There’s not much more Purdue can do to increase its reputation in the field of aerospace engineering and research, but creating a 980-acre tech park certainly doesn’t hurt.
President Mitch Daniels, also chairman of the Purdue Research Foundation, announced on Tuesday the foundation’s decision to purchase property and facilities surrounding the University Airport, Zucrow Laboratories and Lafayette Aviation. Known as the aerospace district, the newly acquired property will host research and development facilities, both public and private, to provide more learning opportunities at Purdue and increase jobs in the community.
“The Purdue Research Park Aerospace District will be one of the most comprehensive and important enterprises we have undertaken. The end result will be a world-class park of additional educational, research and commerce opportunities for Indiana residents and Purdue students,” said Daniels according to Purdue News Service.
Purdue has been on a campaign in recent years to establish its place as a top university for aerospace engineering research and education. The school of aeronautics and astronautics within the College of Engineering, ranked fourth in its undergraduate program and sixth in the graduate program by the U.S. News & World Report, is catching the attention of state lawmakers such as Indiana Representatives Randy Truitt and Sheila Klinker, who support the expansion.
“We also will be able to grow in the business areas of fuel sales, aircraft maintenance and flight training,” said John Wensveen, head of the department of aviation technology in a report by Purdue News Service. “As part of this initiative, we plan to provide certificate programs to industry in partnership with the business project.”
Victor Smith, the Indiana Secretary of Commerce, said the newly acquired space will support investments for high-tech and high-paying jobs for Indiana residents in the long-term.
“This tech park is uniquely situated next to a major research institution, which will provide another reason for our recent college graduates to stay in Indiana,” said Smith.
The aerospace district and will work alongside the other four research park locations already established with more than 260 companies and 4,500 employees.
“Purdue researchers have patented technologies to improve engines, sensors, propulsion systems, blade designs, composite materials – it’s a deep bench of innovations to advance aerospace design and development,” said Dan Hasler, president of the Purdue Research Foundation.
