Ortonville- On Wednesday U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich) announced that Ortonville based Technical Directions Inc. was selected to provide the turbojet engine-generator for the Loiter Attack Missile to be used in U.S. Army’s future combat systems. The $1.6 million deal is part of the Department of Defense appropriations bill and was approved by the House Appropriations Committee. The project is a joint venture with Raytheon and Lockheed Martin Corporation.
The measure is expected to be voted on in the full House next week.
TDI is owned by local Vern Brooks, who has more than 45 years experience in engineering and 33 years in technical and business management in several business sectors.
‘I’m excited and ready to direct the expansion of TDI from the technology development stage into the production phase of a military mission-critical engine system,? said Brooks. ‘The key to these engines is they are very small and very inexpensive’about 10 percent of the cost the missile. The engines, which are also easy to assemble will push a missile at 350 mph for about 100 miles.?
Manufacturing plans, said Brooks include production of up to 1,500 units per year and a growth plan of up to 7,000 per year.
‘We’re going to try to locate the production as close to Ortonville as we can. Directly the plant could employ up to 50 people but add the suppliers and another 200 jobs could be created.?