(East Hartford) – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today announced a five-year, $6 million contract between the United States Air Force and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Inc. (CCAT). The contract, “Manufacturing Technology Innovation for Cost Reduction,” is being awarded by the Air Force Research Laboratory to fund development and use of tools for metal and composite materials manufacturing for Air Force supply chain companies, many of which are based in Connecticut.

“This contract is further commitment to strengthening our manufacturing base, especially the vast aerospace industry that is at the fabric of the Air Force’s supply chain,” said Congressman Larson. “CCAT has forged a strong partnership with the Air Force and its Research Laboratory that has led to the creation of the Advanced Manufacturing Center, located on the doorsteps of the United Technologies Research Center. That partnership is only reaffirmed by this contract. I am proud that CCAT is leading the way here in Connecticut on behalf of manufactures across the country and the brave men and women of our armed forces.”

“CCAT will utilize its Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) and our research and manufacturing expertise to devise and implement cost reducing machining solutions for the USAF,” said Elliot Ginsberg, President and CEO, CCAT. “The AMC, with long-standing support from USAF, has emerged as a national applied research asset that is paying back dividends from prior investment in manufacturing innovation. Together with our expert partners, we will foster the success of this program to optimize methods for machining parts made out of specialty metals and advanced composites.”

CCAT has assembled a team of machine manufacturers and machining optimization software companies to demonstrate efficient machining processes for parts made of aerospace alloys and composites. Machining optimization can improve cycle time, lower energy consumption, and extend tool life for manufacturers, resulting in an increased capacity with existing equipment and lower operating and acquisition costs. The intended outcome of this collaboration is for Air Force manufacturers to meet their target cost objectives and, ultimately, improve their global competitiveness.

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