American Maglev Technology
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation technology |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Tony Morris, Kent R. Davey, Ph.D. |
| Headquarters | Amelia Island , United States |
Key people | Tony Morris (CEO), Jordan Morris (Vice President) |
| Products | Maglev technology for public transit applications |
American Maglev Technology (AMT), established in 1994 by Tony Morris and Kent R. Davey, Ph.D., is a privately held U.S. enterprise focused on the development of maglev technology for public transit applications. The company’s main office is located on Amelia Island, Florida, having previously operated facilities in Marietta, Georgia and Volusia County, Florida. Leadership includes CEO Tony Morris and Vice President Jordan Morris.
AMT previously managed maglev demonstration tracks in Powder Springs, Georgia and earlier in Volusia County before relocating its operations. The firm has allocated more than $50 million towards research and development to enhance its transportation innovations.
History
Founded in 1994, American Maglev Technology initially operated a test track during the mid-1990s in Volusia County, Florida, which was discontinued around 2002. Prior to constructing the Old Dominion University maglev line in 2001, AMT proposed maglev projects to Virginia Tech and Virginia Beach, ultimately selecting Old Dominion University (ODU) due to its relatively short track requirements. After unsuccessful attempts to make the ODU maglev functional, AMT exited the project circa 2003. A new test track was established in Powder Springs, Georgia in 2006, followed by efforts to secure contracts in Pakistan around 2007. In 2012, AMT introduced a maglev proposal linking prominent locations within Orlando, Florida, with a subsequent plan in 2015 for a route connecting Port Canaveral, Florida. The company’s business registration in Georgia was revoked in 2019. By 2021, AMT had shifted its base to Florida and engaged in developing advanced cooling technologies for U.S. military aircraft through a collaboration with CFoam.
Proposed Maglev Systems
Below is a compilation of maglev routes suggested by AMT that were never constructed:
- From Orlando International Airport to the Orange County Convention Center in Florida
- Connecting Port Canaveral to the Port Cove Retail Area in Florida
- Between Georgia State Station and Turner Field in Georgia
- Linking Cobb County with Perimeter Mall in Georgia
- Within Virginia Beach, Virginia
- At Virginia Tech
Criticism
American Maglev Technology has been criticized for its inability to operationalize the maglev system at ODU despite a $16 million budget allocation, which included a $7 million state loan from Virginia that remained unpaid. The company also faced backlash after shutting down its Florida test facility, resulting in job losses, as well as for outstanding payments to contractors connected with the ODU project in 2002. These financial disputes led to lawsuits that were ultimately resolved through settlements.