Ingenuity - New Orleans City Business

MECO revisitedAll systems go on Cajun CanteenLast year’s Innovator of the Year winners,MECO, has seen its mobile water purificationsystem, the Cajun Canteen, pass allArmy testing, making the first unit readyfor field use in November.A New Orleans-based firm, MECO,signed a $40 million contract last yearwith the U.S. Army Tank andAutomotive Command to make 283Cajun Canteen units over the next fiveyears. Stephen Rome, Cajun Canteenproject manager, said funding from theDepartment of Defense has becomeavailable thus far for 40 units.“The Army takes a very deliberatetime to determine that the equipment isthe best it can be,” Rome said. “Theydon’t want to compromise on a productin any circumstance. They wanted tomake sure the product will work andthey can use it in the field.”The Cajun Canteen’s strength is itsmobility, weighing less than 2,000pounds and designed to fit in the back ofa Humvee or in an airplane. Rome saidthe Army tested the Cajun Canteen bydropping it by parachute in the field.The product also includes a generatorand can process seawater with a salinity of45,000 parts per million, making anyMECO has funding for 40 Cajun Canteens from the Department of Defense and other branches of the military have expressed interest in the compactwater purification unit. The first one will be ready for field use in November.source of water into drinking water. Romesaid a properly trained soldier could setup the Cajun Canteen in 45 minutes andproduce 125 gallons per hour using freshor brackish water and 75 gallons per hourusing high-salinity water.“We learned through the past year thatwe not only have to be concerned aboutthe quality of the product but also thequality of support for the product, likespare parts and product, repair and operatingmanuals,” Rome said. “We justneeded to have all the paperwork in place.There were really no major modificationsduring the past year of testing, just smallitems here and there.”Rome said the war in Iraq has increasedinterest in the Cajun Canteen, but contractsare hard to come by due to the strictbudget for the war. MECO has also hadsome inquiries from other branches of militaryservice and relief organizations.“I’m very pleased the Army will get usgoing and field these canteens because thisis equipment that soldiers need,” Romesaid. “Safe drinking water will always beuseful to combat troops in all areas andalso help civilians who are in contaminatedor disaster water environments.”— Tommy SantoraHEAD FOR HIBERNIAYou’ll notice we’re differentthe first time we talk with you.Starting with the fact that we actually talk with you.At Hibernia, we want to know more than your account number. We want to know your needs, your goals, your hopes.And we can help you achieve them! We provide you with greater access to your money with a vast ATM networkand online banking solutions such as Bank Online@Hibernia.com with Free Bill Pay. Hibernia offers a wide range ofproducts such as Completely Free Checking SM* , Home Equity Loans ** and Mortgage banking ** . We also haveknowledgeable people who are eager to help you. If you’re not getting all this from your bank, head for Hibernia.3 EASY WAYS TO CONTACT US.Call 1-888-855-2265.A customer service representative will be glad to help you.Log On.Go to Hibernia.com for 24-hour banking information.Or Visit.Visit any conveniently located Hibernia banking office.© 2004 Hibernia National Bank, Member FDIC. *Customer purchases checks. $50.00 minimum opening deposit. Free small business Bill Pay is not intended for use by commercial or institutional clients with annual sales exceeding $10 million.**Normal credit qualifications apply.6A 2004 Innovator of the Year