Don’t let media doom and gloomers make you think manufacturing growth and excellence in the U.S. is a thing of the past. Hardly!
For one thing, new reports show manufacturing technology consumption is up 62% in 2010 compared to the same time period in 2009. That’s including a typical summer slowdown. FYI, “manufacturing technology consumption” is just a fancy term that actually means the purchase of new machine tools and related equipment. Manufacturers don’t invest in that much new equipment if they aren’t feeling positive about the future!
For another thing, ABB and Vincennes University have joined forces to create one beautiful vote of confidence in the future of manufacturing – a $9 million Center for Applied Technology in Indiana devoted to workforce development and college-level manufacturing training.
The new robotic training lab features 29 ABB robots and related work cells. Vincennes students gain modern training in applications that include robotic welding and plasma cutting; picking, packing and palletizing; machine tending, material handling and product assembly; and advanced vision related programming. ABB gains an authorized training facility in the mid-west launching well-trained students into the manufacturing workforce.
An open-house is scheduled for October 27, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with demos and tours. Check it out at www.vinu.edu/businessandindustry.
The staff at ACS Industrial is feeling bullish on the future of manufacturing too! Not because we’re crazy, but because our customers tell us so. Whether it’s ABB equipment, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Yaskawa, you name it, we are here to keep your operation up and running and we are devoted to our customer’s success.