Automotive Robotics Proving Labs Inc. and Purdue University
officials announced plans to open a nearly 50,000-square-foot engine
test facility and create 30 jobs in the Purdue Research Park of West
Lafayette.
“This
new facility supports Caterpillar by performing state-of-the-art
testing on engines that meet tough new emission and fuel economy
requirements.”
The
$10 million facility will be built on a 5-acre site in the Purdue
Research Park, north of Kalberer Road. A groundbreaking is scheduled for
late spring and the facility is expected to be complete and operational
in mid-2013. The structure will house several test cells and prototype
build areas that will facilitate testing and analysis of existing and
new engine designs for Caterpillar Inc. like the engines produced at the
company’s facility in Lafayette, Indiana. It will be owned and managed
by the Peoria, Ill.-based Automotive Robotics Proving Labs, a company
that specializes in the engineering services and natural gas and diesel
engine testing.
“We
are excited about expanding our relationship with Caterpillar on this
important project, and to develop a significant presence in the State of
Indiana,” said Ravi Gudapati, president of Automotive Robotics Proving
Labs. “This new facility supports Caterpillar by performing
state-of-the-art testing on engines that meet tough new emission and
fuel economy requirements.”
Indiana,
West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and Purdue Research Foundation
officials worked with Automotive Robotics Proving Labs and Caterpillar
representatives from Lafayette for several months to bring the facility
to the Greater Lafayette area.
“The
realization of this new facility epitomizes the strong commitment we
have to facilitating collaborations among industry and Purdue,” said
Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and COO of the
Purdue Research Foundation. “The project also will help leverage the
research and development strengths of Automotive Robotics Proving Labs.
They are the first high-tech company to build in the Phase 3 section of
Purdue Research Park. In addition to the five acres to be developed for
the facility, another five to 15 acres is available for future
expansions.”
The
725-acre Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette is the largest
university-affiliated incubation complex in the country. Earlier
development of Phase 1 and 2 in the park now supports about 160
companies and 3,200 jobs. Average annual wage for employees in the park
network is $63,000 annually.
“This
facility creates high quality jobs and opportunities for residents in
the Greater Lafayette area,” said John Dennis, mayor of West Lafayette.
Dan
Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the
Indiana Economic Development Corporation said the State of Indiana works
diligently to create an environment conducive to economic development.
“Automotive
Robotics’ decision to locate its newest facility in Indiana is
testament to the magnetic effect Indiana has on innovative companies,”
Hasler said. “With the collaborative efforts of many partners, Indiana
is able to provide the most advantageous business climate in the nation
for nurturing emergent companies.”
Source: Purdue University
