Purdue Partnering With Italian Manufacturer
Purdue University is partnering with an Italian company that is establishing its North American headquarters in Anderson. The university says Italpollina is looking to create research and development partnerships as it builds its new facility next to the new Purdue Polytechnic Institute in the Madison County city.
Italpollina broke ground on its new headquarters in June and expects construction to be complete in the spring of 2017. The company produces organic fertilizers and specialty plant nutrition products.
"Purdue will be a great partner," said Luca Bonini, chief executive officer of Italpollina. "We are going to want to do this for the long term, not just a trial period. Purdue will be the focus of our development for the future. We are on the same page talking about development and openness. We have the right feeling with all the people at Purdue and the Flagship Center in Anderson."
Purdue officials broke ground on the Purdue Polytechnic Anderson facility last September. Corey Sharp, director of Purdue Polytechnic Anderson, says Italpollina’s presence in Anderson will benefit the institute’s students.
"We’re excited about the partnership and their facilities. Italpollina is highly automated," said Sharp. "Our students could have great internship and career opportunities there. We’re excited to see how technology and automation work in a different sector. Their facility will be the future of agriculture and science."
Italpollina announced in January it was investing $9 million to establish its Anderson operations. The company expects to employ 35 workers when operations are underway.