Costa Mesa-based Ceradyne Inc. said Wednesday the Pentagon has ordered 20 of its new armored cars for soldiers in Iraq.
The company’s shares closed up more than 6% Wednesday with a market value of $1.3 billion.
The $18.1 million order for the mine-resistant vehicles, called the Bull, is part of a partnership with Virginia-based Ideal Innovations Inc. and Wisconsin’s Oshkosh Truck Corp.
The Marines are set to test the six-man vehicles as part of their mine-resistant ambush protected program.
The shipment could be the first part of a $12.5 billion deal, according to Ceradyne.
The first two test vehicles were delivered to the military in October.
The Bull uses Ceradyne’s specially made ceramic armor that is used by ground troops in Iraq and Afghanistan for bulletproof vests.
Delivery is of the vehicles is set for the first quarter.
