Kaptur Announces Major Defense Contract For Company Based in Lorain County

Statement

American Engineering and Manufacturing in Amherst To Collaborate with Brush Wellman in Elmore

A Lorain County firm, American Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc., has received a $6.6 million contract from the U.S. Army, Congresswoman Kaptur announced this afternoon.

American Engineering and Manufacturing, located in Amherst, was chosen by the U.S. Army to integrate atomized magnesium powder production at beryllium facilities using similar engineered equipment in order to reduce the cost of production to the government.

"I am pleased that the Army has awarded this contract to American Engineering and Manufacturing to allow our region to get the job done in strategic metals production and help meet the defense industrial needs of our military," said Congresswoman Kaptur.

"Moreover, the continued diversification of the strategic metals in Brush Wellman's product line is essential to our region's leadership role in this vital sector. The collaboration between AEM and Brush Engineered Materials is a win-win for our communities, both Amherst and Elmore, and also for our nation."

The Army said approximately three fourths of the production work will be performed at the Brush Wellman beryllium manufacturing plant in Elmore, Ohio (73 percent), with the remainder performed at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey. The engineering on the project will be performed in Amherst.

American Engineering & Manufacturing, formed in 2002, manufactures products and develops technology for various defense and commercial applications. The company specializes in engineering design services, prototyping, product packaging designs, and logistical support.

Brush Wellman, headquartered in Mayfield Heights, operates its Elmore plant through its subsidiary Brush Engineered Materials, Inc., supplying highly-engineering advanced enabling materials, including special metals, beryllium, beryllium alloys and beryllium composites. Its flagship manufacturing facility in Elmore began operations in 1953.

Atomized magnesium powder is used in many applications by the military, including tracers and flares, infrared countermeasures to protect aircraft from heat-seeking missiles, and pyrotechnic munitions that can be detonated at a specific, delayed time.

Estimated contract completion date is May 2, 2014.

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