County College of Morris Breaks Ground for Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Center

CEDAR KNOLLS, N.J., Feb. 1, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- County College of Morris (CCM) just broke ground on a project that will help expand and diversify the State's economic base, and help attract a stronger base for manufacturers.

Approximately 200 guests gathered at CCM to celebrate the plans for the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center designed to address employment needs and growing industry demands. The 31,500-square-foot facility is expected to open spring 2020.

The Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center will feature the latest technology and equipment to prepare the workforce of the future, provide current employees with cutting-edge training and offer faculty, students and industry the opportunity to work collaboratively on solutions and new developments. Facilities will be available for corporate demonstration purposes, shared training activities, meetings and events that connect the college to its workforce partners more than ever before.

Included in the program were CCM President Tony Iacona, Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (Legislative Manufacturing Caucus), Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce (Legislative Manufacturing Caucus), New Jersey Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Robert Asaro-Angelo, Deputy Secretary of State Higher Education Diana Gonzalez, and Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Meghan Hunscher.

"Today's groundbreaking serves as a reminder of how important manufacturing is, not only to our immediate area, but to New Jersey as a whole," said Assemblyman Anthony Bucco. "Together, we will continue to develop new and innovative technology and manufacturing systems that will help stimulate and grow our economy and pave the way for our future generations."

Tony Iacona credited the partnerships between the business, education, and legislative communities for their strong advocacy.  New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program (NJMEP) was recognized by Tony Iacona,  Assemblyman Bucco and Robert Asaro-Angelo for their work and advocacy to help more than 11,000 Manufacturers/STEM firms in New Jersey to achieve manufacturing excellence across the state; by introducing programs such as apprenticeships, their work on the Department of Labor and Workforce Development Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation, Logistics and Distribution Industry Partnerships, State-of the-State Manufacturing Summit held in Trenton and at CCM, and National Manufacturing Day.

"NJMEP is proud to join a partnership supporting the development of the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center and the groundbreaking is a celebration of the manufacturing community, built to last on a foundation of investment in our people's skill sets," said John W, Kennedy, Ph.D, CEO, NJMEP.

"Workforce development is one of the pillars of spurring economic growth and is critical to attracting and growing businesses in New Jersey," continued Kennedy. "CCM has been training the next generation of advanced manufacturing employees for years and their experience coupled with the program's expansion will help to ensure manufacturers have the skilled employees they're looking for," added Kennedy.

Manufacturing and engineering are vital parts of the Morris County economy, but meeting the need for skilled employees is challenging as those industries continue to grow and new demands develop. The center is designed to address a multitude of needs within the manufacturing and engineering sectors. The facility will feature two electronics labs, two prototyping labs, two computer labs, a 3D printing room, an analysis lab, an automation and controls/robotics/emerging technologies lab, a measuring and materials testing lab, a welding lab, maker space, conference rooms, classrooms and offices.

Currently, CCM offers associate degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology, Engineering Science and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Through its Division of Workforce Development, the college also provides an extensive offering of skills training in such areas as Auto CAD, Program Management, Shop Math and Measurement, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management and more.

About NJMEP: NJMEP is a private, not–for-profit organization that improves the profitability and competitiveness of New Jersey's manufacturers. Backed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NJMEP enables organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance. For more than 20 years, NJMEP has used its extensive network of connections and proven track record of success to help manufacturers adapt to the latest innovative technologies and best practices to realize more than $3.8 billion in value. Our services are categorized into the following three areas: Operational Excellence, Innovation and Growth Strategies, and Workforce Development. NJMEP also has a signature philanthropic program, Manufacturing Cares, which is designed to provide a platform for manufacturers to give back to the community by pooling efforts to increase our impact.

For more information about NJMEP's State-of-the-State Manufacturing Summit, please visit:  'State-of-the-State Manufacturing Summit'. 

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SOURCE New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program