PORT ANGELES — Magna Force is building a new magnetic exhibition track at its main office near William R. Fairchild International Airport, according to officials who have been briefed on the project.
The 14-year-old Port Angeles company has repeatedly declined to comment.
The first phase of the three-phase project involves the construction of a 260-foot-long track, according to a construction permit approved by the city of Port Angeles on June 28.
The final length of the track is unclear.
State Department of Commerce Director Rogers Weed, who spoke to Magna Force President Karl “Jerry” Lamb about the project Monday while visiting Port Angeles, said he was impressed by the company’s use of magnetic levitation to move cargo.
“If it achieves the kind of potential it looks like to me, he could end up with a very large business out of this,” he said.
Weed toured the Magna Force site with Port Angeles City Manager Kent Myers, also a Clallam County Economic Development Council executive.
Rotmark and Weed said the track is meant to demonstrate the technology, which uses magnetic coupling devices to eliminate friction, to potential customers.
The track is under construction. It’s unclear when it is expected to be completed.
Magna Force already has a smaller 40-foot-long demonstration track.
Weed said he was able to move a one-top piece of cargo on that track with the use of one arm.
“It’s just a testament to when you take all the friction out of something how little energy it takes to move a huge amount of weight,” he said.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
