Washington, Jan 10 -

Western North Carolina Representative Charles Taylor announced today that he has won funding for an innovative defense project in the Eleventh Congressional District. The $2.6 million earmark, part of the Fiscal Year 2006 Department of Defense Appropriations Bill, was awarded to 3TEX – a Rutherford County company – for research and development of defense-related products. 3TEX is currently developing and manufacturing lightweight structural composite armor for blast and ballistic protection. Not only will the new funding help to develop life-saving equipment to aid the U.S. military in the war on terror, it will also create hundreds of new jobs in the hard-hit textiles region.

“This is great economic news for Western North Carolina,” said Rep. Taylor. “I expect that the work this contract will generate will create hundreds of new jobs in my district. The great work being done by 3TEX will also mean other companies will relocate to our region, which will in turn create even more new jobs.”

The appropriations earmark will allow 3TEX to develop a light-weight armor to protect personnel and vehicles from the threat of explosions. Many of the add-on armor solutions currently available add significant weight to the vehicles, which slows down performance. The armor developed by 3TEX can also be used to protect buildings.

Kennedy C. O’Herron, Chairman and CEO of 3TEX said “We are honored that Congressman Taylor has shown his belief and trust in 3TEX as we work to develop the next generation of lightweight composite armor for our armed services.”