FOUNDING & EARLY YEARS
1986 - Harris Graphics
121 Technology Drive was first built in 1985 for Data General, a company that manufactured micro and minicomputers. However, Data General never moved in, and the property remained mostly vacant until Harris Graphics purchased it in 1986. Harris Graphics was originally founded in 1895 under the name Harris Automatic Press Company in Ohio and manufactured printing presses used for books and newspapers. Harris Graphics was merged into another printing company, Heidelberg, in 1989. Heidelberg then sold the web press division to Goss International in 2004.

The Harris Graphics 950 Collator was a high-capacity machine used in commercial printing operations to gather, align, and assemble printed sheets into complete sets, a process known as collation. Typically used in the production of books, magazines, and manuals, it automated the collation process, improving speed and accuracy in binding preparation.

The Harris Graphics 1500 continuous web printer was a high-speed, industrial-grade press designed for mass-printing newspapers, magazines, and other large-volume publications. Using a continuous roll of paper (a "web"), it could print, fold, and collate pages in a single automated process. Widely used in the mid-to-late 20th century, it was a cornerstone of newspaper production during the peak of print media.
2004 - Goss International
Goss International was founded in Chicago in 1885 by Fred and Sam Goss. Goss specializes in web offset printing presses and finishing systems, used for newspapers and large commercial printing.
121 Technology Drive was primarily used as the Goss headquarters, with some light manufacturing done onsite. In 2010, Goss was purchased by the Chinese company Shanghai Electric, but continued operation in Durham as Goss. In 2015, Goss employed 450 out of the Durham headquarters, with 1,500 employees worldwide. In 2017, Goss began leasing out the space, and the entire building was eventually purchased by RJK Co. in 2021.
Technicians in the 121 Tech high bay servicing a 4-unit C700i printing press, typically used for printing magazine, catalogs, or other products with many pages. (2013)
Goss Sunday Vpack press, used for printing images, graphics, and text onto packaging materials (think plastic film, paperboard, or labels).

Group photo of Goss employees at the 121 Tech Plant. (2013)
2018 - Olson Center Opens
Founded in 2016 and having its grand opening in 2018, our state-of-the-art center was made possible through a generous $5.3 million gift from Whelen Engineering Company, honoring UNH alumnus John Olson, class of 1957, who earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
In January 2021, John Roth joined as Director, shifting the center's focus to increased collaboration with New Hampshire manufacturing companies. Over 150 students access the Olson Center annually through internships, classes, and research assistantships.

Crowd reacting to the Olson Center's robot cutting the ribbon at the grand opening

The Olson Center's ABB robot programmed to cut the ribbon at the grand opening
THE FUTURE OF 121 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE
Since RJK Co.’s acquisition in 2021, 121 Tech has undergone significant renovations and is now leasing space to additional companies in addition to the UNH spaces. At the Olson Center, we’ve expanded access to our high bay and technical capabilities, welcoming manufacturers from across New Hampshire and beyond. This has created valuable hands-on opportunities for UNH students to engage directly with real-world manufacturing and design challenges.
Amid 121 Tech's transformation, a thread to its manufacturing origins endures, From the Olson Center to Klein Marine Systems, manufacturing remains a consistent focus throughout the building while the types of industries represented expands.
COMMUNITY & EDUCATIONAL IMPACT
Innovation Scholars
Innovation Scholars is a year-long, credit-bearing research program for first-year UNH students in CEPS. Students in interdisciplinary teams explore advanced manufacturing topics — robotics, cybersecurity, and sustainable processes — while gaining hands-on experience with technology such as 3D printing, machining, and electronics fabrication. The program emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and real-world problem solving.
Oyster River Robotics
Oyster River Middle School's robotics team, named Team Overdrive, worked out of the Olson Center in 2023 to prepare for the New England FIRST Robotics District Championship. Using the machines and expertise of those at the center, Team Overdrive was able to design and create every part of their robot. At the FIRST Robotics District Championship, Team Overdrive was awarded an Excellence in Engineering Award due to their high-level design and engineering practices.