Congressman Patrick McHenry today announced that Granite Falls-based Mariner Container Corporation has received $1.6 million in federal funding to begin producing "Smart Containers" as part of a Department of Defense subcontract. Working closely with Mariner, Congressman McHenry made the request to fund the project.

Smart Containers represent a dramatic advance in shipping technology.  Unlike ISO containers currently in use, Smart Containers are recyclable and are outfitted with tracking technology that substantially improves port and national security by allowing security personnel to better track material entering and exiting the United States. Mariner expects to produce four prototypes within the next 6 to 8 months.

"Both Mariner and Caldwell County are well deserving of this exciting economic development opportunity for our region," said Congressman McHenry.  "The Smart Container project will make an important contribution to improving our homeland security as well as create good jobs for Caldwell County."

The program’s manufacturing and data tracking facilities will be located in Caldwell County, creating hundreds of new manufacturing and technology sector jobs.

"We are thrilled to get this project underway and want to thank both Patrick McHenry and Caldwell County for their help. Caldwell County’s very capable workforce is key to making our Smart Container project a success for both our country and our community," said Mariner Container Corp CEO Rick Lampe. 

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