Altmire Delivers $1.2 Million to Plextronics

Funds Development of Printed Electronics for U.S Military (Harmar Township, PA) – Today, U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04) presented Plextronics, Inc., with a check for $1.2 million. Plextronics will use the funding to develop flexible and light-weight printed electronics, including printed solar cells, for the U.S. military. 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. “Printed electronics is an emerging technology with the potential to be of great use to the Department of Defense and eventually consumers as we look for solutions to address America’s energy crisis,” said Congressman Altmire. “I am pleased to have secured this funding to help advance Plextronics’ efforts. Their work has the potential to establish western Pennsylvania as a center for solar technology development.” “This collaboration will enable us to continue to work with the military to develop solar applications and products that will make life in the field better for our soldiers,” said Andy Hannah, president and CEO of Plextronics. “While the global focus on efficient, renewable energy has helped raise the visibility of printed electronics, especially solar, it’s projects such as this one that will actually move the ball forward toward broad commercialization.” Hannah added, “Congressman Altmire has been a tremendous partner for Plextronics, and we are very grateful for his help in securing this exciting new project.” With this funding, Plextronics will accelerate its development of low-cost, light weight flexible printed electronics for the U.S. military. Printed electronics allow for the integration of power and lighting, and can be created and used at a much lower cost than other electronic technologies. Printed solar power can be more cost-effective than current solar power technologies. The technology that will be developed by Plextronics has potential for use as a low-cost source of renewable energy and in future products and applications such as flexible solar panels for tent tops, solar-powered foldable blankets and helmet-mounted panels, printed lighting, flexible displays, and printed circuitry. The funding delivered by Congressman Altmire today is part of more than $20 million secured by him 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.