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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Automotive Robotics Plans $10 million Research And Manufacturing Facility In West Lafayette, Indiana

04/13/2012
Automotive Robotics Indiana Labs, a firm that provides electronics, engineering design and manufacturing services, plans to build a $10 million, 50,000 square foot, facility on 5-acres at Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette, Indiana.

The company provides emissions testing for engine original equipment manufacturers. Its new facility will house test cells and prototype build areas for engine testing.

"Automotive Robotics' decision to locate its newest facility in Indiana is testament to the magnetic effect Indiana has on innovative companies," said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "With the collaborative efforts of many partners, Indiana is able to provide the most advantageous business climate in the nation for nurturing emergent companies."

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Automotive Robotics Indiana Labs. up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $50,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The Tippecanoe County Commissioners and the city of West Lafayette will also support the project through additional incentives.

Automotive Robotics, which currently employs approximately 125 associates nationwide, plans to begin hiring about 30 engineering, management and technician associates to coincide with facility opening next year.

"We are excited about expanding our relationship with Caterpillar on this important project and to developing a significant presence in the state of Indiana," said Ravi Gudapati, chief executive officer of Automotive Robotics. "This new facility enables Caterpillar to perform state of the art testing in order to bring engines to market that meet tough new emission and fuel economy requirements."

"We know that Automotive Robotics was being recruited by other states and areas and we are pleased that they are moving into our community," said West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis. "The opening of this facility is the fruition of several months of collaboration and it creates high quality jobs and opportunities for residents in the Greater Lafayette area."

"The realization of this new facility epitomizes the strong commitment we have to facilitating collaborations among industry and Purdue," said Joseph B. Hornett, senior vice president, treasurer and chief operating officer of the Purdue Research Foundation. "The project also will help leverage the research and development strengths of Automotive Robotics. They are the first high-tech company to build in the Phase 3 section of Purdue Research Park."

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