EWI TAkes shape
1970s –Welding
is one of several technologies identified as needing
a federal center for research and development (R&D).
Although the importance of welding in manufacturing
is well recognized, funding for the initiative, however,
has not materialized.
1980 - The Ohio State University (OSU) Dept. of Welding
Engineering continues to thrive. It becomes home
to the National Science Foundation-sponsored Center
for Welding Research. Meanwhile, The Welding Institute
(TWI) located in the U.K. seeks ways to expand its
presence in U.S. manufacturing technologies.
1984 – Ohio Governor Richard Celeste establishes
the Thomas Edison Program, which includes development
of several Thomas Edison Technology Excellence Centers within the state, including a new $4 million center
for welding Research and Development.
Columbus becomes the obvious choice for the new “Edison
Welding Institute” (EWI). The city is already
home to OSU and the Battelle Memorial Institute,
with its longstanding tradition of excellence in
welding research and development. Ronald Reeve is
named EWI’s first Executive Director.
In December, TWI agrees to transfer membership of
85 U.S. customers to EWI.
1985 – Business at EWI begins
to take off.
1986 – EWI takes over its
administrative activities from Battelle.
1987 – Dr. Karl Graff becomes EWI’s
second Executive Director. Graff has been a key proponent
for EWI, having led the NSF-sponsored Center for
Welding Research and chaired two engineering departments
at OSU.
1996 – EWI moves into its current 132,000 square-feet,
located in the OSU Research Park. The site also becomes
home to the EWI-operated Navy Joining Center (NJC)
and OSU’s Welding Engineering Program. The
result -- a unique interplay of industry, government,
and academia unmatched in the U.S.
2000 - S. Theodore Ford becomes President and CEO of EWI in September of 2000 after serving as Director of Development from 1993 to 1997. While at EWI,
he introduced new business practices and developed programs to secure additional public sector financial support for manufacturing technology.
2005 - Henry J. Cialone is named President and CEO
of EWI. Cialone brings with him 24 years experience
at Battelle, most recently as V.P., Commercial Energy.
Today - EWI is a leading engineering center in the
United States dedicated to the field of materials
joining. It serves over 1200 member locations.
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