ORONO -- Maine manufacturers with homeland security applications gathered this morning at the University of Maine to display their products for U.S. Republican Sen. Susan Collins and Jay Cohen, the under secretary of Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security.

The visit to the University of Maine was at the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center, which is known for its work developing blast-resistant material that can be used in tents and temporary buildings used by the military in the field.

Among the products displayed by the 18 companies were biometric ID products, hand-held chemical detectors, digital maps, boat hull designs and threat-detection software. Some of the groups already have contracts with the Department of Homeland Security, while others said their products could be used by first responders and others involved in homeland security.

The group toured the wood composites center, noting the blast resistant panels, which can also be used to line shipping containers. Another project involves making lightweight shipping containers that make tampering easy to detect.

The group also discussed the center's research into wrapping new composite materials around existing concrete columns, such as those used in bridge and freeway construction, to extend the life of the structures.

"This is the future. This is exciting," Cohen, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, told the gathering.

Collins, the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, praised the group for their work.

"This is a remarkable gathering of the most creative and innovative people," she said. "It's vital that the Department (of Homeland Security) remain engaged with the high tech community."