TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After two years of work, Troy University has officially opened its first building dedicated completely to research.

Saturday the Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences (CMMS) building officially opened.

“When you think that only 15% of all plastics are recycled and you realize that 85% of those plastics that are not recycled go into land fields and to the ocean, you see what a potentially great contribution can be made here,” Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. said.

As members of Troy’s College of Arts and Sciences and alumni watched, Hawkins and and the Board of Trustees cut the ribbon.

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“We study polymers so we study how to recycle polymers more efficiently,” said Dr. Govind Menon, Director of School of Science and Technology. “We also think about creating new composite polymers that can be easily recycled.”

The building, which will be geared completely to research, meaning no classrooms, is already fully operational and is ready to begin serving students.

“What we can learn to gear up and to scale up for the rest of the University,” Menon said.

The CMMS and those who work inside it are expected to partner with local polymer and plastic industry leaders.