A History of 121 Technology Drive

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. 

 

Harris Graphics Corporation 950 Collator

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.

Harris Graphics Corporation 1500 Web Continuous printer

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.

 

A 4-unit C700i printing press undergoing refurbishment in Durham plant

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 Printers

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, 2013

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 applauding the ribbon cutting ceremony of the John Olson Center

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

An Olson Center robot cutting the ribbon at the center's 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.

Spee3d logo

Spee3d

In Summer 2024, Spee3d was welcomed into the Olson Center high bay. Spee3d is a metal additive manufacturing company, using a technique called Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing (CSAM) to produce metal parts. Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Spee3d's space in the Olson Center is their first US-based manufacturing facility. 

Exail logo 2

Exail

With around 1,500-2,000 employees and operations in over 80 countries, Exail delivers solutions across robotics, maritime, aviation, aerospace, navigation, and photonics. Their facility at the Olson Center, named the Maritime Autonomy Innovation Hub, facilitates collaborative work with UNH's Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (CCOM), including production of Exail's Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USV).

MADCO3D logo

Madco3d

Welcomed into the high bay in 2024, Madco3d specializes in 3D printed sustainable concrete construction, including houses, coral reef restoration, and art and furniture. Recently featured on an NBC News segment for their ongoing coral reef restoration project off the coast of Miami Beach, Florida, Madco3d offers unique opportunities for interns at the Olson Center, including printing processes and design. 

Airtho Logo

Airtho

Airtho specializes in modular cleanroom, controlled environment, and isolator kits designed for fast installation, customization, and lower total cost of ownership. Based at 121 Tech, Airtho offers modular wall systems, ceiling grids, HEPA air filtration hubs, battery dry rooms, isolators, and aerosol generators. 

GreenSource Fabrication Logo

GreenSource Fabrication

GreenSource Fabrication is a U.S.-based manufacturer of printed circuit boards (PCBs), with applications in aerospace, defense, and other high-tech industries. With a focus on eco-friendly solutions, GreenSource's manufacturing facility features closed-loop recycling systems for acid etch and plating electrolytes, proprietary zero-liquid discharge wastewater treatment, and biomass-fueled heating to minimize use and eliminate toxic emissions. GreenSource's Olson Center internship program trains students in PCB manufacturing and creates a workforce pipeline to the industry. 50% of GreenSource employees are UNH alums. 

Klein Marine Systems Logo

Klein Marine Systems 

Klein Marine Systems was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Klein specializes in designing and manufacturing high-resolution side-scan and multi-beam sonar systems, widely used in hydrographic surveying, search-and-recovery, underwater inspection, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare. Klein works with customers in sectors including the navy, port authorities, energy companies, and government agencies. In 2025 the company dedicated the Klein Sonar Innovation Lab at 121 Technology Drive. 

Whelen Engineering Logo

Whelen Engineering

Founded in Connecticut in 1952, Whelen Engineering manufactures products that are used by first responders and critical professionals. These products include warning lights, white illumination systems, sirens, controllers, mass notification systems, and more. Whelen Engineering has another plant in Charlestown, New Hampshire, and employs a workforce of over 1,500 across their two locations. The Olson Center was founded through a gift from Whelen Engineering in honor of their former CEO and President, and UNH alumnus, John Olson '57. 

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. 

 

learn more about innovation scholars 

 

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. 

 

learn more about team overdrive