the number one ranked defence company in our survey this year, is an excellent example of what is right about our industry. GDLS-C is a leader in its field (military vehicles), it is a major contributor to its local economy, employing 1800 people, it supplies the Canadian Forces with critical military vehicles to keep soldiers safe as they conduct their mission in Afghanistan and with over 85% of its business export, the company is a positive contributor to the nation's balance of trade."

And, the GDLS-C example is typical of many other aerospace and defence companies in Canada which are part of a strong, vibrant and growing industry.

An evaluation panel consisting of CDR editorial staff and independent advisors ranked the companies based on factors such as economic impact, innovation, contribution to the nation's security et al. The ranked companies must meet certain requirements, including having manufacturing, R&D or service operations in Canada, to be included in the ranking.

Last year's number one ranked company was General Dynamics Canada, a sister company to General Dynamics Land Systems and part of the same giant General Dynamics Corporation headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia with annual sales of $27 billion in 2007.

The annual survey of Canada's top defence companies has been so popular and the industry so strong, say the publishers, that this year it has doubled its coverage from 20 companies last year to 40 in this year's survey.