A Johnstown company is one of nine in the running for a government contract to produce a new military vehicle.

Bill Polacek, chief executive officer of Johnstown Welding & Fabrication, said his company is hoping to build a prototype joint light tactical vehicle, also known as a JLTV.

Polacek said, just like the Jeep and Humvee, the JLTV will likely serve the military for decades to come.

He said the government could be announced Monday which three of the nine candidates will be chosen to build test vehicles. In another 18 months, one firm will be awarded the work contract.

Polacek said the contract could help revitalize the local economy by potentially bringing up to 1,000 long-term jobs to the area.

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