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Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley (left) and Pacific Engineering, Inc. Cut the Ribbon on New Roca Facility 

Nebraska-based composite engineering and manufacturing firm Pacific Engineering, Inc. (PEI) cut the ribbon today on a 20,000-square-foot expansion to its R&D and production facilities in the village of Roca. The expansion is expected to result in 20 new jobs, more than doubling the facility’s current workforce.

PEI products are utilized by branches of the U.S. military, including Naval Sea Systems Command and the Marine Corps Systems Command, and are created using cutting-edge materials designed to be light weight and durable.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning.

“Pacific Engineering’s achievements exemplify the success and economic growth we, as a state, can expect to achieve when you combine Nebraska innovation, our world-class workforce, business-friendly communities and support to help businesses succeed,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) were also on hand to congratulate PEI. The firm has successfully competed for over $7.4 million in federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) grants since 2011, which the State of Nebraska has matched with approximately $332,000. These funds have helped PEI complete R&D projects on behalf of the U.S. Navy.

“With the state funds we’ve received through DED, PEI has been able to supplement the Navy’s SBIR investment into our company, allowing us to reduce risk and accelerate our technological innovation, producing a greater return on investment,” said Dexter Myers, PEI vice president. “This has enabled us to create more jobs and boost our future production here in Nebraska.”

PEI’s State funding was provided under the Nebraska SBIR/STTR grant program — part of the larger Nebraska Business Innovation Act (BIA) grant portfolio. Administered by DED, BIA program funds are intended to support the success of Nebraska businesses and proliferate Nebraska-based technology and innovation.

“Since 2011, the Business Innovation Act has enabled our agency to provide focused, effective resources to help grow Nebraska’s early-stage businesses,” said DED Director Dave Rippe. “Their success leads to quality jobs, stronger communities and the growth of Nebraska industry. It’s a win-win for businesses and our state.”

More information about the Businesses Innovation Act or, specifically, the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grant program, can be found on the DED website at www.opportunity.nebraska.gov, or by contacting Nisha Avey, DED Innovation Consultant, at 402-471-1466 or nisha.avey@nebraska.gov.