I know the Norman Economic Development Coalition was pushing hard for a Advanced Manufacturing Center in UNP, which would create 400 jobs, but it has to do with the aerospace industry. It would be neat if UNP secured both the Advanced Manufacturing Center and new GE Oil & Gas Research Center, that area would really start booming, and new lifestyle center might finally break ground.

The only thing about the South OU location would be GE's stated intention to have access to OKC's labor force.

It still may be their choice, but it's pretty darn far from where the majority of people live in the metro.


Its one more reason why the University North Park location makes more sense IMHO.
It is several miles closer to the core of OKC.
This location will likely eventually have quick shuttle service to a nearby commuter rail station in north Norman.

It would be interesting to see GE back in OKC seeing they had a presence here
many years ago. In the 60's and 70's my father worked at the GE plant near
NW 39th and Portland. They did military communications and computer equipment.
My father developed the magnetic heads used in tape and disk drives. Pretty
exotic for the times given that "gigabytes" and "hard drives" are likely to be topics
of conversation at the dinner table these days!

There was quite a community of GE workers in NW OKC during that time.

One of the few times Portland, Or., is warmer than OKC. Might be in the 70's today.

The only thing about the South OU location would be GE's stated intention to have access to OKC's labor force.

It still may be their choice, but it's pretty darn far from where the majority of people live in the metro.

Steve now tweeted that Mayor Cornett was at the announcement, FWIW.

The only thing about the South OU location would be GE's stated intention to have access to OKC's labor force.

It still may be their choice, but it's pretty darn far from where the majority of people live in the metro.

Fair point, but it is not like Norman has a pop. of less than 100k. I believe the city of Norman has more than enough qualified applicants and enough choices in housing to those that would move here versus the short commute. The congestion heading south in the morning and north in the evening on 35 is negligible.

So the 125 high paying, high-tech jobs are just the beginning from what I can understan, correct? Seems like they expect their employment and facility to grow rather quickly here. That's a huge get for okc/metro.

Wow, I'm jealous of Norman, but it's good for them and the entire OKC metro. Great job OKC. Who says our economy is based completely on oil? ;)

Jack retired from GE over 10 years ago.

You are right...I should have known better LOL


So the 125 high paying, high-tech jobs are just the beginning from what I can understan, correct? Seems like they expect their employment and facility to grow rather quickly here. That's a huge get for okc/metro.

Not sure if they are planning on ramping it up even more once its up and running. With that in mind, I know the researchers at BP's research facility in Chicago make in the neighborhood of 200-250K, so this is much bigger than the employment number would indicate.

So the 125 high paying, high-tech jobs are just the beginning from what I can understan,



Hopefully a successful GE venture in Norman would lead to further expansion with other company’s locating a research facility in Norman.
If there is collaboration with OU this would be a huge step for OU’s AAU aspirations if they locate in Norman.
AAU membership for OU and the research dollars that would follow would help the entire state.

Good news. Nice to see a company with a global reach set up shop here.

Who says our economy is based completely on oil?

Is this an oil and gas research facility?

Hopefully a successful GE venture in Norman would lead to further expansion with other company’s locating a research facility in Norman.
If there is collaboration with OU this would be a huge step for OU’s AAU aspirations if they locate in Norman.
AAU membership for OU and the research dollars that would follow would help the entire state.

I do work with Battelle Institute in Columbus. Though they aren't part oF tOSU they have great synergy there and it keeps some great mind in Columbus. It also ties them to the other 40,000 engineers in the Battelle system and their labs. Such an association with OU would be fantastIc.

Hopefully a successful GE venture in Norman would lead to further expansion with other company’s locating a research facility in Norman.
If there is collaboration with OU this would be a huge step for OU’s AAU aspirations if they locate in Norman.
AAU membership for OU and the research dollars that would follow would help the entire state.

I do work with Battelle Institute in Columbus. Though they aren't part oF tOSU they have great synergy there and it keeps some great mind in Columbus. It also ties them to the other 40,000 engineers in the Battelle system and their labs. Such an association between GE and OU would be fantastIc.

I do work with Battelle Institute in Columbus. Though they aren't part oF tOSU they have great synergy there and it keeps some great mind in Columbus. It also ties them to the other 40,000 engineers in the Battelle system and their labs. Such an association between GE and OU would be fantastIc.This^ is exactly what I’m talking about
You obviously know more than I do. Please explain in further detail.

