EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University is investing $5 million in the expansion of a laboratory where diamonds are grown for industrial purposes.

About 15,000 square feet of space and new diamond synthesis equipment will be added to the MSU-Fraunhofer Center for Coatings and Diamond Technologies facility to accommodate an increase in personnel and research projects. Around 30 scientists, technicians and others, including students and faculty, currently work at the lab, but that number is expected to nearly double after the expansion is complete.

Michigan State and corporate partner Fraunhofer USA opened the center in 2003, focusing on the manufacturing of diamonds and thin-film coating, which is used to reduce friction in moving parts.

The expanded center is expected to generate $7 million annually in research revenue.