SaRonix To Locate Design Center In Innovation Park at Penn State

University Park, Pa.  --  SaRonix, of Menlo Park, Calif., a manufacturer of frequency and timing control components used in electronic products, will establish a design center in Innovation Park at Penn State later this year.

            Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge announced the company's decision yesterday (June 26) at a gathering of information technology professionals and business leaders in Pittsburgh. Innovation Park, Penn State's research park, is home to more than 35 businesses and organizations that employ about 750 people.  Tenants include telecommunications, biotechnology, engineering and e-business companies.

            The Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse, a Ridge initiative, provided resources to help SaRonix make the move to Innovation Park, including support in acquiring office furniture and equipment; help with voice and data services; and recruiting support.

            Craig M. Taylor, SaRonix vice president and chief technology officer, said the company investigated a number of different sites for the design center. "Innovation Park at Penn State is a first-rate facility.  It allows us to access the world-class research, faculty and talent of Penn State and to benefit from the core of tech companies growing within the region," he noted.

            Penn State President Graham Spanier  said, "SaRonix' decision to locate their engineering design center at Innovation Park demonstrates the value companies place on being close to the research and technology resources that the University can provide. The company will have easy access to the University's nanofabrication facility, materials and engineering areas.  In addition, Penn State will benefit since SaRonix and the other technology companies located in Innovation Park provide opportunities for our students to have enhanced educational experiences through internships as well as employment opportunities.

            "The 'starter kit' provided through the Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse is a good example of how the University, business and government partnerships help create a stronger economic base in Pennsylvania," Spanier added.

            The Pittsburgh Digital Greenhouse is a nonprofit organization that brings together the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a consortium of leading high-tech firms, Penn State, Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh.   A special emphasis of the Greenhouse is to develop next-generation digital video and digital networking technology.

                                                            **bah**

Contact:
Barbara Hale   814-865-9481
bah@psu.edu