I saw these qualities during recent visits to around Maine. Although Tex Tech in North Monmouth, Kenway Corporation in Augusta, and the remarkable developments coming out of the University of Maine Advanced Structures and Composites Center produce different products for different purposes, they are united by a shared commitment to innovation.
Tex Tech began manufacturing engineered textiles in 1902 and has grown to become one of the world's leading producers of specialized fabrics for such difficult and demanding applications as aerospace, ballistic protection, fire blocking, and non-chemical fire retardant mattresses - all in addition to being the world's biggest producer of felt for tennis balls.
Maine is positioned to become the "Silicon Valley" of high-performance textiles, and Tex Tech and other companies like Auburn Manufacturing are a major reason why. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in the patents it holds in ballistic protection, fuselage burn-through resistant materials for aircraft, aircraft seat fire-blocking fabrics, and specialized material developments for advanced composite applications.
Like Tex Tech, Kenway's origins are in a traditional Maine industry. From its start 62 years ago building wooden boats, Kenway has become a research and development powerhouse, manufacturing precision fiberglass components for a wide range of applications, including the pulp and paper industry, power generators, and water treatment systems. With its newest endeavor, Maritime Marine, Kenway is returning to its roots, producing high-performance and fuel-efficient fiberglass boats.
Last summer, Kenway was named Manufacturer of the Year by the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Just last month, Kenway received the 2009 Award for Technical Innovation from the American Composites Manufacturing Association. Such professional recognition is well-deserved, but the greatest proof of this company's commitment to excellence is the fact that, during the severe economic downturn, Kenway recently held the grand opening to celebrate a major expansion of its manufacturing facility, doubling its size. I was delighted to have taken part in this celebration.
The University of Maine's Advanced Structures and Composites Center is one of our state's most robust economic engines. The contributions of Dr. Habib Dagher and his great team of scientists, engineers and students were made clear by three remarkable announcements made recently.
The first is the revolutionary "Bridge in a Backpack" project. The new Neal Bridge in Pittsfield is the first of its kind - more durable than conventional bridges and faster to build at a significantly lower cost because the components are factory-built and shipped to the job site in bags. I commend the Maine Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center for supporting the University in this landmark project.
Second, Advanced Infrastructure Technologies of Orono, led by Brit Svoboda, is working with the Maine DOT, and Maine contractors and engineering firms to turn the composite bridge arch technology developed at the University into a nationwide industry. As AIT builds new bridges, it will be building a new economy and new opportunities for Maine people.
Third, another University spin-off company, Harbor Technologies of Brunswick, was formed by Martin Gimnes six years ago to apply composite technology to the growing need for cost-effective and environmentally friendly marine construction. That important work, combined with its recent work on bridge girders, is producing a rare commodity these days - job growth.
From fire-resistant materials to bridges and piers, all of these developments mesh with a primary component of the bipartisan economic stimulus legislation-- substantial and immediate investments in our nation's infrastructure. We must get our people back to work and their paychecks circulating through the economy. Upgrading our transportation networks, water and energy systems, and other essential infrastructure is a proven way to do that.
At this critical time in our history, the American people need to see that we are still a nation of vision, of energy, and of determination The road back to prosperity will not be smooth or easy, but, with developments such as these occurring in Maine leading the way, it is a journey we can undertake with optimism and confidence.