York College of PA Knowledge Park’s first tenant to house research project funded by Manufacturing Innovation PA

About the image: from left standing, Oscar Winters, Associate Director of Entrepreneur Programs and Engagement; Ken Martin, Assistant to the President for Capital Projects and Facility Utilization; Jeff Vermeulen, Assistant Vice President for External Relations and Executive Director of the Knowledge Park; Rich Wurzbach, President and CEO of MRG Labs; seated, York College President Pamela Gunter-Smith.

York College of Pennsylvania’s Knowledge Park has acquired its first tenant, MRG Labs’ Tribology Research Center, which will house a research project funded through the Manufacturing Innovation PA Program.

The Knowledge Park is located on York College’s campus adjacent to the Codorus Creek and Rail Trail, and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet the needs of modern businesses. It offers partners the ability to innovate and collaborate with students and faculty, making it the ideal location for MRG to locate their newly created Tribology Research Center.

"We are delighted that MRG is creating their new Research Center at Knowledge Park. Their commitment to innovation and proven track record of meaningful student engagement aligns perfectly with our vision for the types of relationships suited for Knowledge Park," said Jeff Vermeulen, Assistant Vice for External Relations and Executive Director of York College’s Knowledge Park. “The DCED funded Manufacturing PA Innovation research project will thrive in the new Center, and is indicative of the type of public/private innovation we aim to cultivate at Knowledge Park.”

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced last week a grant award of $69,190 from their Manufacturing Innovation PA Program for an ongoing research project being conducted at York College. The project will be housed in the new Tribology Research Center, and involves industry partners MRG Labs and Airline Hydraulics, faculty Principal Investigator Dr. Greg Foy, junior Computer Engineering major Andrew Mott of Dillsburg, and senior Mechanical Engineering major Josh Hall of High Point, N.C. Their research focuses on making co-bots more efficient and mobile in a laboratory environment, with the potential to positively impact manufacturers and their processes across the Commonwealth.

Rich Wurzbach, President and CEO of MRG Labs, expressed excitement about the new agreement. "We are thrilled to be housing our new Tribology Research Center at Knowledge Park. The location, facilities, and ability to engage YCP students and faculty are ideal for our business needs, and we believe it will help us to grow and thrive in the coming years."