$1 Million Endowment Creates One-of-a-Kind Workflow Cell Learning Environment

Governor Terry McAuliffe will provide remarks and participate in the ribbon cutting to officially open the Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). A number of globally recognized partners and Gene Haas, founder and president of Haas Automation, will also be in attendance at a special ribbon cutting in Danville, Virginia on Friday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. The event will be available via a live webcast stream on IALR’s webpage, www.ialr.org.

The Gene Haas Center will include a workflow cell training lab that will provide authentic learning experiences to students who have completed the Integrated Machining Technology Program at Danville Community College (DCC). Not only is the program unique, but it is a game changer for preparing the future workforce. The program will provide a third-year level of learning for students.

Students will utilize state-of-the-art technology and equipment in the flow cell that integrates machining, metrology, lean manufacturing, visual management, and manufacturing economics. This experience will enable students to earn valuable nationally recognized industry credentials from such esteemed organizations a s the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).

Supporters of the program include: Haas Automation Inc., Gene Haas Foundation, Danville Regional Foundation, Master Gage & Tool Co. (Danville, VA), Mitsubishi EDM, Mitutoyo, NIMS, Sandvik Coromant, and Skills USA.

Across the country, there is an urgent need for high-end training programs such as the IALR/DCC partnership in order to meet the current demand for highly skilled advanced manufacturing workers. The ribbon cutting will begin at 10:00 a.m. at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), 230 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA.

Parking and trolley service will be available from the primary parking lot at IALR located at 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA.