Funds Research, Development of Stronger, Lighter Military Armor

October 10, 2008

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) presented PPG Industries with a check for $1.2 million in federal funding to develop high-strength, light-weight armor for U.S. military vehicles. Congressman Altmire secured this funding in the continuing resolution (H.R. 2638) passed by the House on September 24, 2008 and signed into law by the president on September 30, 2008.

“The funding I delivered today will put western Pennsylvanians to work developing important new technology for the U.S. military,” said Congressman Altmire. “The stronger, lighter armor developed right here in Harmar will save the lives of our men and women in uniform. This project will also create and sustain local jobs and keep our region at the forefront of innovation. I am very pleased that I could secure federal funding for this important project.”

“PPG, a leader in transparent armor, will be performing advanced research for the military to decrease the weight of vehicle windows, increase the ballistic resistance to save soldiers’ lives and also result in reduced vehicle weight and heat load from sunlight inside the vehicle,” said Jim Trainham, Vice President, Science and Technology, PPG Industries. “PPG is honored to have Congressman Altmire’s support for this important next generation technology.”

With the funding secured by Congressman Altmire, PPG will develop new ballistic armor that integrates high-strength glass and plastic materials. The result will be advanced performance transparent armor for vehicles that is lighter and stronger than the vehicle armor currently in use by the U.S. Army. This advanced performance armor will improve soldier protection while reducing military costs and improving readiness.

The funding Altmire delivered to PPG Industries today is part of over $20 million secured by Congressman Altmire in the continuing resolution to support job creation and economic growth in western Pennsylvania. The funding will help create more than 100 new high-paying jobs and sustain over 2,200 positions in western Pennsylvania.