Gateway Technical College hosted a grand opening last week for its expanded SC Johnson integrated Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Center.
The iMET Center, located in Sturtevant, offers training in computer numerical control (CNC) machining, welding, metal fabrication, automated manufacturing systems and industrial robotics in its flexible manufacturing training facility.
The 18,000-square-foot addition includes a Fab Lab, which will be used for industrial design and rapid prototyping, the engineering technology programs, and the CNC and welding and fabrication boot camps. The iMET Center is now 61,000 square feet.
Racine-based SC Johnson has donated $1.7 million to Gateway over the past 10 months for the iMET Center and the college’s programs, including its manufacturing boot camps.
The technical college’s CNC boot camp, offered in partnership with Racine Workforce Development, has a 95 employment placement rate since its inception in 2006.
“We are proud to support organizations like Gateway that are doing such good work within our community,” said Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. “Through their programming and hands-on learning approach, Gateway brings much needed, well-prepared graduates to the local workforce, strengthening the overall quality of life and economy of the area.”
Gateway is making progress in addressing the manufacturing skills gap in the region and encouraging students to achieve their potential, Johnson said.
“The continued commitment to community demonstrated by the SC Johnson contribution is remarkable,” said Dr. Bryan Albrecht, president and CEO of Gateway. “We are excited about creating the region’s first flexible manufacturing lab at the SC Johnson iMET Center and honored by SC Johnson’s trust in Gateway’s ability to deliver results to our communities and its employers.”
