Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC-10) today announced that Mariner Container Corporation will receive $1.8 million in federal funding to build “Smart Containers.”

The funding comes as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act (HR 3222), which was signed into law by the President today.  Congressman McHenry requested the funding for Mariner Container Corp because of its important contribution to national security and economic development in Western North Carolina.

“This is great news for Caldwell County,” said Congressman McHenry.  “Not only does this project make America safer by significantly improving port security, it will also create hundreds, if not thousands, of new jobs.”

Based in Granite Falls, North Carolina, Mariner Container Corp. has been awarded the funding to produce “Smart Containers,” state of the art shipping containers equipped with tracking and payload communication features.

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.

Additionally, Smart Containers will result in significant cost-savings for the government due to their theft, loss, and damage mitigating capabilities.

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

“The project is an excellent opportunity to bring something back to the community and create jobs,” said Mariner Container Corp CEO Rick Lampe.  “This critical funding is a stepping stone to serving a real national security need and generating economic development in Caldwell County.”

“We’re on cloud nine,” said Caldwell County Commissioner Herb Green.  “We’ve hoped and wished for this for three years, and I know it wouldn’t have happened without Congressman McHenry’s hard work on our behalf.  This is a critical component of the 21st century economy we’re trying to build in Caldwell and an answer to our prayers.”

“This is very exciting news,” said Caldwell County Commissioner Faye Higgins.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for Caldwell County, and another example of how Congressman McHenry makes things happen for Western North Carolina.”

Congressman McHenry has worked closely with Marine Container Corp. to develop this project since June 2005.