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The EIGERlab hosts the creative
commercial uses of advanced manufacturing
technologies, such as micro-machining. It
brings to Rockford the mechanical and
industrial engineering expertise of Northern
Illinois University, Northwestern
University, University of Illinois (Urbana),
and Alion Science and Technology.
Researchers from these organizations, in
conjunction with engineers and technicians
from area companies, develop prototypes
of precision manufacturing systems and
devices; conduct field tests and process
evaluations; and demonstrate the efficacy of
these to the Department of Defense and
potential commercial users in the region.
FAQs
What is the
EIGERlab
?
The EIGERlab
is a newly-created (2004) research and
development center at 605 Fulton Avenue in
Rockford. Scientists and
researchers from three Illinois universities
and Alion Science and Technology use the EIGERlab to study advanced
manufacturing technologies, such as
micro-machining. Start-up assistance
for entrepreneurs and incubator space for
new businesses is available in the
facility.
What is the
purpose of the
EIGERlab?
The EIGERlab
is intended to develop new manufacturing
technologies and then turn these into new
companies and jobs.
Who is involved in the
EIGERlab?
There are many participants, including Rock
Valley College, Northern Illinois
University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Northwestern University, Alion Science and
Technology, City of Rockford, State of
Illinois (Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity), Rockford Area
Economic Development Council, Illinois
Technology Development Alliance, Rockford Area Ventures,
Abilities Center, and numerous private
manufacturers. Other organizations and
businesses are welcomed to participate in
activities at the lab.
Are
the EIGERlab
university partners only involved in
research?
No. The EIGERlab will provide
resources for advanced-manufacturing
education and workforce development
programs, in addition to technical research.
In the future, for example, Northern
Illinois University will be working at the
EIGERlab with area public schools to
provide pre-professional awareness programs
for students and related teacher-training
activities.
How many people will be
employed at the site?
Approximately 30
persons will be working at the EIGERlab
on a weekly basis. Special events
and programs attract 1,500
participants on an annual basis.
What does the word "EIGER" mean?
EIGER is an acronym for "Edson Ingersoll
Gaylord Education & Research". Gaylord
was the long-time president of the Ingersoll
Milling Machine Company in Rockford and a
leader in the field of advanced
manufacturing research. The use of "EIGER"
honors his memory. Eiger (lower-case
letters), of course, is also the name of a
mountain peak in the Alps that is popular
with climbers. The Eiger peak
signifies a pinnacle of Advanced
Manufacturing.
What exactly
is the relationship between the EIGERlab
and Ingersoll?
Ingersoll
Machine Tools, Inc. is an investing partner
and involved in the EIGERlab in
different ways: 1.) It will act as the
landlord, providing offices, laboratory
space, and experimental equipment. 2.)
It is the individual recipient of funding
from the National Institute for Standards
and Technology (NIST) for micro-machining
research that will be conducted in the
EIGERlab. Ingersoll
submitted a competitive grant proposal to
NIST in 2002. The company was notified
this spring that the proposal had been
approved.
Where is the
money for the
EIGERlab
coming from?
Approximately
$5.65 million will be coming from the
Federal Government (Department of Defense,
NIST, and the Small Business Administration)
and $1.6 from the State of Illinois.
Why
is the EIGERlab
needed?
The Rockford
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has lost
more than 13,000 manufacturing jobs since
2001. The EIGERlab is a method to help the Rockford area grow new
businesses in emerging fields of
manufacturing technology. It will
contribute to the revitalization of
enterprise in northern Illinois
and help to spawn new technology-based
businesses.
How
do I use the
services at the
EIGERlab?
There are a number of ways to contact the
EIGERlab.
Phone:
(815) 965-ELAB
E-mail:
info@eigerlab.org
How
is EIGERlab
funded?
See: Funding |
