FINDLAY, Ohio—Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.'s technology team was among a select group of companies to consult with scientists and engineers from Cleveland-based NASA Glenn Research Center at the University of Toledo about “technical challenges.”
Cooper Tire said a second team will soon travel to NASA Glenn for a similar consultation with subject matter experts.
Manufacturing companies applied for the opportunity to receive up to eight hours of no-cost consulting from the NASA experts, Cooper Tire said, to bring new insights into technical challenges and opportunities.
To apply, companies submitted detailed statements of the needs to be addressed with their projects and also estimated an economic impact. Cooper said it qualified to receive assistance with two projects—one focusing on development of a coating for tire molds and the other on RFID technology.
“NASA has some of the best minds in the world who have developed all types of innovations; not only those related to the exploration of space,” said Chuck Yurkovich, Cooper's vice president, global research and development. “Cooper is pleased to have been selected to tap into the brainpower, research capabilities and resources of NASA as we continue to improve our operations and products.”
The Findlay-based tire maker is one of 16 area companies receiving consulting through the “NASA Roadshow,” a program which is in its second year. In Northwest Ohio, NASA is partnering with The Lucas County Economic Development Corp., Toledo Regional Chamber, The University of Toledo and the Toledo Community Foundation in partnership with MAGNET, the Northwest Ohio MEP and the Ohio Development Services Agency.