10.6.2006
Joplin, Missouri – Congress has given final approval to the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5631) which contains $8.8 million in funding for Joplin defense contractors Gestalt and EaglePicher sought by Seventh District Congressman Roy Blunt.
“The research work of EaglePicher and Gestalt are important to national defense and to the creation of good paying jobs in the Joplin area,” Congressman Blunt said. “EaglePicher is developing a state-of-the-art facility to produce the Lithium-Ion batteries this research fostered. Gestalt is making remarkable advances in computer technologies for the U.S. military. I look forward to continuing these efforts by working with local leaders and legislators to provide our military a new generation of weapons, support systems and defensive technologies that America needs to defend our nation and keep us safe.”
“This award is terrific news to the employees of EaglePicher Technologies and confirmation of our decision to develop a new Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) facility right here in Joplin,” said Steve Westfall, President and CEO, EaglePicher Technologies. “We are very thankful for the support of Congressman Roy Blunt who has been a champion of the communities which he represents, and we are determined to validate this vote of confidence in EaglePicher by becoming the leader in Li-Ion rechargeable battery technology.”
“As a growing company it’s exciting to be in a community where there is a tangible commitment to technology and defense related work opportunities,” said William Loftus, President and CEO, Gestalt. “Congressman Blunt has clearly worked very hard to create an innovative environment in the Joplin region where technology companies can thrive. Gestalt has benefited from being in this community and ultimately our military has benefited from this community, as we continue to create new capabilities that meet the needs of our warfighters around the world.”
The Joplin-based projects listed for funding in the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 are:
Command and Control Service Level Management: Gestalt in Joplin-- $6.5 million
The $10 million appropriation to Gestalt will address joint and coalition needs by focusing on expanding the timing, bandwidth services and management techniques to a wider number of computer services in the U.S. military.
Advanced Material Techniques for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Large Cell Manufacturing—Eagle Picher Technologies, Joplin-- $2.3 million
The U.S. military has identified multiple needs for high voltage (>250 volts) and high current (>200 amperes) Li-Ion rechargeable battery systems. U.S. Navy programs that require these battery systems include: Future Naval Capabilities (FNC), Joint Strike Fighter, unmanned underwater vehicles and small submarines, and 2nd source development for the Advanced Seal Delivery System (ASDS).