ConocoPhillips/Ponca City make final payments, mark UML's continued impact on region's economy

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

(Nov. 11, 2009  Stillwater, OK) – With the receipt of the final $500,000 checks Monday from ConocoPhillips and the Ponca City Development Authority, Oklahoma State University is continuing its impact on sensor research and development through the University Multispectral Laboratories.  In turn, the UML is continuing its impact on Oklahoma. 

The national center focused on the test, evaluation and implementation of defense, homeland security, energy, and intelligence systems is wholly owned by OSU and operated by Triton Scientific, an Oklahoma business.  Since 2006, the UML has brought more than 50 new jobs to North Central Oklahoma. 

The checks, which were presented to the UML by ConocoPhillips and the PCDA at the Ponca City Hall on Monday, are the fourth and final installment of a combined $4 million committed to OSU by the organizations in 2006.  Part of ConocoPhillips commitment includes the donation of the UML’s current 70,000 square-foot headquarters in Ponca City.  

“The success of the UML is a result of our great collaboration with the city of Ponca City and ConocoPhillips,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.  “This partnership has proven beneficial for all parties.  OSU is pleased to be a part of such an important initiative for the area, state and nation.” 

“The UML continues to have a significant impact on the economy of Ponca City,” said David Myers, executive director of the PCDA.  “When we made our commitment to OSU almost four years ago, we were optimistic about how the UML would benefit our community.  We have been thrilled to see it exceed our expectations.”
The UML has already pumped more than $24 million into the Ponca City economy in the three years it’s been operating, according to Myers.  He said the facility is on target to make a $140 million impact on the local economy over ten years. 

"ConocoPhillips is pleased to contribute to this important OSU testing facility and laboratory, which has already provided significant economic benefits to Ponca City and North Central Oklahoma," said Pete Stynes, ConocoPhillips refinery manager and Ponca City lead executive. "We look forward to continue working with the OSU-UML, a valued addition to our community."
The UML made more than $4 million in revenue for FY09.  By 2012, UML Laboratory Director Web Keogh projects that figure to increase to more than $20 million a year.

“We are right on track with our original business plan for both personnel and revenue,” Keogh said.  “Some of our employees are working at UML partner agencies outside the state, but all the revenue comes right back to Oklahoma.”

In addition to its headquarters in Ponca City, the UML operates branch locations in Stillwater, Tulsa and Lawton, Okla. as well as in Washington, D.C., Virginia Beach, Va. and Charleston, S.C.