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July 11, 2005 Volume 30, Issue 1 |
Partnership to create new industry here
A new partnership announced July 6 between Mississippi State and United Kingdom-based AEA Technology will establish a research and development facility to produce portable power systems in support of space, defense and homeland security missions.
Initially to be located in the university’s Diagnostic Instrumentation and Analysis Laboratory, AEA Technology Battery Systems anticipates developing a more permanent facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport east of campus.
DIAL, as it’s usually known, is among facilities located in the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, adjacent to campus.
“AEA is an international company with several U.S. sites, and we’re delighted that they will expand research, development and manufacturing operations into Mississippi,” said President Charles Lee.
One of the United Kingdom’s leading technology companies, AEA Technology was privatized in 1996 from a former government agency, the Atomic Energy Authority. It now employs 2,700 people across 50 locations worldwide, in three major divisions: rail, environment and portable power.
“The latter will be the focus of the new MSU alliance.” said group finance director David Lindsay.
Lindsay said AEA has developed a world-leading reputation in advanced power solutions, including lithium-ion cells, battery packs and chargers for highly demanding environments such as the defense, space, aerospace, and marine markets.
“The company’s lithium-ion technology is particularly appropriate for the future power requirements of military users,” he observed, adding, “Power on the battlefield has become a critical issue in an increasingly digitally dependent fighting force.”