Machine tools enable students to gain valuable machining experience and the skill set needed to enter the workforce.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (June 13, 2016) – Okuma America Corporation announces the donation of a MC-V4020 CNC vertical machining center and an ES-L8II CNC Lathe to the engineering technology programs at Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, North Carolina. Okuma and CPCC dignitaries attended the formal announcement ceremony Tuesday, June 7, at the Advanced Technology Center on the CPCC campus.
“The lack of skilled labor is one of the biggest threats to the manufacturing industry. We’re excited to partner with CPCC in educating and training the next generation of operators, machinists, and programmers,” said Jim King, Okuma America president and COO.
The generous gift of this equipment supports Okuma’s and CPCC’s efforts to give students hands-on machining experience, manufacturing knowledge, skills and practical experiences necessary to pursue careers in today’s high technology industries.
Several key manufacturers have recently opened facilities in North & South Carolina that require skilled labor. This trend supports the important work of CPCC to prepare individuals for rewarding careers in the manufacturing field. “Teaching students with the Okuma machines creates a machining graduate with a more diversified set of machining skills. This set of skills appeals to a larger portion of employers, making our graduates highly valued. Okuma’s generosity is a great benefit to our students,” said Mike Hogan, CPCC associate dean of STEM programs.
Okuma and CPCC share a long standing relationship dating back to the early 1980s. For more information on Okuma machine tools visit http://www.okuma.com/cnc-machine-tool-lineup.
About Okuma America Corporation
Okuma America Corporation is the U.S.-based sales and service affiliate of Okuma Corporation, a world leader in CNC (computer numeric control) machine tools, founded in 1898 in Nagoya, Japan. The company is the industry’s only single-source provider, with the CNC machine, drive, motors, encoders, and spindle all manufactured by Okuma. The company also designs their own CNC controls to integrate seamlessly with each machine tool’s functionality. In 2014 Okuma launched the Okuma App Store, the industry’s only centralized online marketplace for machine tool apps and related content. Along with its extensive distribution network (largest in the Americas), and Partners in THINC, Okuma is committed to helping users gain competitive advantage through the open possibilities of machine tools, today and into the future. For more information, visit http://www.okuma.com/americas or follow us on Facebook or Twitter @OkumaAmerica.
About Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College is one of the largest community colleges in the Carolinas, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. CPCC is academically, financially and geographically accessible to all citizens of Mecklenburg County. CPCC responds to the workforce and technology needs of local employers and job seekers through innovative educational and training strategies. Established in 1963, CPCC has provided more than 50 years of service to Mecklenburg County residents, business and industry. For more information, see www.cpcc.edu. Connect with the college on social media at www.cpcc.edu/social.
1 Comment
It is great that companies are stepping up and donating machines for students to learn on. I know Haas does a lot of this as well. Gives the kids a good chance to learn on machines that are being used in real machine shops.