Wuhan Project Center
The Wuhan Project Center encompasses four main cities but reaches even further to make an impact in communities throughout China. More than 100 WPI students from diverse majors have worked with peer universities to conduct hands-on projects that address local issues with a global impact.
- Shanghai – WPI students collaborate with students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University to address critical issues facing urban areas, such as air pollution and water and sewage treatment.
- Beijing, Nanjing, and Wuhan – mixed student teams from WPI and three major Chinese universities—Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Southeast University, and Beijing Jiaotong University—generate innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges leveraging regional strengths in research, design, and manufacturing, to assist an aging population.
Project Case Study - MRO Purchasing at Nypro-China
The Problem
Nypro-China, a division of global precision plastic manufacturer Nypro, was faced with rising costs from a tightening economy and increased competition. The company identified a potential area of savings in MRO spending—the purchasing decisions related to the maintenance, repair, and operation of mechanical and electrical equipment.
The Process
A team of students from WPI and the Huazhong University of Science & Technology conducted an analysis of Nypro’s MRO supplier classification system and identified major areas of wasted spending and new supplier evaluation cost saving opportunities.
The Results
The student team provided Nypro-China with several innovative tools and key recommendations for implementing strategic cost saving tactics across multiple facilities, including streamlining vendors and creating standing purchase orders to reduce expenses and save time.