Commercialization, manufacturing center

Hammond, Indiana – Designed to be a catalyst for regional economic development and technological transfer, the Purdue University Calumet Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center opened its doors, Thursday, April 30, 2015.

Grand opening festivities included a program followed by tours. The center is located four blocks west of campus at 7150 Indianapolis Blvd.

“This center will enable Purdue Calumet and ultimately Purdue University Northwest to positively impact regional economic development by advancing new manufacturing opportunities through state-of-the-art training and transfer of the latest technology,” Purdue Calumet Chancellor Thomas L. Keon said. “It also provides a venue for commercialization of new business ideas.”

Two phases of development
The innovative, 18,000ft² center offers two components of development. Thanks to a gift from Purdue Calumet alumnus David A. Roberts, chairman, president and CEO of Carlisle Companies Inc., and his wife, Susan, and matching support from Carlisle, one component will emphasize product and prototype development and cutting edge training for manufacturing companies of all sizes.

When making his gift to Purdue Calumet in 2013, Roberts said, “…We need schools like Purdue University Calumet to educate and train the next generation of engineers, engineering managers, manufacturing managers and executives…”

The center’s other component will serve to help local entrepreneurs and employers advance new commercialization ideas to market in response to current needs and new industries of tomorrow.

Faculty expertise, experiential learning for students
University faculty will lend their expertise and insight to both phases. Students also will benefit from hands-on, real world experiential learning opportunities occurring with center clients.

“Our center will cater to the needs of regional industry with activities pertaining to innovation, advanced manufacturing training and solutions to improve products, processes and productivity,” Center Executive Director Niaz Latif, also dean of Purdue Calumet’s College of Technology, said.

Facilities for training, entrepreneurs
Training facilities will emphasize workforce development in advanced manufacturing for achieving technological solutions and entrepreneurship.

Short-term space also will be available for entrepreneurial community clients and employers to design, develop and test prototypes for innovative initiatives.

Hammond radio station WJOB (1230-am) has partnered with Purdue Calumet by relocating its broadcasting and streaming media operations to the center, while also instructing and employing university student interns and alumni. 

Other information about the Purdue University Calumet Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center can be obtained by phoning 219.989.3251 or emailing cmec@purduecal.edu

Source: Purdue University Calumet