March 26, 2012
AMES, Iowa — Sauer-Danfoss Inc. of Ames has donated advanced hydraulic and electronics equipment to Iowa State University's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering to enhance hands-on training of students.
"We appreciate Sauer-Danfoss' generous donation and its commitment to helping us achieve the highest quality student education possible," said Steve Mickelson, chair of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. "This equipment will help our students better understand fundamental technologies and concepts in a way that hasn't been possible before."
"The donation, centered around the company's novel PLUS+1 controls platform, represents the latest, most advanced technology that Sauer-Danfoss produces, so it truly will provide students with up-to-date, real-world experience," said Brian Steward, an associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering who teaches fluid power engineering and technology and dynamic systems modeling and controls. "Students who learn using PLUS+1 tools and components will be that much more prepared to enter highly skilled technology careers right after graduation, which we know the industry values highly."
The PLUS+1 technology, which includes electronics, user interface technology and associated components, will be integrated into ISU's fluid power laboratory used for instruction of more than 100 students each year majoring in agricultural engineering, mechanical engineering, agricultural systems technology and industrial technology.
Advanced technology and electronics in fluid power hydraulics are critical to operating nearly every kind of agricultural machinery and construction equipment today, from tractors and combines to global positioning systems. Iowa State's Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering prepares students to understand the sophisticated integration of electronics, fluid power, mechanical systems and precision technology present in many modern machines and equipment.
Besides the recent donation, a gift commitment from the company will establish the Sauer-Danfoss Fluid Power Laboratory in the new campus building that will house the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. Construction will begin this spring.
About Sauer-Danfoss
Sauer-Danfoss Inc. is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of engineered hydraulic and electronic systems and components for use primarily in applications of mobile equipment. Sauer-Danfoss, with 2011 revenues of approximately $2.1 billion, has sales, manufacturing and engineering capabilities in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region. Locally, Sauer-Danfoss has a major manufacturing and engineering center in Ames, Iowa. More details online at www.sauer-danfoss.com.