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Eight Local Companies to Join Automation Alley for Domestic Trade Mission

TROY -- Automation Alley said Friday that eight companies from Southeast Michigan will participate in a domestic trade mission to the Association of the United States Army's Institute of Land Warfare Winter Symposium and exhibition in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Feb. 22–24.

"Automation Alley has made a concerted effort to present our member companies with opportunities to expand into other markets and diversify their client base -- opportunities that don't have the significant cost associated with international trade missions," said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley's director of international business services. "Companies attending this mission will be able to make personal connections with key players in the defense industry, opening up exciting new possibilities for their companies."

The following eight companies will attend:

* Power Panel Inc.: The Power Panel product line includes a unique, patented family of co-generating solar collectors, thermal storage tanks and complete balance of system components, mounting systems, embedded controls and web-enabled monitoring. More at www.powerpanel.com.

* DASI Solutions: DASI assists emerging sector companies in the implementation of CAD, CAE, and PDM collaborative technologies used by designing engineers in the product development process. More at www.dasi-solutions.com.

* Waltonen: Waltonen provides full-service engineering and design services, turnkey automated systems, system integration and personnel resource services. More at http://waltonen.com.

* Rave Computer: Rave Computer is a technology consultant and computer manufacturer focused on defense, homeland security and other industrial markets. Rave designs, builds and validates computer hardware solutions for military simulation training, real-world deployments (land, air or sea) and commercial applications. More at www.rave.com.

* Quality Metalcraft Inc.: Quality Metalcraft is one of the leading prototype and low-volume production automotive suppliers in the world, covering all phases of design, engineering and manufacturing. More at http://qualitymetalcraft.com.

* Alpha: Alpha is an engineering- and product development-based manufacturer dedicated to providing fresh product concepts, ideas and services to its valued customers. More at www.alphausa.com.

* Merrill Technologies: The Merrill Technologies Group companies are leaders in the machining, fabricating and systems integration fields, serving customers in a wide range of industries. More at www.merrilltg.com.

* Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy (DC3S): Located in the heart of the Sterling Heights defense corridor, the DC3S is a 10-acre campus of multipurpose "flex" space, including office space, collaboration facilities and conference and meeting space. Located in close proximity to TACOM, TARDEC, NAC, PTAC, GDLS and other major defense contractors, the DC3S is ideal for companies seeking space for engineering, R&D, assembly, prototype and manufacturing. More at www.defensec3s.com.

This year's conference -- themed "America's Army: Decisive Force" -- will include participation from the U.S. Army Material Command; the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command; the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology; and the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command.

In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and Macomb County, participants will exhibit under the State of Michigan pavilion. This three-day event offers current and potential defense suppliers a unique and cost-effective way to exhibit their products, services and technologies to more than 4,000 potential buyers and end-users.

The AUSA ILW Winter Symposium and Exposition marks Automation Alley's second domestic trade mission. Since 2001, Automation Alley has conducted 13 trade missions to countries across the globe, contributing to the creation of 917 new jobs and $166 million in new contracts garnered for participating companies and regions.

For more information, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at (800) 427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.

To learn more about the AUSA ILW Winter Symposium, visit www.ausa.org/meetings/2012/symposia/Winter/pages/2012winter.aspx.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from the city of Detroit and the surrounding eight county region. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through entrepreneurial and exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.

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