Philadelphia University and MAG, a leading developer of automation technologies for producing composite structures are jointly establishing the Philadelphia University MAG Composites Institute for research and development in textile-based composites that the parties say could have wide application in industry, including the aerospace, automotive and energy sectors.

The new research institute will be funded in part by $1.1 million from MAG, whose chairman and chief executive officer is Dr. Eng. Mo I. Meidar, a Philadelphia University alumnus and member of the University's Board of Trustees.  MAG, headquartered in New York, is a developer of automation technologies for producing composite structures, as well as a global supplier of machine tools and manufacturing automation systems for the durable goods industry.

In addition to the Philadelphia University MAG Composites Institute, the funding will also support a new B.S. in Engineering program with a concentration on composites with the first courses in composites being offered in autumn 2011.

"Our partnership with MAG to support new and important research in composite materials and expand our academic programming in engineering has myriad advantages for both MAG and the University, as well as for our students and faculty and the industries that are likely to benefit from the development of new textile-composite materials," said Philadelphia University President Stephen Spinelli Jr., Ph.D.  "It's a perfect example of an industry leader and a professional university partnering to create extraordinary opportunities in engineering science and education."

"An educated workforce in advanced composites technology will see increasing opportunities for generations to come. The Philadelphia University MAG Composites Institute represents MAG's commitment to expand the level of research and education in this field," said Mo Meidar, chairman and CEO of MAG.  "As the global leader in automated composites processing solutions, MAG is driven to support new business opportunities serving a multitude of industries and we believe this partnership will be a key factor in achieving the full potential for new applications of composite materials."

The establishment of the Philadelphia University MAG Composites Institute builds on a similar MAG donation in 2009, when the company provided a state-of-the-art $100,000 machining center to the University's School of Engineering and Textiles to manufacture prototypes.