Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and Orizon Aerostructures today announced a strategic alliance aimed at accelerating aerospace and defense manufacturing through integrated engineering, research and production capabilities. 

The collaboration combines Orizon’s award-winning advanced manufacturing capabilities with NIAR’s world-class expertise in engineering, research, testing, certification and digital transformation. Together, the organizations will support customers in accelerating product development, industrialization, production ramp-up and supply chain readiness.

As demand continues to grow across commercial aerospace, defense and space sectors, the partnership is focused on key industry challenges such as workforce development, production scalability, process optimization, qualification timelines and manufacturing innovation.

“By combining NIAR’s engineering and research capabilities with Orizon’s manufacturing expertise, we enable our customers to move from concept to production faster and with greater confidence,” said Charlie Newell, CEO of Orizon Aerostructures.

The partnership will enable initiatives to improve production readiness, reduce lead times, increase manufacturing throughput and strengthen the nation’s aerospace and defense industrial base.

“Kansas’ role as the Air Capital of the World depends on the strength and resilience of its supplier ecosystem,” said John Tomblin, Wichita State executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “This partnership strategically aligns NIAR’s research and engineering expertise with Orizon’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to strengthen that ecosystem, accelerate innovation and ensure the U.S. remains at the forefront of global aerospace and defense production.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence and advancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. aerospace and defense sector.

“This partnership between NIAR and Orizon Aerostructures strengthens Kansas’ role as the Air Capital of the World and reinforces our state’s global leadership in aerospace and defense,” said U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran. “By bringing together world-class research, engineering expertise and advanced manufacturing capabilities, this collaboration will create new opportunities for our skilled workforce and bolster the role Kansans play in aerospace and defense innovation and production.”

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Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 25,000 students between its main campus and the WSU Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student-centered and innovation-driven.

Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students. The National Science Foundation ranked WSU No. 1 in the nation for aerospace engineering R&D, No. 2 for industry- and defense-funded engineering R&D and No. 9 overall for engineering R&D.

The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

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The National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University provides research, testing, certification and training services support the aviation, defense and advanced manufacturing industries. NIAR’s mission is to strengthen university research capabilities; provide applied learning opportunities for students; and support the aviation and manufacturing industries – while driving innovation and prosperity for the community, region and state. Established in 1985, NIAR has a $400 million annual budget, 2,100 personnel and over 2 million square feet of laboratory and office space in six locations across Wichita, Kan., and one in Huntsville, Ala. www.wichita.edu/niar 

Founded in 2016 and based in the Midwestern United States, Orizon Aerostructures is an organically grown, vertically integrated, aerospace technology company manufacturing the largest, most complex structural components in the commercial aerospace, defense, and space markets. With a quality-first culture, Orizon combines decades of expertise, disruptive technologies, and state-of-the-art equipment to tackle the toughest challenges in aerospace. Orizon has been recognized for its quality record and has been presented with multiple awards for innovation, transparency, partnership and overall operating performance. As one of the most advanced manufacturing companies serving the broader aerospace and defense market, Orizon is “Building Something Unique.” More information can be found at  www.orizonaero.com.