Gentex Corporation Hosts U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright at Rancho Cucamonga Facility, Highlights Role of IBAS Funding in Driving Innovation and Job Creation

CARBONDALE, PA, September 16th, 2024 – Gentex Corporation, the global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel, was pleased to welcome U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright to its facility in Rancho Cucamonga, California for an exclusive tour of its advanced manufacturing operations.

During his visit, Rep. Cartwright toured the facility, gaining firsthand insight into the company’s operations, where life-saving equipment is manufactured for military and defense applications.

Cartwright, who represents residents of the 8^th Congressional District in Pennsylvania, has been a key advocate for Gentex and its digital manufacturing transformation at the company’s facilities in Pennsylvania and California. His support, particularly through the IBAS (Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Funding) program, has been instrumental in driving innovation and production advancements. One of the highlights of the tour was the demonstration of a state-of-the-art helmet production line, soon to be relocated to Gentex’s Pennsylvania facility to accommodate increased production of next-generation respiratory products in California. This strategic shift is expected to create new jobs while streamlining manufacturing processes and boosting efficiency across the board.

“Supporting companies like Gentex Corporation is critical for both our national security and regional economic growth,” said Representative Cartwright, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Ranking Member of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee. “I was thrilled to learn that Gentex is transitioning one of their state-of-the-art helmet production lines from California to Carbondale, which means jobs and more economic growth for our district and future growth for Gentex’s California facility. Their commitment to innovation and job creation is a testament to what can be achieved when the right federal programs, like the IBAS initiative, are in place. I’m proud to advocate for the continued growth of our defense industrial base and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country.”

“Gentex Corporation has benefited greatly from industrial base funding, not only here in California but also at our Pennsylvania facility,” said L.P. Frieder III, president and chief executive officer of Gentex Corporation. “Federal funding programs like IBAS are critical in helping us optimize manufacturing capacity and meet both current and future requirements for our customers. We’re grateful for Representative Cartwright’s ongoing advocacy and support.”

The visit underscored the importance of federal programs that support the U.S. manufacturing base, ensuring that companies like Gentex can continue to provide high-quality, mission-critical products while creating jobs and driving economic growth. Gentex operates across several locations, with each playing a vital role in the manufacturing process of their products, and Cartwright’s commitment to the industry has been pivotal in sustaining this effort.

About Gentex Corporation

With a history of innovation that spans 130 years, Gentex Corporation is a leading supplier of products that advance personal protection and situational awareness for global defense forces, emergency responders and industrial personnel operating in high-performance environments. Our portfolio includes helmet system platforms, hearing protection and communications products, and capability upgrades for defense and security forces sold under the Gentex and Ops-Core brands, as well as PureFlo industrial respiratory protection systems. Privately held, Gentex is headquartered in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, and supports its global customers through a worldwide distributor network and facilities in the U.S., the U.K. and Australia.