U.S. HOUSE, SENATE TO APPROVE $4 MILLION FOR ROCKFORD MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

[WASHINGTON] -- U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-Egan) have secured $4 million for two advanced manufacturing initiatives in northern Illinois that will help research and build America's future combat systems and bolster manufacturing technology throughout the region.

Durbin and Manzullo worked to include the funding in the 2007 Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations conference report. The House is scheduled to approve the funding tonight and the Senate is scheduled to adopt it later this week before sending it along to the President for his signature. Both initiatives will be managed by Northern Illinois University under the DOD's Combat Vehicles and Automotive Advanced Technology program. The funds will be allocated as follows:

  • $3 million - Low Quantity Precision Fabrication Program at Rockford's EIGERlab - The program will work with local companies to create more micro-precision fabricating machines; develop supporting technologies needed to make micro-fabrication tools commercially viable; utilize advanced broadband communication technologies to enhance the supply chain of the precision products; evaluate and demonstrate the machines and new manufacturing processes for military vehicle component fabrication and other areas of military interest; and transfer technology on an open basis to interested companies.

  • $1 million - National Center for Titanium Machining - This initiative will foster advanced research and development on very high strength, very low weight titanium components that are vital to America's future weapons systems, aerospace products, bio-medical equipment, and other applications. Working with local manufacturers, the National Center will research the effects of "high velocity impact powder metal compaction" on titanium tooling and products. This process reduces titanium to a high-density powder for high-strength, lightweight, less costly machining. Partners in this initiative include Rockford companies Hamilton-Sundstrand, Woodward Governor, and Ingersoll Machine Tools.

    • "Rockford's EIGERlab plays a vital role in the region's economy while developing critical weapons technologies that support our nation's armed forces," Durbin said. "Congressman Manzullo and I both made this project a priority throughout the bill's negotiations, securing $3 million in both the House and Senate versions. As a Senate conferee, I worked with members on both sides of the aisle to ensure full funding for EIGERlab in the final version of the bill."

    "Senator Durbin and I were once again able to convince our colleagues to invest in Rockford and northern Illinois to help defend America," Manzullo said. "This $4 million will help Rockford's EIGERlab continue its research and development of micro-precision fabricating machines and will create a new advanced titanium manufacturing program in northern Illinois. These initiatives will solidify the Rock River Valley region as a world leader in advanced manufacturing while helping preserve our nation's Defense Industrial Base."

    		 
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