Donaldson Co., a global manufacturer of filtration products, broke ground on a $15 million Material Research Center at its corporate campus in Bloomington, Minnesota.
“The secret to leading in the filtration market is having great filter media, and that’s enabled by having great scientific fundamentals,” said Michael Wynblatt, vice president and chief technology officer, during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This new Material Research Center will enable our continued growth and leadership in filtration innovation for years to come.”
Donaldson currently holds more than 1,800 active U.S. and international patents, has more than 100 technical laboratories and employs hundreds of engineers, scientists and technicians. R&D investments such as the Material Research Center help Donaldson attract the technical talent necessary for Donaldson’s success in innovation and commercialization of materials and technologies, according to the company.
“The investment in this facility supports our commitment to developing new materials, diversifying with new technologies and penetrating new markets to drive profitable, long-term growth,” said Tod Carpenter, Donaldson’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Donaldson has been a filtration solutions leader for over a century; this Material Research Center will help us maintain that leadership position well into the future.”
With the addition of the Material Research Center, Donaldson will add six researchers and engineers to the company’s headquarters population of 1,100 employees.
The architect for the planned 17,000-square-foot building is TKDA and the construction company is Gardner Builders. The center is scheduled to open in November.
