WICHITA, Kan., April 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit
AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] and Wichita State
University (WSU) today announced a new collaboration
agreement to accelerate the company's research and development
objectives and improve workforce training services.
The agreement establishes an innovative relationship for Spirit
with WSU through the National Institute for Aviation Research
(NIAR) and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU
Tech). Three areas of strategic focus will include: joint strategic
research projects, applied learning opportunities for WSU students
and improved workforce training services to meet the growing
demands of the aerospace industry.
"Strengthening our collaboration with WSU helps Spirit
accelerate our advanced research initiatives and improve training
opportunities for our workforce," said Spirit President and CEO
Tom Gentile. "As we grow our R&D
investment, this innovative relationship with NIAR and WSU Tech
multiplies the effectiveness of our own resources. This new level
of cooperation will have a lasting benefit to our company, the
university and the state of Kansas."
As part of the agreement, Spirit plans to lease space in the
Partnership Building 2 on WSU's Innovation Campus in Wichita to facilitate enhanced cooperation
with the university on projects such as advanced composites
R&D, rapid prototyping, product development and testing, and
additive manufacturing and design.
"This type of university/industry collaboration is exactly the
kind needed to strengthen the regional economy and prepare students
for careers in the aerospace and manufacturing industries," said
WSU President John Bardo. "It's also
a prime example of university research labs working in concert with
the workforce training capabilities of WSU Tech. Spirit's
commitment to accelerating its R&D initiatives by partnering
with the university will provide long-lasting benefits for the
company, the community and generations of students."
Spirit's previously-announced increased production rates on many
of its programs, along with the launch of growth initiatives in
fabrication and defense, are driving needs for a higher-skilled
workforce equipped for advanced manufacturing. Revamping the
workforce training model with WSU, together with other aerospace
manufacturers, will improve the pipeline of qualified workers
needed within the aviation industry.
On the web: www.spiritaero.com
On Twitter: @SpiritAero
About Spirit AeroSystems
Spirit AeroSystems
designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense
customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the
U.S., U.K., France and
Malaysia. The company's core
products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components
for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses
on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum
manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe. More
information is available
at www.spiritaero.com.
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SOURCE Spirit AeroSystems Inc.