EDI Awarded US Defense Contract to Develop Process for Low-Cost Films

Published: June 27, 2003, By PRESS RELEASE

CHIPEWA FALLS, WI, USA—Extrusion Dies Industries (EDI) LLC reports it's been awarded a $3.1 million (USD) defense contract by the US federal government. Under the terms of the contract, EDI—a supplier of flat die systems for extrusion and web converting—will develop a process to produce low-cost, electrolyte and cathode films for batteries that power electronic devices used by soldiers.

According to EDI, the contract specifically calls for it to develop die and extrusion process technologies that can be scaled-up for full film production for high-energy, rechargeable, and primary disposable batteries. "Achieving these technologies will provide our military with means to produce lower-cost, high-energy batteries that are safe, long-lasting, and light enough to make use in the battlefield easier and more effective," adds EDI president/CEO Timothy Callahan.

Awarded to EDI not long after Callahan and other EDI top executives achieved completing a management buyout of the company, the contract stems from an appropriation for US Army battery research and development secured by Congressman Dave Obey, whose district includes Chippewa Falls, WI, where EDI is headquarted.

More information about EDI is available at extrusiondies.com or reworkdies.com.