Purdue News

July 16, 1999 Rolls-Royce and Purdue form strategic partnership WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- The Rolls-Royce facility in Indianapolis, which designs, develops and manufactures gas turbine engines and components, has formed a strategic technology partnership with Purdue University. The partnership will provide opportunities for Purdue faculty and Rolls-Royce staff to collaborate on research. It also provides a vehicle for internships, cooperative study programs and other hands-on student opportunities, and it will encourage the recruitment of Purdue graduates. "Because the major Rolls-Royce facility in North America is located in Indiana, this partnership with Purdue is helping to create, grow and maintain high-tech job opportunities within the state," said John Schneider, Purdue's assistant vice president for industry research and outreach. "Anything Purdue can do to support the state's economy by helping Indiana companies maintain their competitiveness, we will do." Rolls-Royce will have access to Purdue research facilities, faculty and student expertise, customized technical training and executive education programs, and improved manufacturing technology and processes through joint projects. "Since we operate in a global market, it is increasingly important that we maintain a well-educated and well-trained work force," said David Quick, manager of research and development customer requirements for Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis. "Our partnership with Purdue will help ensure our competitiveness in an industry that is constantly changing." The Rolls-Royce partnership is the latest in a series of similar agreements between Purdue and companies such as the meter division of Siemens Power Transmission and Distribution, equipment manufacturer Caterpillar, and biotech company Bioanalytical Systems. Purdue schools initially involved in the Rolls-Royce partnership are aeronautics and astronautics; mechanical engineering; and electrical and computer engineering. Purdue programs key to the agreement are the Cooperative Education, Technical Assistance, and Technical Information Services programs, and the Center for Career Opportunities. Sources: John Schneider, (765) 494-5532; jas@purdue.edu Scott Cooper, communications specialist, Rolls-Royce Allison, (317) 230-4804; scott.d.cooper@allison.com Writer: Jeanine Smith, (765) 496-3133; jeanine_smith@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page