Composite Prototyping Center Wins National Designation

The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing (IACMI) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Composite Prototyping Center (CPC, Plainview, NY) outlining a collaborative arrangement in which both will work to bring advanced composite materials and technologies to the marketplace. "It is a major achievement for the CPC, which has earned this national recognition as the IACMI's designated center for commercializing advanced composites manufacturing on Long Island, New York state and the broader northeast corridor," said a spokesperson. The agreement provides the framework for collaboration in research, product development, commercialization, workforce training and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education.

Advanced composite materials-such as carbon fiber-are up to three times as strong and twice as light as the lightest metals used in many current applications. "In the automotive sector, advanced composites could halve the weight of a passenger car and improve its fuel efficiency by roughly 35% without compromising performance or safety," said the spokesperson.

"The partnership between the CPC and IACMI will further bolster Long Island's place on the map for high-tech research and manufacturing," stated U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. "The initiative will help create jobs and bolster innovation in the Long Island region."

"If we want our economy to grow and create more jobs, we need to invest in cutting edge research that keeps our country competitive in new industries, and give small businesses the tools they need to turn their innovative ideas into successful business opportunities and expand their manufacturing operations," said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. "I previously wrote to Secretary Moniz urging for CPC to be included as a central asset in the nation's efforts to be a global leader in advanced composites manufacturing. This partnership between the IACMI and the CPC will help further advance product development and workforce training opportunities on Long Island."

"IACMI's objective is to advance the cause of clean energy generation and improve the efficiency of the nation's automotive fleet through the development of new composite technologies and processes," said Craig Blue, Chief Executive Officer of IACMI. "The partnership agreement with CPC solidifies that initiative and advances our mission by maximizing the resources of both organizations. It also creates a satellite operation for IACMI in the greater New York area and provides a presence in the northeast corridor, which is critical to our long-term growth strategy."

IACMI, a public-private partnership created as part of the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation, focuses on developing lower-cost, higher-speed and more efficient manufacturing and recycling processes for advanced composite materials.

Funded by the state of New York to promote advanced composite technology usage in industry, CPC enables the reengineering of outmoded manufacturing techniques by providing access to training, technology, prototyping and testing capabilities in the area of advanced composites.

"CPC is a leading resource for composite prototype production across a number of key industry sectors," said Leonard Poveromo, Executive Director of CPC. "Our Long Island manufacturing facility is equipped with state-of-the-art systems to support composite production needs. This pact marks a tremendous opportunity to join the IACMI consortium and combine our efforts in areas of mutual interest like research, employee training, STEM education and economic growth."

Poveromo added that, "The CPC is already proving to be a valuable resource to Long Island and New York manufacturers, several of whom are currently benefitting from the ability to use our center's advanced technologies, testing and training their personnel on leading-edge equipment before making costly investments, and gaining the ability to keep work in-house rather than outsource. The competitive edge they are realizing through their affiliation with the CPC is also enabling them to bid on additional advanced composite contracts. Based on their feedback, we see the CPC fulfilling its critical mission in advanced composites manufacturing for the region and the nation at large."

The three-year, in-kind agreement is effective immediately, and was signed at CPC's headquarters in Plainview, NY. The signing ceremony was attended by several of the New York region's elected officials, including U.S. Representative Steve Israel (D-N.Y.). The Department of Energy was represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary Kathleen Hogan of the U.S. Department of Energy. On hand from the IACMI was Senior Project Controls Manager John Hopkins.

U.S. Representative Steve Israel stated, "I am proud to work with the Department of Energy and the CPC to help promote the development of highly efficient, innovative and cost-effective processes that will help American manufacturers build smarter, more durable products. This collaboration will put Long Island and New York at the forefront of bringing advanced composite materials to market and forging a clean-energy economy for hardworking American families."

U.S. Representative Paul Tonko stated, "This is exciting news as Automated Dynamics, an industrial partner to CPC, provides the opportunity for the capital region to extend its proud tradition of innovation and cutting edge technological development in the way of energy efficiency and engineering. The work that will come from this cooperative agreement will help us to place clean energy generation at the core of our efforts to combat climate change and to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. We have a great team doing this work, sending a loud and clear message that investment in this region and in the clean energy sector is a sound one that pays dividends."

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano stated, "This exciting new collaboration between IACMI and the CPC in Plainview is great news for our local economy, workforce and students as it will advance collaboration in research, product development, commercialization, workforce training and STEM education."

Kevin Law, President and CEO of the Long Island Association added, "This landmark agreement signals a renewed federal investment in developing Long Island's advanced manufacturing industry, which will contribute to the growth of clean energy generation, new workforce training and high-tech economic development."

For more information contact:

IACMI

www.iacmi.org

CPC

www.compositepro.org