Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 20, 1990 TAG: 9003202384
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY BUSINESS EDITOR
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Products made at ITT "are right on the forefront of high technology," the Republican senator told about 100 ITT employees Monday.
The night-vision goggles made in Roanoke County saved lives of U.S. helicopter pilots during the invasion of Panama in January, he said.
Warner had complimented Richard Lewis, ITT division president, for the goggles in an airport news conference in late January but came back to speak to employees and make a quick tour of ITT and its sister, Alcatel Cable Systems, an optical fiber plant.
"I am confident the work you are doing will be maintained in the Army's main-line, high-tech program," while less emphasis will be placed on conventional tanks than in other countries, he said.
Warner appeared certain the goggles program would continue. He said he also is working with 9th District Rep. Rick Boucher on business for the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and is optimistic about the future of the rocket propellants plant.
"We have to make it clear that everything we buy is really needed," said the ranking Republican member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee.
Warner said he fully supports President Bush's "strong military program." The Soviet Union, while turning away from communism, still has "the most formidable conventional weapons around."
Despite the surge toward democracy in East Europe, other potential threats such as North Korea and China require that the U.S. maintain a strong military force, the senator said.
After the brief talk, Lewis, ITT division president, said his company will learn within the next two weeks if its $100 million Army contract for night vision goggles will be renewed.
Since Virginia "is so heavily dependent on defense technology," Warner said, "it seems to be a wise course of action to keep an old rascal around who knows some of the tricks of the trade." He has no Democratic opposition in his try for re-election this fall.
If no opponent emerges, Warner said he'll be fortunate because he can spend more time listening and learning and less time talking.
"If I had any authority, I'd declare a holiday" for the plant's work force, the senator said. Lewis had vetoed that suggestion in January, saying the plant is too busy to take a day off.
The plant, which has three daily shifts, 360 days a year, makes 150 night-vision tubes every day. The devices cost up to $10,000 for the most expensive model.
by CNB