This is exactly what we should be striving for. OU in the AAU benefits the entire state.

Is this an oil and gas research facility?

That's what the news release says - Oil and Gas Research Center.

While 125 high-paying jobs is nothing to sneeze at, I still think people here aren't grasping what a huge "get" this is for OKC/metro. This type of O&G research is exactly the type of thing that almost every other company does *exclusively in Houston*. For GE to trust that they are going to be able to recruit some of the best and brightest STEM people in the country to the OKC Metro says that they believe in what is happening here. For us to get this lab is a far more meaningful statement on how far OKC has come than if Shell, for instance, opened a branch office here, even if the Shell office ultimately employed more people.

There are still many Oklahomans in the O&G business in the Houston area who would love to move out of that rat race and move home.
Attracting enough top talent shouldn’t be a major problem particularly if they locate in Norman.

AMAZING news for OKC! This does wonders for our image in louring more companies here!

GE to build energy research center in Oklahoma | News OK (http://newsok.com/110m-research-center-to-be-built-in-oklahoma-city/article/3779406)

I believe there's already a thread for this. http://www.okctalk.com/local-businesses/33656-ge-global-research-center-4.html#post632922

I don't think there is an official thread yet, because a location hasn't been selected. So, I'm not sure if it will get another thread in the Norman forum if they choose Norman, moved, or stay in general business thread. However, they might take it up with the former, you never know.

GE Global Research website already has Oklahoma City listed as one of it's locations.
GE Global Research (http://ge.geglobalresearch.com/)

Isn't GE Oil & Gas currently at SE 59th & Sooner? There is a big facility there. It's possible they locate on that site or nearby. But they specifically mentioned OU in the article so my bet is on Norman, either in the south campus research park or at the north end of UNP in between Rock Creek and Tecumseh.

Oklahoma City OKUSA : Locations : GE Global Research (http://ge.geglobalresearch.com/locations/oklahoma-city-ok-usa/)

They already have a video out to lure future employees!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NTzGKBmO9Ek

very impressive, good for okc!

This is big, but this can grow into something bigger, and this is a good start. Hopefully they don't follow the same path as Astellas in Norman, and locate way off is some secluded backwooded area. I never knew Astellas had a big research/manufacturing facility in Norman until I had to drive back there one day, crazy.

GE to build energy research center in Oklahoma | News OK (http://newsok.com/110m-research-center-to-be-built-in-oklahoma-city/article/3779406)

Some very good comments by the GE reps who were here. Unfortunately, our governor continues to exhibit her ineptness at public speaking. Hopefully she communicates better in private conversations.

Some very good comments by the GE reps who were here. Unfortunately, our governor continues to exhibit her ineptness at public speaking. Hopefully she communicates better in private conversations.

She communicated with 3 million dollars.

Is this an oil and gas research facility?I honestly don't know, I was just being sarcastic and really talking out of my ass on that one.


That's what the news release says - Oil and Gas Research Center.Is it strictly oil and gas, or is that part of it?

I'm trying to figure out how you came away with this impression after watching that video? No matter what side of the aisle you're on, this is a great get for the state and our governor certainly helped play a part in landing it.....your personal jab withstanding.


Some very good comments by the GE reps who were here. Unfortunately, our governor continues to exhibit her ineptness at public speaking. Hopefully she communicates better in private conversations.

Isn't GE Oil & Gas currently at SE 59th & Sooner? There is a big facility there. It's possible they locate on that site or nearby. But they specifically mentioned OU in the article so my bet is on Norman, either in the south campus research park or at the north end of UNP in between Rock Creek and Tecumseh.

The site on sooner is the GE Artificial Lift Global Headquarters. All production, engineering, marketing and mgmt happens there for our ESP, surface and control lines. They are part of the GE O&G platform, under drilling and surface.

We (AL specifically) will use this GRC to create new materials and use their labs to work on solutions to some of the more difficult application that no one has been able to crack into. Its huge that this center is being built here.

Yesterday, the CEO did not mention a specific site it was going to be, but only mentioned that they may work with both universities on some projects.

General Electric to build energy research center in Oklahoma | News OK (http://newsok.com/general-electric-to-build-energy-research-center-in-oklahoma/article/3779406)



ooops already posted

I'd be interested to know from anyone more familiar with the industry and research centers like this, if these facilities usually spawn more industry and investment locally. My impression is that these places are mostly, if not completely, for R&D. Do these R&D efforts often lead to more local manufacturing or even division spin offs that stay close to the location, or are they usually sent off to other locations?

