Global defence giant Lockheed Martin says it will try to re-employ New Zealand army support workers when it assumes a $145 million contract later this year.
The jobs of 170 staff are uncertain after the Defence Force awarded a 10-year maintenance contract to the American company.
The contract involves warehousing and repair work on army equipment and vehicles at Trentham and Waiouru, and replaces those held by two Australian-owned firms.
Lockheed Martin spokesperson Douglas Bowman says the company will assess the skills of existing workers and keep them on where possible.
However, the company will not say whether pay and working conditions will change.
One of the incumbent contractors, Transfield Services, says it employs about 30 staff in Waiouru who maintain the firing range and fix vehicles.
It is understood another company at Trentham employs 170 people.
The Lockheed Martin contract begins in June and runs for 10 years.
