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Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2007

For further information:
Liz Wilson, Ben Franklin Technology PArtners CNP
814-898-6650
lizwilson@psu.edu

LOCAL COMPANIES WIN $200,000 TO GO “FROM PAPER TO PLASTIC”

ERIE, PA – Ben Franklin Technology PArtners of Central and Northern Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the winners of its Plastics Industry Research and Development Initiative. Two companies, which are located in Erie, Pennsylvania, will each receive $200,000 over the next 18 months to complete their R&D projects.

The R&D competition, sponsored by Ben Franklin and the Plastics SourceNet, was designed to create employment opportunities and stimulate growth in the plastics sector. Applicants submitted a proposal outlining a concept for an improved manufacturing method, the development of a new product, or improvements to existing products. A panel of industry-related experts reviewed the proposals and chose the two winners.

The NaviTek Group, formerly JT Automation, is engaged in the design and development of a medication delivery unit (MDU), which has more than 200 machined and fabricated components that must be re-engineered from metal to plastic. If successful, this project will create roughly 60 employment opportunities at NaviTek and will likely generate additional jobs at the companies that are chosen to provide the molds and the electronic circuit boards. For more information see www.navitekgroup.com

Steve Brawley, President/CEO of Ben Franklin, commented, “The plastics industry represents a major employment sector in the state and is a critical component of the Commonwealth’s economic vitality. Our Board of Directors made a solid commitment to this competitive initiative in order to help create even more opportunities in this industry. Congratulations to both of the winning companies.”