MidAmerica Industrial Complex Center of Excellence Now Open
02/27/2020
MidAmerica Industrial Park hosted a ribbon cutting and open house for the Park’s new workforce Center of Excellence on February 25, 2020. The Center, a space dedicated to technology, training and career opportunities, is the product of a vision cast to ensure that companies at MidAmerica have access to a quality workforce and job-seekers have opportunity. The Center provides access to advanced technology to assist its companies with research and development and product development
In organizing the structure of the center, MidAmerica took the approach of a multi-tenant facility instead of working with a singular entity.
“We wanted a consortium model that leveraged the expertise of our partners that, when working together, created a tailored approach to workforce development,” said Dave Stewart, MidAmerica Chief Administrative Officer.
To meet the workforce training and development needs, MidAmerica has partnered with Northeast Tech’s business and industry team to assist with the creation of applicable and relevant training programs. Leveraging the knowledge of subject matter experts from MidAmerica companies’, programs are designed for specific purposes and outcomes. Incumbent employees, job seekers and prospective employees can develop in-demand technical skill sets. From Industrial Maintenance to Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Northeast Tech meets the need.
Another strategic partnership has been formed with Action Group Staffing, the anchor tenant in the Center, to provide ease of access to employees and to jobs. AGS is an excellent partner providing employment services for employers and job-seekers. AGS implements innovative staffing solutions that include employee training, alternative worker pipelines, and transportation services.
MidAmerica has partnered with Cherokee Nation Aerospace and Defense in the establishment of an advanced manufacturing program aimed at educating and training workers on high-end manufacturing technology and processes. Not only will the Resource Center provide education and training services, but will also be accessible to MAIP companies for research and development and product development purposes.
Featured equipment within the program includes:
- Haas CNC Machines: VF-2SS w/TRT100, Haas ST-15Y, Haas ST-10, Haas Minimill
- Mitutoya Coordinate Measurement Machine
- Markforged 3D Printers : Onyx One (x2), Mark Two (x2)
- Bigrep ONE Large Volume 3D Printer
- Kioke 4’ X 8’ Plasma Cutter
Finally, the Center is also the home of the Mayes County FIRST Robotics team (MCROBO) and Pryor High School’s Advanced Manufacturing Program. These programs provide area high school students the opportunity to learn valuable skills in computer aided drafting, electromechanical technologies, controls programming as well as critical soft skills. The robotics team competes in regional competitions with other teams from across the country.
MidAmerica is only getting started with the new Center and has plans in place to further develop its offerings. New programming will be established, including an automation and control technology laboratory that will replicate the latest technology applications.
“We are very excited about what the future holds for the new center and the careers that it will impact for local workers,” said Dave Stewart. “We will continue to create high-end training programs and form strategic partnerships to further strengthen the opportunities at the Center.”