University Times

The commonwealth is providing a $350,000 grant to the Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) in the School of Engineering.

The grant will fund the center's training programs and shared manufacturing space and expertise for local start-up manufacturers.

An initiative of the Department of Industrial Engineering, MAC is a technology transfer center with a professional staff and a state-of-the-art factory. It offers area manufacturers shared access to, and hands-on training in, the use of advanced machine tools and computer-aided manufacturing software, as well as technical assistance and research and development. It also offers skills and apprentice training to individuals.

State Sen. Jane Clare Orie (R-North Hills) and Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Oakmont) announced the state grant.

"Our manufacturing companies and small businesses are the engines that drive our economy and create good-paying jobs for Pennsylvania workers," Orie said. "This grant will help provide assistance to a wide range of local companies so that they can expand their operations and create new jobs for area residents."

Dermody added, "By providing funding to MAC, we are helping to ensure that Pennsylvania will continue to nurture a prospering manufacturing industry. With help from MAC's training programs, our employees will stand as leaders in the industry. However, the greatest product that MAC will produce is jobs for southwestern Pennsylvania."

According to Gerald Holder, dean of Pitt's engineering school, "The School of Engineering has made manufacturing one of its priorities in education and research because it is an important foundation on which much of our economy is built. With the addition of this grant, MAC and the School of Engineering will be able to continue their mission of providing training and expertise in manufacturing."

Since its inception in 1994, MAC has assisted more than 100 start-up manufacturers, and the shared facilities currently house five manufacturing start-ups.

MAC offers training in manual machining, precision grinding, Computer Numerical Control machining, Electric Discharge Machines, metrology (precision measuring) and engineer training, as well as National Institute for Metalworking Skills certification. MAC also can tailor courses for local manufacturers.

MAC has completed more than 400 shared manufacturing/technical assistance projects and more than 24,000 hours of hands-on training.

The commonwealth grant will be provided through the Program Year 2001 State Employment and Training Demonstration Project and the Allegheny County Workforce Investment Area.