GE partners with UD on high-tech future

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - You've probably noticed GE's EPI-Center going up at the corner of Stewart Street and Patterson Boulevard. It stands for Electric Powered Integrated Systems Center.

Inside the state-of-the-art labs, as many as 60 GE engineers will conduct world-class research on the next generation of military and civilian engines and the electrical systems that power them. All in collaboration with students from the University of Dayton's Research Institute.

"Our UD partner has lots of interest in working in hybrid power systems fuel-cell systems and more modern kinds of battery storage technology and this lab will have the tools to help engineers develop those things," explained Vic Bonneau, President of GE Electrical Power Aviation Systems.

GE's helping shape curriculum in the school of engineering so that students can be educated in things that will be important to this company to create new products for the future. Bonneau said the proximity to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Dayton's strong aerospace focus made UD the ideal partner.

Mickey McCabe, Executive Director of the University of Dayton Research Institute said the partnership will create new jobs while attracting great students to UD and possibly, help us become one of the six, highly-coveted UAS test sites being considered in 22 very competitive states.

The research labs should be operational in about a year, creating up to 150 additional jobs in five years.