Masonry Magazine July 1962 Page. 8
PC Completes
Research-Engineering Center
Pittsburgh Corning Corporation has opened a new research and engineering center some 20 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh for the investigation and development of new uses of materials for the control of heat, light and sound.
In the research laboratory of the new Pittsburgh Corning Research and Engineering Center, a modulus of rupture machine is used to measure the tensile strength of mortar between glass blocks.
The new center, on a 10.8-acre plot off Route 286 in Plum Borough, replaces and expands smaller facilities previously located at the firm's Port Allegany, Pa., plant. About 40 persons are now employed at the center and 60 will be employed shortly.
The one-story E-shaped building, designed by the architectural firm of Franklin Douden & Associates, Pittsburgh, houses research, product development and technical research laboratories, and central engineering offices in 33,600 square feet of floor space. Part of the company's development work on glass block and acoustical materials will continue for the time being at Port Allegany, although the facility eventually may include a pilot plant and an acoustical laboratory.
The mason contractor for the job was Cost Brothers, Inc., MCA member, of Pittsburgh, with Mello Company the general contractor. Russell Brittingham, president of Pittsburgh Corning, said the center was built in the Pittsburgh area so that administrative and sales personnel could work more closely and efficiently with the research and development staff.
"But most important," he said, "our technical people can now take advantage of the many cultural and educational benefits this area offers."
Activities of the center's staff will be concentrated in four major areas: the development and materials testing laboratory, the research laboratory, the technical services laboratory, and the engineering and drafting room. Work in the first area (Turn to page 12).
Russell Brittingham, president of the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation, joined the Corning Glass Works in 1944 as Administrative Assistant to the Director of Research. In 1946, and for a period of ten years, he served as General Manager of Technical Products Division at Corning. Mr. Brittingham was elected Vice President of Corning Glass Works in 1954, and was appointed Director of Purchasing in 1955. In 1957 he was appointed President of the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation with headquarters in Pittsburgh at Gateway Center.
pc
New Research and Engineering Center opened by Pittsburgh Corning Corporation 20 miles east of downtown Pittsburgh, Pa., houses research, product development and technical laboratories, and central engineering. The Center will be devoted principally to leading to new and improved products. The E-shaped building was designed by the architectural firm of Franklin Douden & Associates, Pittsburgh.
MASONRY. July