By Susan A. Baird
PBN Web Editor
WARWICK – Kelly Space & Technology Inc. has signed Goetz Custom Boats of Bristol to handle prototype development as the company develops marine applications for its lightweight ballistic-protection armor.
The new armor system is expected to be ready for deployment next year, the company said. Financial terms were not disclosed.
“The prototype production work performed by Goetz will provide key inputs for our company’s manufacturing and business considerations at our Rhode Island operation, which was established earlier this year to commercialize our armor technology,” said Karen V. West, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Kelly Space & Technology.
In April, when the company selected the Ocean State to become the base of its new East Coast operations, President and CEO Michael J. Gallo cited “Rhode Island’s great marine and defense industry – and its growing science and technology community, coupled with programs like the Business Innovation Factory (BIF).” (READ MORE)
West said in the statement last night that “we are very pleased to be working with one of the leaders of Rhode Island’s marine industry. Goetz’s unerring attention to detail – coupled with its knowledge of handling and utilizing advanced materials – were key factors in our selection.”
Goetz is best known for its America’s Cup sail racers, and last year was chosen by Puma to build the company’s racing yacht for the upcoming 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race. (READ MORE)
To craft such competitive vessels, Kelly Space noted, the boatyard has developed “a sophisticated in-house production and engineering capability.” On its own Web site, Goetz notes that it is “is known worldwide for its aerospace-caliber technology and quality.” That hard-won expertise with composite technology has won Goetz a number contracts with architects, aerospace contractors and other clients for non-marine projects involving custom design and fabrication.
The new project will involve incorporating Kelly Space’s lightweight, moldable, polymer-based ballistic-protection material into watercraft hulls and other subsystems. The goal is to create lighter, more bouyant vessels with better impact protection.
“As production commences over the next year,” Kelly said in launching its East Coast operations in April, its Rhode Island work force will grow to “approximately 50 employees.”
Goetz Custom Boats is a maker of sail and power yachts for racing and cruising. It also accepts custom design and fabrication projects from non-marine clients. The company, based in Bristol, “is known worldwide for its aerospace-caliber technology and quality,” Goetz notes on its Web site. To learn more, visit GoetzBoats.com.
Kelly Space & Technology Inc. is a privately held technology company focusing on the aerospace, energy and homeland security sectors. The company has its headquarters at the Kelly Space Aerospace Research & Development Center at the former Norton Air Force Base, now San Bernardino (Calif.) International Airport – and a new East Coast operation in Rhode Island. To learn more, visit www.KellySpace.com.
