New lab buildings will support innovation and technology

The project includes construction of a 70,000ft² laboratory building to support high technology development and validation activities, with a focus on power electronics components for hybrid and electric vehicles, and a 10,000ft² utility building to support the utility needs of the existing East Lincoln Road complex. Both buildings are expected to be occupied and operational by the end of 2011. Infrastructure improvements at the Kokomo Morgan Street facility also will support the high-voltage requirements of the power electronics line. Delphi Electronics & Safety president, Jeff Owens, noted the significance of the project and acknowledged the transition that has occurred as the company responded to economic conditions. "Delphi is now well positioned for the future," he said. "We are stronger than ever and investing in our future. With this investment, Delphi Electronics & Safety is consolidating its Kokomo engineering team into two Kokomo locations — a corporate technology centre property and the manufacturing facility it opened earlier this year with the support of the US Department of Energy (DOE). "Our emerging power electronics business will be key to Delphi's direct participation in a number of emerging global markets for high efficiency energy products," Owens said, adding this includes everything from hybrid and electric vehicles to other 'green' power systems, like solar and wind powered systems that can power homes and businesses.