State money to improve climate chambers at Natick Labs

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http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/article/20150805/NEWS/150808159/0/breaking_ajax

State money to improve climate chambers at Natick Labs
By Brian Benson/Daily News Staff
Posted Aug. 5, 2015 at 7:55 PM

NATICK - Thanks to $900,000 in state money, Natick Soldier Systems Center is gearing up for a project to enhance its Doriot Climatic Chambers and reduce energy use and costs.

The money comes from a $177 million military bond bill and is being overseen by MassDevelopment, the state's economic development and finance agency.

The Doriot Climatic Chambers includes two large chambers and two smaller rooms. Workers can simulate weather conditions around the world in a controlled environment. Researchers can see how products stand up to the elements and conduct other experiments. The large chambers are more expensive to operate and the space is not needed for all research. This project will allow Natick Soldier Systems Center to bring the two smaller rooms back on-line, according to information provided by the U.S. Army facility.

“I am grateful for the commonwealth's enduring support of our soldier-focused mission," Brig. Gen. William Cole, Natick Soldier Systems Center’s senior commander, said in a statement. "MassDevelopment's generous gift to upgrade the (Doriot Climatic) Chambers will enhance our existing capability, as well as generate new collaboration opportunities with leading university and industry researchers who may also use the facility through test services agreements.”