The County College of Morris announced Friday it has broken ground on its new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, a project that was designed to address employment and growing industry needs.
The 31,000-square-foot facility is expected to open spring 2020, CCM said.
The center will have the latest technology and equipment, CCM said, and will provide training and offer faculty, students and industry professionals the opportunity to work together on new solutions and developments.
Guests attending the groundbreaking ceremony included CCM President Tony Iacona; Assemblyman Anthony Bucco; Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce; 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,” Bucco said. “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.”
The facility will feature two electronics labs, two prototype 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, offices and more.
“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,” NJMEP CEO John W. Kennedy said.
CCM currently offers associates degrees in electronics engineering technology and engineering science and mechanical engineering technology. The college also provides skills training in areas such as Auto CAD, program management, shop math and measurements, Six Sigma, supply chain management and more.
“Workforce development is one of the pillars of spurring economic growth and is critical to attracting and growing businesses in New Jersey,” Kennedy said. “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.”
