Clover Industries Products for the U.S. Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 28, 2006

DEFENSE BILL INCLUDES $3.8 Million for development of clover Industries products for the U.S. Army

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) announced today that the FY2007 Defense Appropriations Bill, which was given final approval by Congress this week, includes $3.8 million to help the U.S. Army acquire two new products they have requested from Wausau based Clover Industries. Obey, the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, and Kohl, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, identified those products as a priority for funding.

“Wisconsin is home to some solid defense research and development, and this project is an example of how it contributes to a more efficient, more adaptable military. The Department of Defense is increasingly taking notice of the innovative work happening in our state,” Kohl said.

“From designing new shelters for the Army to producing key components for military vehicles, Clover Industries has carved an important role for itself in supplying our military,” said Obey, the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee. “Hopefully this funding will help make life a little easier for our troops and keep those good jobs here in the region.”

The bill includes:
 

•  $2.8 million for development of ruggedized hydraulic cylinders for flexible, expandable mobile shelter units for the Army. The new shelters are intended to be easier to put up and take down, have a longer useful life, and be easier to maintain in deserts and other harsh environments. 
   
•  $1 million for the development of a new lightweight 10-meter antenna mast. The Army’s 10-meter antenna mast is used to elevate tactical communications systems high enough to ensure reliable radio communications. A light weight mast is needed to ease transportation and ensure quick deployment regardless of environment or transportation method. 

Clover Industries employs 52 workers in Wisconsin, with 30 working full or part time on these projects.