JEFFERSONVILLE — American Air Filter Co. Inc., and its subsidiary Flanders Corp., officially opened their 33,000-square-foot research and development center located in the River Ridge Commerce Center on Sept. 12.

The facility, called the Clean Air Innovation and Research Center, will bring 25 new, “high-tech” research and development jobs to Jeffersonville by 2018, according to a press release. Those jobs are expected to pay more than 2.5 times higher than Clark County’s average wage of about $17 per hour.

The facility can accommodate 40 employees, most of whom will specialize in research and development.

AAF and Flanders Corp. create various air filtration products for commercial, industrial, cleanroom, transportation and nuclear power applications.

The new AAF facility boasts two floors. The first, a 25,000 square-foot space, is dedicated to a lab and testing and storage space, which includes a media materials development lab and a machine shop.

The second floor includes 12 private modern offices, 18 open workstations and conference space.

AAF and Flanders Corp. are now one of 34 confirmed tenants at River Ridge.

Phil Whitaker, the CEO of AAF, said at Monday’s ribbon cutting that his company and Flanders had a nearly 100-year history in the Louisville area, and the new innovation center showed that “the best is still yet to come. This investment will help foster the innovation and success that will ensure our leadership position in air filtration for the next 100 years.”

Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore, Wendy Dant Chesser, the president and CEO of One Southern Indiana and various officials from AAF, Flanders and their parent company, Daikin, also attended the ceremony.

“Jeff has become the talk of the country,” said Moore at the opening. “If you are a new or growing business, you can find a friendly partner here. This company is very special. This is making our world a better place to live. It’s an honor to have (AAF Flanders) here, and we’re looking forward to a great partnership.”

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