U.S. Senator from Kansas, Jerry Moran, hosted U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy in Wichita on Monday for tours of the Boeing Company’s Wichita facility, followed by the Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems (NIAR ATLAS), and the Textron Aviation Career Learning Center.
Sen. Moran and Secretary Duffy will also be attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the NIAR Hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Research (HAMR) building west of 17th & Oliver on the WSU campus, and a celebration of NIAR’s 40th anniversary.
The Greater Wichita Partnership (Partnership) played a key role in bringing together federal officials, industry representatives, and regional partners to recognize NIAR’s global impact on innovation, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development.
• Dr. John Tomblin, WSU Executive Vice President for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and NIAR Executive Director
• Dr. Rick Muma, President of Wichita State University
• Jeff Fluhr, President of the Greater Wichita Partnership
• U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
• U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy
Fluhr emphasized NIAR’s unmatched influence on the region’s economy and competitiveness; he highlighted the unique partnership between NIAR, Wichita State University and the economic development community, one that consistently brings global prospects to Wichita and drives long-term industry investment.
“NIAR’s work strengthens the foundations of our region’s economy,” Fluhr said. “Its global credibility opens doors. When companies visit Wichita and experience NIAR’s expertise firsthand, their confidence in our region rises. That’s why we’ve seen companies like Shield AI, Novacoast, Bloc Digital and Bell Flight choose to invest here. NIAR’s leadership is shaping where innovation happens and where the workforce of the future is built.”
Fluhr also recognized Senator Moran's leadership, noting his long-standing commitment to advancing Wichita’s economic growth.
“Senator Moran is a constant champion for Wichita, NIAR and our region’s innovation ecosystem,” Fluhr said. “His dedication has brought some of the nation’s most influential companies to Wichita and helped grow new business for our local suppliers. We would not be where we are today without his unwavering support.”
The ribbon-cutting for HAMR, the world’s largest additive manufacturing research center, marked a significant expansion of NIAR’s capabilities in automation, materials research, defense modernization and applied innovation. The facility will help industry partners solve complex manufacturing challenges and accelerate technological advancement across aviation, defense, and emerging industries.
For more than a decade, the Partnership has worked closely with Wichita State University, NIAR, and regional industry leaders to advance Wichita’s competitiveness, strengthen the local workforce, and attract investment.
The Greater Wichita Partnership works within three key priorities – jobs, talent
and quality of place – to accelerate economic growth.