Purdue University and Rittal Open New Engineering Technology Labs

Purdue University and Rittal, a global manufacturer of industrial enclosures and IT infrastructure, have opened two new technology and automation labs on the university's campus in West Lafayette, Indiana. The facilities, inaugurated on Tuesday, are designed to provide students with hands-on experience in industrial automation, electrical design, and digital manufacturing tools.

This initiative is part of an expanded five-year collaboration with Rittal and its sister company, Eplan. The partnership aims to strengthen the talent pipeline and prepare students for careers in advanced smart manufacturing. The labs connect digital engineering processes with physical industrial infrastructure, mirroring the integrated workflows increasingly used in modern production environments.

Daniel Castro, dean of Purdue Polytechnic Institute, highlighted that the labs offer students critical tools and processes applicable across various technology-focused industries. The collaboration aims to create a seamless path from design to production, enhancing graduates' readiness for the workforce.

Rittal and Eplan, both part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, are committed to advancing education through integrated workflows. The partnership extends beyond the labs to include scholarships, internships, and joint research initiatives, further solidifying the link between academia and industry.