Oak Ridge carbon fiber center leads automakers to lighter future
Friday, January 1, 1904
Carbon Fiber Technology Facilty holds an open house in Oak Ridge, Tenn.
Department of Energy photoFacility at a glanceName: Carbon Fiber Technology FacilityLocation: Oak Ridge National LaboratoryOwner: U.S. Department of EnergyInvestment: $34.7 million from the 2009 stimulus measureStaff: 25 peopleOperating budget: $5.5 millionSize: 42,000 square foot tech lab with metal spun precursor capacity of 65 tons per year on polyethylene, carbon fiber production of 24k PAN towsDirector: Lee McGetrick
OAK RIDGE, TENN. - One of the offshoots of improving the U.S. manufacturing base for clean energy is supposed to be jobs creation, and nobody appreciates that more than Rick Chambers, a technician at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's new Carbon Fiber Technology Facility.
Two years ago, at age 55, the Scott County, Tenn., resident lost his job managing a research lab in the hardwood flooring industry. He was another victim of the economic downturn.
"For the first time in my life, I became unemployed, and I found that although I had 35 years of experience in quality control and research and development, being an older employee made it difficult to find a rewarding job," he said.