New Resource for Manufacturers
Located on Lanier Technical College’s Oakwood campus, the Center of Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence (CIME) opened in February 2006. The center works with industry, government, entrepreneurs and educational institutions developing our state’s manufacturing workforce, fostering innovation and increasing job growth in Georgia. Staffed by a team of experienced manufacturing professionals, CIME offers advanced training, research and development support and incubation services to companies throughout the state.
Automation requires an investment in equipment and systems; however, the need for investment doesn’t stop with the new purchase. To achieve the expected results from automation and maximize the function of new technology, companies must also invest in upgrading the skills of their employees by training them to properly operate and maintain the equipment and systems.
Understanding the importance of training, CIME worked with Georgia industries and equipment manufacturers from all over the world to design and equip four advanced manufacturing labs with the latest technologies used by companies in production operations. As a result, the center provides hands-on training in robotics operation and troubleshooting, robotics programming, robotic welding, programmable control systems, maintenance and troubleshooting.
With workforce development as one of the main goals for CIME, the center provides customized training for current industry employees using their advanced robotics equipment but the center¹s team is also looking to the future. For Georgia companies to stay competitive, a highly skilled workforce who can effectively utilize advanced equipment is crucial.
“We recently conducted camps to show high school students the variety of jobs available in the advanced manufacturing and motor sports fields and to demonstrate the types of skills and education needed for these jobs,” explained Judy Parks, CIME director. “We want these students to be excited about high-tech manufacturing jobs and stay in school to get the skills and education needed to gain future employment in these fields.”
During the two-day interactive camps, fourteen high school students from Hall County and Gainesville City high schools participated in a variety of activities designed to let them experience real-world manufacturing and motor sports jobs/careers.
Center of Innovation for Manufacturing Excellence, Lanier Technical College, Building 500, Oakwood, GA 30566. 770-531-6350. georgiainnovation.org