For this year's May 17-20 competition, Henkel is sponsoring individual teams by supplying products for Wayne State University, Grand Valley State University, Western Washington University and Virginia Tech. In addition, Henkel intends to distribute free samples of its industry-leading materials to teams throughout the competition.
"The Formula SAE(R) competition is important to Henkel because it gives us the opportunity to offer design expertise, establish corporate awareness and build strong relationships with students on the brink of their careers," said Dr. Matthias Hofmann, vice president and general manager, Henkel Orbseal North America, and head of engineering, Henkel Automotive North America. "The 'next generation of automotive innovators' can practice honing their skills while they test our existing materials and give us honest input for future product direction."
The goal of the Formula SAE(R) competition is to develop high-performance prototype cars that are cost effective, easy to maintain and reliable. In addition, students are encouraged to consider other factors such as aesthetics, comfort and use of common parts.
"Henkel's structural adhesives prove to be a strong asset to our work throughout the competition. In addition, Henkel's engineers challenge our ideas and give us helpful insight for designing and assembling our vehicles," said Leon Cheung, technical director of Western Washington University's Formula SAE(R) team. "We gain invaluable experience in project management through hands-on applications that support what we learn in the classroom and help us develop a better understanding of automotive engineering."
The Formula SAE(R) competition is for SAE student members to conceive, design, fabricate and compete with small formula-style racing cars. The restrictions on the car frame and engine are limited so that the knowledge, creativity, and imagination of the students are challenged. The cars are built with a team effort over a period of about one year and are taken to the annual competition for judging and comparison with approximately 120 other vehicles from colleges and universities throughout the world. The end result is a great experience for young engineers in a meaningful engineering project as well as the opportunity of working in a dedicated team effort.
Henkel is the market leader in adhesives, sealants and surface treatments to the transportation industry. Backed by extensive design capabilities, a broad product range, specific application knowledge and technical expertise, the company delivers solutions to all segments of automotive development - automotive body, interior, chassis, electronics and powertrain production. Through powerful brands like Loctite(R), Teroson(R), Autophoretic(R), Bonderite(R), Frekote(R) and Multan(TM), Henkel provides significant economic and environmental advantages for today's vehicles, making them safer, more comfortable and extending vehicle value.
Henkel operates in three strategic business areas: Home Care; Personal Care; and Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments. The automotive group is an integral part of the Adhesives, Sealants and Surface Treatments business sector, which also serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and advanced technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. 50,000 employees work for Henkel worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel - "A Brand like a Friend."
CONTACT: Keena Toth of Henkel Corporation, +1-248-589-4828, Mobile:
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