Purdue Aerospace Facility Close to Opening
Purdue Research Park President Dan Hasler hands the keys to David Waggoner of Rolls-Royce. (photo courtesy Purdue University)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOfficials from Purdue University have formally presented Rolls-Royce Corp. with the keys to a new facility at the Purdue Research Park Aerospace District. The Purdue Technology Center Aerospace building, set to open in March, will house of some Rolls-Royce research and development activities.
Rolls-Royce is the first tenant of the building, which was announced in September 2015, and will occupy about 60 percent of the 55,000 square-foot space. Purdue says the Rolls-Royce will use the facility mainly for new builds and the design, development and testing of jet engine components, among others.
"Besides research and development, this facility presents a fantastic opportunity to look at alternative fuels and other potential use cases around fuel pump capabilities," said Brad Swearingen, director of controls engineering in North America for Rolls-Royce. "We also plan to utilize the facility for qualification ability to really change the game for our North America business by moving test capabilities internally."
Purdue adds the facility will assist Rolls-Royce in collaborating with university researchers through corporate partnerships and recruiting talent from a pool of Purdue student interns and graduates.
"This facility presents a lot of opportunity, including giving us an even stronger presence and name recognition with students on Purdue’s campus," said Kyle Jaggers, technical lead of control systems for Rolls-Royce. "During the most recent Industrial Roundtable career fair at Purdue there was a great sense of interest among students about the new facility, so I look forward to seeing that interest strengthen and see opportunities for Purdue students and alum come to fruition."
The building is open to additional companies interested in aerospace and aviation development, according to Purdue. Officials are scheduled to celebrate the opening of the facility on March 24.