Foxconn Technology Group has committed to participating in an effort by Rockwell Automation and ManpowerGroup to train military veterans for careers in advanced manufacturing.
The commitment is part of a partnership between the Taiwanese electronics giant and the Milwaukee-based automation company. Leaders from the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding during an event at the Milwaukee Art Museum on Thursday.
Foxconn executives also signed a memorandum with Wisconsin officials committing the company to creating 13,000 jobs and investing $10 billion in new facilities over a six year period. In exchange, the state will provide up to $3 billion in state tax incentives.
Foxconn will also be implementing Rockwell’s Connected Enterprise and Internet of Things systems and concepts at its new U.S. facilities. The two companies will be collaborating on smart manufacturing initiatives throughout Foxconn’s global assembly operations and elsewhere in the related industrial ecosystem.
“I am very excited about the opportunity for Foxconn and Rockwell Automation to work together. Foxconn is the global leader in electronics design manufacturing, and Rockwell Automation is the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information. I am confident that together we will increase operational efficiencies in electronics manufacturing to new levels,” said Terry Goi, Foxconn chairman and chief executive officer.
Blake Moret, Rockwell Automation president and CEO, said working with Foxconn would “further demonstrate the power and broad applicability of The Connected Enterprise.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to work with a global technology and manufacturing leader to deliver advanced IoT solutions to the electronics manufacturing industry,” Moret said. “We are also pleased that Foxconn shares our commitment to expanding and upskilling the U.S. workforce to ensure there is the necessary talent for advanced manufacturing roles.”
The partnership between Rockwell and Manpower seeks to train 1,000 military veterans per year for advanced manufacturing work by 2018.
The partnership was announced in June and was described as a multi-year commitment. Manpower handles initial recruitment, Rockwell handles training and both companies work on job placement.
