According to Polaris chief executive Tom Tiller, the soon to be constructed research and development center in Wyoming, MN, "… represents Polaris' strong commitment to continuous improvements in the products we (Polaris) manufacture. Our research and engineering capabilities will be second to none as we continue to build our reputation as a manufacturer of innovative, high-quality recreational and utility vehicles."
At the June 17th groundbreaking ceremony for the new 1000-square-foot facility, Tiller noted that the R&D center, scheduled for completion late next year, is very important for the future of Polaris. He said that he is very confident of the future for Polaris Industries and that the R&D facility will contribute mightily to the next great product idea in Polaris' future growth.
When the Wyoming facility opens, it will be one of six major Polaris locations in the Midwest, which includes:
- Medina, MN - Corporate headquarters;
- Roseau, MN - Production and engineering facility for Polaris snowmobiles, ATVs, personal watercraft and Ranger utility vehicles;
- Spirit Lake, IA - Production facility for PWC, ATV and assembly of Victory motorcycles;
- Osceola, WI - Production facility for Liberty engines and components for virtually all other Polaris vehicles;
- Vermillion, SD - Distribution facility for parts, garments and accessories.
The new Polaris center is being constructed by Ryan Companies US, a 60-year-old design-build firm with offices in Chicago, Phoenix and Minneapolis. The design was conceived by Pope Associates, a 30-year-old St. Paul, MN, architectural firm.
Once the Wyoming R&D center is up and running it will hold a staff of 300 people who will be primarily responsible for engineering, design, and development of Polaris' lines of ATVs, PWC and Victory motorcycles.