VP For Research

Economic Development Report

[ Back ]

Economic Development Report
Dr. Melvin C. Ray, Associate Vice President for Economic Development

Mississippi State University continues to be an economic development engine for the state. Working closely with the federal delegation, elected officials at state and local levels, and economic development organizations, the university is assisting existing businesses, recruiting new technology-based companies, and encouraging spin-off campanies. The goal is to help attract and create more high wage jobs in Mississippi.

1. Companies recruited

a. An aerospace company will be housed on a temporary basis in MSU's Aerospace Technology Development facility.
Impact: 30 jobs

b. A second aerospace company will be located in the Raspet Flight Center starting in December 2006 and will manufacture UAV's.
Impact: Initially, 20 jobs

c. A Midwest-based software / IT solutions company announced its plan to open an operation in Starkville on November 21. The location of the office will be the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park.
Impact: 10 jobs

d. II-VI Inc. has presently located a small silicon carbide disc fabricating unit with six employees in the Powe / Semi South building in the Research Park. Their goal is to grow to 50 employees by 2008, with a new 28,000 sq. ft. building completed in the same year.
The company anticipates bringing on line four additional production facilities over the next eight years.

e. Clear Orbit, a software development company, has moved into the modular building adjacent to HPCC in the research park.
Impact: 6 jobs currently with a goal of 21 in the near future.

f. A California high tech company will announce that they will be coming to Starkville on December 7th and will manufacture fuel cells.
Impact: 20 jobs in 2007

2. Companies previously recruited to state because of Mississippi State University's strength in engineering.

American Eurocopter (employment to exceed 400 in 2006/2007)

3. Spin-off Companies

Below are university spin-off companies that were created through the Mississippi Universities Research Authority (MURA).

SemiSouth Laboratories*

*SemiSouth Laboratories located Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park. Initial operation 2001.
Impact - 49 jobs

4. Active Prospects

We have 5 strong high tech prospects that we are working closely with to bring them to the Golden Triangle.

5. Spec Building

Discussions are underway with a developer who wants to construct an office building in the research park. The goal is to have a contract in place by the end of 2006.

6. Research Park/North Farm

A leading research and technology park development consultant has been hired to guide the planning of the phase II expansion of the research park. A conceptual plan has been developed.