AMI Expands Capabilities

(Manhattan, Kan., April 9, 2008) – The Advanced Manufacturing Institute at Kansas State University is expanding its design capabilities through the establishment of a partnership with the university's Electronics Design Laboratory. This relationship will allow the institute to access additional resources and equipment to enhance its capabilities and position it for strategic alignment in the marketplace.

"This new arrangement continues to advance the collaboration between the Electronics Design Laboratory and Advanced Manufacturing Institute," said Tim Sobering, the laboratory's director. "We expect that a more formalized relationship will be of benefit to both groups, and particularly to our customers."

To aid with this development, the Advanced Manufacturing Institute hired Earl Lenhert, and electrical design engineer, who will act as the program manager and liaison for projects shared between the two organizations. He will be responsible for planning, coordinating and performing electrical design projects; providing technical feasibility studies and performance tests; developing design specifications and prototypes; and implementing a variety of projects.

Prior to joining the Advanced Manufacturing Institute, Lenhert worked as a senior design systems engineer for Peterbilt Motors Company in Denton, Texas, where he was responsible for developing new technologies, such as hybrids and telematic systems, while also implementing new systems and improving the efficiency of existing products.

Lenhert has bachelor's degrees in electrical and computer engineering from K-State.

"We are thrilled about this expansion," said Brad Kramer, director of the Advanced Manufacturing Institute. "Our capabilities will continue to grow even stronger with the addition of Earl's skill set and experience, as well as the relationship that he is building with Electronics Design Laboratory."