In 2009, Governor Strickland named Dayton as the Ohio Aerospace Hub of Innovation-It was an effort to promote the aerospace research in the area and to create jobs. Now, GE Aviation is partnering with the hub. It's called the Electrical Power Integrated Systems Research and Development, or EPISCENTER. Its focus is on making power systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, electric ships and aircraft and smarter power grids.
Officials at GE Aviation say Dayton is the right place for their new center because of its proximity to Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the University of Dayton Research Institute. Also, the project was helped by a 7.6 million dollar grant by the Ohio Third Frontier Program.
The state of Ohio said in March it could mean 100 to 200 jobs in the long term, depending on the growth of the initiative.
The 51 million dollar center will be built on about 8 acres on the University of Dayton's campus. It's expected to be operational by the end of 2012.