Greater Kansas City Region to Gain One-of-a-Kind Training and Research Facility for Manufacturing Industry

Monday, December 15, 2025 | Written by Mary Hirtreiter

OLATHE — Kansas State University Olathe will celebrate the completion of its new Bulk Solids Technology Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at 9 a.m.

As the only university-centered facility of its kind in North America, the state-of-the-art center will play a pivotal role in strengthening workforce training, driving applied research and accelerating industry partnerships throughout the region.

The Bulk Solids Technology Center serves as the anchor of K-State Olathe's new Advanced Manufacturing Hub and represents a key milestone in the campus's strategic efforts to support the region's advanced manufacturing industry. The facility will offer hands-on training courses on campus and, once equipment is fully tested and commissioned, will test new protocols and troubleshoot companies' systems beginning in summer 2026.

"We're excited to unveil this facility to the public," said Ben Wolfe, dean and CEO of K-State Olathe. "This center is just one part of our campus's mission to support our regional industries in every way we can."

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at the K-State Olathe Advanced Manufacturing Hub, 22201 W. Innovation Drive, Olathe, KS 66061, from 9-10 a.m. Industry partners, community leaders and stakeholders are encouraged to RSVP by Dec. 19, 2025.