Since GE is so huge with many manufacturing plants of all types, my guess would be that anything coming out of the R&D locations like this one would likely be integrated into existing facilities.

However, I could also see how R&D in one area would lead to more and more in and around the same facility.

I researched some of their other research centers that they have in China, Brazil, India, etc. And these are no run of the mill research centers. These are very nice, modern, and upscale developments, and designed for growth. I know one research center stated they started out with 275 engineers/scientist, but now they have 4,300! Moreover, listening to press conference yesterday, GE stated they anticipate more growth, and stated they never started a new research center that didnt grow tremendously, they also stated they wouldn't be suprised if this development influenced a industrial/office park development. Needless to say, this is a big deal, and they anticipate major growth, and a ripple effect for more development.

Here is a rendering of new GE research center in Brazil that is slated to begin soon:

3590

Reverse Innovation hits Harvard?s most influential list | GE Reports (http://www.gereports.com/reverse-innovation-hits-harvards-most-influential-list/)

Here is a rendering of new GE research center in Brazil that is slated to begin soon:

3590

Core to shore?

I was thinking the same thing, puting this research center in next to Central Park would really kick off the area, but unfortunately all the C2S planning in still in its infancy and I don't see GE waiting until planning is done. I wouldn't be surprised if this project ended up in the Quail Springs Corporate Office Park, it seems that is where all new developments ends up these days, I hope I am wrong though.

Yes, but the old airpark seems like a good area and controlled by a single entity. This would spur a true mixed use neighborhood where if the rest of it was developed as envisioned with living along the river, walking to work would be easy. Boating to downtown would be easy. Travel to airport quick and easy. Travel to Norman quick and easy. Views would be amazing. No trouble recruiting to that area.

Yes, but the old airpark seems like a good area and controlled by a single entity. This would spur a true mixed use neighborhood where if the rest of it was developed as envisioned with living along the river, walking to work would be easy. Boating to downtown would be easy. Travel to airport quick and easy. Travel to Norman quick and easy. Views would be amazing. No trouble recruiting to that area.

Funny you mention this site, but I was thinking the exact same thing just now after seeing the picture above. This would be an amazing way to jumpstart the Waterfront development and would be a great coup for OKC. I don't think it's likely, but man, it would be awesome if it located there.

Gut feeling this is going either on Memorial or at UNP in Norman. Mayor Cornett being at the announcement has me leaning more for NW OKC than Norman, but we'll see.

I don't see any problem with it going on Memorial. It's a very established area in terms of infrastructure and commercial offerings, as well as a residential. Lots of upper middle class to upper class neighborhoods in the area. Not everything has to be built downtown.

The problem with Memorial is that is is very far from Norman, and access to OU was one of their stated goals.

Listening to the press conference the CEO stated one of the reason they chose Oklahoma City was the concentration of universities in OKC will help recruitment. I don't think they just want to pick/cater from OU, but utilize all universities in the area. Puting the research center on the research campus at OU may send wrong message that they just want OU recruits, when you have universities like UCO & OCU to recruit from also.

I would think if OU campus was in the running for such a development, they would know by now, and somebody from the university would've been at the press conference like, David Boren, because this is a big deal.

They specifically named OU in their press release, no doubt due to it's prowess in geology, petroleum engineering, etc.

Doesn't mean the facility will be on the OU campus or in UNP, but I don't think it will be on Memorial, either.


GE is currently evaluating locations that will help the company capitalize on the renowned academic institutions, including the University of Oklahoma, as well as the skilled workforce in the Oklahoma City area.

Boren is close to this deal. I was at the Placemaking conference at OU yesterday and Boren and Cornett were late arriving because they were at the announcement with Gov Fallin. Why would he go if he isn't part of making it happen? Don't know that it means that it is going in Norman, but I believe OU and GE will have a very nice relationship...sort of like Battelle Institute and tOSU.

Maybe they should buy the cotton mill and become the core of a new mixed use area.

Boren is close to this deal. I was at the Placemaking conference at OU yesterday and Boren and Cornett were late arriving because they were at the announcement with Gov Fallin. Why would he go if he isn't part of making it happen? Don't know that it means that it is going in Norman, but I believe OU and GE will have a very nice relationship...sort of like Battelle Institute and tOSU.

