October 16, 2006            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Steve Adamske 202.225.7141

Washington, DC-Congressman Barney Frank announced today that two Massachusetts-based companies will benefit from the recently passed Department of Defense spending bill. As a result of Frank's advocacy, Kopin Corporation, Kopin Corporation of Taunton and Giner Electrochemical Systems of Newton will both have contracts funded by the fiscal year 2007 Department of Defense annual appropriations bill.

“These companies in our area are on the cutting-edge of technology that creates jobs in Massachusetts, produces products that have real-time military application, makes the armed forces more agile and safer and produces environmentally responsible products. I am happy to represent Kopin and Giner in Congress,” said Rep. Frank.

Kopin Corporation, based in Taunton, is a nano-semiconductor company that will receive $1.35 million to produce night vision technology for the military. The company currently employs around 200 people. Their technology has many commercial and military applications, including view/display screens for digital cameras and camcorders, helmet mounted displays, night vision goggles, thermal displays on rifles and other military weapons.

“Kopin’s night vision technology will help our armed forces in the battlefield. Our employees are proud to be a part of equipping our armed forces to give them an advantage and stay safe,” said Dr. John C.C. Fan, Kopin CEO.

Specifically, the funds will be used to acquire, install, and qualify the technology necessary to produce enhanced micro-image displays needed to meet the requirements of several military projects.

Newton’s Giner, Inc. will receive $1 million to produce the Field-Ruggedized Mid-Range Direct Methanol Fuel Cells, designed to change how the military powers portable electronics in the field. Ground forces currently rely on battery power for the various portable electronics for command, surveillance, and other applications. Currently, an individual soldier must carry more than 30 pounds of batteries for a typical mission. Giner’s fuel cell is a lightweight, compact and quiet alternative to batteries, and actually provides more power for longer periods of time. In fact, the Army used one of their prototypes on the ground in Iraq.

“All of our employees are excited to be working on something that lightens our soldiers’ burden - at this will do just that. The support of Congressman Frank and the U.S. Army has been, and continues to be, critical as we move this new technology into the field with our soldiers,” said Dr. Lawrence Gestaut, Vice-President, Technology.

Giner’s Direct Methanol Fuel Cell is an environmentally friendly product that uses hydrocarbon fuels to produce power, generating electricity and water from methanol with almost no pollution. This type of fuel cell can replace environmentally harmful batteries. In the future, Giner’s fuel cell will also have many nonmilitary applications. The company was founded in 1973 and employs 46 people.
 

#####
 

Search on Thomas