The state and country’s shortage of high-skilled technicians in manufacturing is like going without electricity, water or buildings, but a new center could help that, according to Bosch Rexroth Fountain Inn Technical Plant Manager Mike McCormick at the groundbreaking of the Center for Manufacturing Innovation at the Millennium Campus adjacent to the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research. Construction for the center is expected to begin soon, and is slated for a fall 2016 completion date.
The groundbreaking was attended by industry, education and public leaders, including Gov. Nikki Haley and City of Greenville Mayor Knox White. The center — a $25 million collaboration between Greenville Technical College and Clemson University — is aimed at increasing the number of skilled workers for the manufacturing industry, which has been plagued with persistent workforce problems, according to McCormick.
“We have to say that even before the recession, and during, and even today, one problem persists,” said McCormick to around 100 people Monday. “High-skilled technicians are fundamental to our business. We can’t manage without any of those resources.”
Clemson University President James P. Clements said the center would allow students to move from associate degree programs to bachelor’s degree programs, and would provide workforce training and certificate programs to increase employee qualifications.
“The economic development race will be won by communities that offer the services and have the trained workforce that manufacturers are looking for,” he said. “The CMI will help to meet that need.”
Haley said the center would help prove to existing companies and businesses looking to relocate that the state could meet changing workforce needs. She said the center would be a boon not only to the Upstate, but to other counties statewide.
“I am a proud governor today to know that we are pushing dirt for something that is going to help our people. It’s going to help our businesses, but it is going to continue to help our reputation as a state that gets it,” she said. “We hope this gets duplicated.”
In September 2013, Greenville County Council unanimously approved a $25 million bond issue for Greenville Technical College to build an enterprise campus. In November 2013, the presidents of Greenville Tech and Clemson University signed a memorandum of understanding for the project.
