Ribbon cutting of advanced manufacturing research facility held at UTRGV

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Leaders and the community celebrated the grand opening of a newly renovated advanced manufacturing research facility at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

The $3 million state-of-the-art facility will be a hub for applied research and innovation done by students, faculty and researchers.

Leaders say the hands-on experience will help prepare students for the competitive manufacturing industry.

They will work alongside faculty and researchers in advanced manufacturing applications, energy systems and emerging technologies essential to workforce training and economic development.

Graduate Student Jorge Baron said he spends most of his time at the research facility, which is set to be operational 24 hours per day.

"I think a majority of the students here spend quite a while here, and it's fun. They're kind of like toys for us," Baron said.

Over 25 students are primarily involved in the research conducted at the facility.

One of the first projects set to take place at the new facility involves integrated energy systems.

The goal is to create a more balanced energy solution as opposed to solar energy or wind energy.

The building is expected to drive economic growth through research, federal grants and industrial contracts.