Would be interesting if it was to go on one of the former PHF (now part of OU) expansion sites

Maybe they should buy the cotton mill and become the core of a new mixed use area.

Bravo - great idea. +1000000

But is there enough space for expansion?

Plenty of room for office building and labs, plus residential and light commercial and another hotel.

I suppose so - that makes a lot of sense. I cannot think of a downside to locating it there.

What about the Pull A Part as another possibility? That would be a pretty nice location on the river. In fact I think the Core to Shore "dream" was some sort of academic institution at that location.

Tend to agree with Pete, don't believe they would go up on Memorial or in University South Park, both due to distance factor.

Could see them going to UNP and maybe that is part of the reason Dr. Boren committed OU to bridge funding for the air traffic tower at the Norman airport.

On the other hand a couple of their other research parks are located on the river banks, NY and Brazil, and one would think that a big part of them locating here is the vitality and energy created in downtown.

Big question is how much future expansion?

Just eye balling the map it their would appear that available land is about equal at UNP and the downtown air park, with the airpark having a slight edge.

.

Big question is how much future expansion?

edge.

For reference, many of the other GE Global Research Centers started with 200-ish engineers/scientists and now boast 800-2400 engineers/scientists. I would not be surprised to see this facility grow to 800+ in a decade or two.

The Runway at THE MAX WESTHEIMER AIRPORT in Norman has a length of: 4750 ft. This can handle virtually and business jet that I’m aware of. The Max Wertheimer Airport has recently undergone a very extensive renovation project. + The main runway could probably be lengthened if needed.
With the construction of a taxi way a GE executive could virtually pull up to the back door of a new UNP facility and walk in the door. Most of them would love this time saver.

There is plenty of vacant land at the UNP for future expansion but there are literally several thousand vacant acres within 2 to 3 miles of this location with very easy I-35 access. I live nearby and frequently travel this area.

With all of the above and GE’s apparent desire to be close to OU the UNP location would seem to be the best fit for their goals including any major expansion goals that are sure to follow.

The UPN Hotel, retail, and eating establishments will also grow.
This future growth should add to the attractiveness of this location for GE.

For reference, many of the other GE Global Research Centers started with 200-ish engineers/scientists and now boast 800-2400 engineers/scientists. I would not be surprised to see this facility grow to 800+ in a decade or two.

Something that could eventually develop is this GE facility could start doing contract research for some of the major oil & NG and service companies. In due time this could mean billions of dollars’ worth of contracts and a greatly expanded research work force.

I'm trying to figure out how you came away with this impression after watching that video? No matter what side of the aisle you're on, this is a great get for the state and our governor certainly helped play a part in landing it.....your personal jab withstanding.

It was very easy to get that impression after watching that video just by listening to her. I never said she played no part, just she is a very bad public speaker. I don't want to change this into a political discussion so I will have no further comments about that.

It was very easy to get that impression after watching that video just by listening to her. I never said she played no part, just she is a very bad public speaker. I don't want to change this into a political discussion so I will have no further comments about that.

It'll turn into a political debate whether you play a part in it or not. All the threads do. ;)

The Runway at THE MAX WESTHEIMER AIRPORT in Norman has a length of: 4750 ft. This can handle virtually and business jet that I’m aware of. The Max Wertheimer Airport has recently undergone a very extensive renovation project. + The main runway could probably be lengthened if needed.
With the construction of a taxi way a GE executive could virtually pull up to the back door of a new UNP facility and walk in the door. Most of them would love this time saver.

There is plenty of vacant land at the UNP for future expansion but there are literally several thousand vacant acres within 2 to 3 miles of this location with very easy I-35 access. I live nearby and frequently travel this area.

With all of the above and GE’s apparent desire to be close to OU the UNP location would seem to be the best fit for their goals including any major expansion goals that are sure to follow.

The UPN Hotel, retail, and eating establishments will also grow.
This future growth should add to the attractiveness of this location for GE.

Runway 17/35 is actually just a smidge under 5200', so it is capable of most small and medium business jets. It is also capable of handling most small to medium passenger jets should a corporate shuttle be required. The issues come down to the range any aircraft would need. Longer range business jets will be weight limited and won't be able to top off to get very far.

It very well could work out to where GE be the main anchor for the new business park at Westheimer/UNP which is planned to have 6 business buildings and two connected corporate hangars.

This is very exciting for the city, state, and OU. Makes me proud as a graduate.

This is very exciting for the city, state, and OU. Makes me proud as a graduate.

This.