May 2--Fraunhofer USA Inc., the American subsidiary of Germany's largest research and development organization, will receive the Merlin Excellence-in-Business Award 2007, which is presented by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest. The award is given for exceptional achievements in German-American business, especially innovative service or breakthrough technology, exemplary international business practices, and consistent creative management. Fraunhofer USA's notable achievements in 2006 included receipt of grants from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The MEDC grants will support the development of low-cost diode lasers for applications in automotive manufacturing and in homeland security; laser processing technologies for the packaging and assembly of alternative energy sources; laser joining of dissimilar materials for application in the fields of telecommunications and medical implant/device industries; and technology transfer of carbon-based-materials coating technology. The reaserch will be performed by the Fraunhofer Center for Laser Technology in Plymouth, Michigan, and the Fraunhofer Center for Coatings and Laser Applications located on the campus of Michigan State University.
"Being a non-profit corporation, Fraunhofer USA takes special pride in this honor. It recognizes the practical relevance of the applied research performed by our centers, and the importance of the support from their partners, sponsors, and industrial customers," said Vice President, Dr. William Hartman.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, May 4th, in Chicago.