National Presto Inc., an Eau Claire-based manufacturer, has received a $70 million option award under an existing five-year contract with the Department of the Army.

The latest order brings the total for the 40mm ammunition contract to $253 million. Deliveries under the latest order are scheduled in early 2012.

Defense orders represented about half of Presto’s $479 million in sales last year. The company also makes small kitchen appliances and adult disposable diapers.

Source: Doris Hajewski of the Journal Sentinel.