DAYTON, Ohio, April 15 (UPI) -- Ground was broken on a new research and development center in Ohio for advanced power starter/generation, conversion and distribution technologies.
The $51 GE Aviation Episcenter is being built on the University of Dayton campus in Dayton, Ohio.
"GE's new R&D center will be the southern anchor to the Ohio Aerospace Hub of Innovation and Opportunity," said Lorraine Bolsinger, president and CEO of GE Aviation Systems. "This location and future facility will help all stakeholders in attracting high-caliber engineering talent."
The University of Dayton is working with CityWide Development Corp. to build the facility to GE's specifications. GE is finalizing a long-term lease agreement with the University of Dayton and CityWide.
The 120,000-square-foot facility is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2012 and operational by the end of 2012.
"Without a doubt, it's extraordinary for a Fortune 100 corporation to build a multimillion-dollar research facility on a college campus in today's economic climate," said Daniel J. Curran, president of the University of Dayton. "Our researchers will work side by side with GE scientists and engineers to develop electrical power systems and technologies.
"The applications are numerous -- from next-generation power systems for aircraft to longer-range electric cars. Even smarter utility power grids for more efficient delivery of electricity."
The center will be in close proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the University of Dayton Research Institute and will provide significant new support to the Air Force Research Labs and the University of Dayton.
