Cirrus Aircraft has announced the grand opening of its Innovation Center, located at its headquarters at Duluth International Airport (KDLH) in Minnesota.
The Innovation Center is dedicated to the development of next-generation innovation that supports Cirrus Aircraft’s products and services while preserving the mission they serve and making personal aviation more approachable.
Cirrus Aircraft has provided significant investment to transform the 189,000ft² building on 39 acres. Innovation Center capabilities include a larger and more capable Material and Processes Lab; a new Integration Test Lab; an upgraded Advanced Design & Development Lab; new environmental equipment and testing capabilities; and a floorspace increase for development and testing. Additionally, the Innovation Center features flexible and collaborative workspaces and amenities designed to provide an optimal team environment.
“These new facilities and capabilities enable our engineers, technicians and researchers to more rapidly design, develop and certify our next generation of Cirrus products in a connected, synergetic environment,” said Ken Harness, senior vice president of product development, Cirrus Aircraft.
“The Innovation Center is an incredible company milestone that supports the future development and endeavours of Cirrus Aircraft product development,” said Zean Nielsen, chief executive officer of Cirrus Aircraft. “We are continuing to invest in the company and the City of Duluth with the Innovation Center opening. We have worked closely with our partners to renovate the building and hire more engineers and technicians to join the new facility in Duluth.”
More than 30 engineers and technicians have been added since 2022, now exceeding 300 people at the Innovation Center.
