United Tech Research Center
United Technologies Research Center (UTRC), a Connecticut-based research organisation, has announced a $75 million investment in an Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
The multi-million-pound financial injection followed the unveiling of its new and expanded $60 million ‘innovation hub’ and a $40 million investment in an Engine Compressor Research facility. All three facilities will be based on UTRC’s East Hartford campus.
UTRC, the global innovation division of United Technologies Corporation (UTC), is looking to accelerate the adoption of metal and polymer additive manufacturing technologies across UTC businesses. In the new Engine Compressor Research, UTRC and subsidiary Pratt & Whitney will work to develop and mature advanced compressor technologies for future commercial and military engines.
“Global innovation at UTC begins right here at the Research Centre in East Hartford,” said Dr. David Parekh, Corporate Vice President, Research, and Director, UTRC. “Today, we are unveiling a clear demonstration of UTC’s commitment to investing in the breakthrough technologies that will help shape our future.
“Since 1929, UTRC has served as a strategic partner to all UTC businesses, driving the newest and best advance in aerospace and commercial building technologies. This investment in our headquarters and our current and future innovators will allow us to remain global leaders for decades to come.”
The new innovation hub at UTRC boasts 185,000 square-feet of new and renovated office and laboratory space. Through UTRC’s collaboration with the State of Connecticut, and via the 2014 Connecticut Aerospace Reinvestment Act (CARA), the research organisation has been able to pledge $60 million towards the opening of the innovation hub. UTRC believes the investment, and subsequent facility, will enable it to expand its core capabilities in advanced materials, measurement sciences sensor technologies, environmental sciences, autonomous systems and human-collaborative robotics.
