Rolls-Royce moves into new jet engine facility in Indiana

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - After over two years of planning and construction, Rolls-Royce has moved into a new jet engine facility in Indiana.

The 55,000-square-foot building is the first occupant of the Pursue Research Park Aerospace District in West Lafayette, a city nearly 70 miles northwest of Indianapolis, The Lafayette Journal & Courier (http://on.jconline.com/2mzdsiu ) reported.

The park is part of Purdue University's planned $1 billion development district that aims to transform the campus' west side over the next 20 years.

"A mayor generally gets excited when new development comes to their communities, but when something like Rolls-Royce comes to your communities it is the cliché of a game-changer," Dennis said at the dedication ceremony for the facility Thursday. "Being able to have that iconic sign at one of your gateways is worth more than any commercial you could ever have."

Rolls-Royce will use about 60 percent of the new facility to design, develop and test jet engine components while collaborating with faculty at the university.

Purdue Research Foundation president Dan Hasler says the endeavor to partner for this facility began less than three years ago, when Rolls-Royce officials mentioned they were having trouble accessing facilities in other parts of the U.S.

"Purdue is a critical partner for us," said Marion Blakey, CEO and president of Rolls-Royce North America. "Together, we'll work on ways to make the best engines in the world even better, more powerful, more efficient, more environmentally friendly."

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Information from: Journal and Courier, http://www.jconline.com