Mid-America Technology Center recently opened a new Manufacturing Building which boasts nearly 16,000 square feet which houses state-of-the-art equipment in the CNC Machinist and Mechatronics programs.

The new addition also serves as a safe room that has a capacity for 544 individuals.

The CNC Machinist and Mechatronics programs feature spacious classrooms, expanded shop/work areas and tool and storage rooms.

Both classes are filled with advanced equipment, which will allow MATC students to excel in their areas of study.

The CNC Machinist shop features eight new pieces of technical equipment including four Manual Engine Lathes, two Vertical Mills and two CNC Lathes.

This new equipment and the expanded area will allow for a larger enrollment in the CNC Machinist program. These students will complete the program and enter the workforce with careers that are high skills, high demand and high wage, school officials said.

The Mechatronics students are learning highly sought-after skills on equipment such as Electronic Relay Control trainers and Comprehensive Mechatronics trainers which combine pneumatic, mechanical devices and plc logic into one system.

These students will enter the workforce as highly sought-after state-of-the-art industrial maintenance mechanics of the future.

Much of the equipment for these programs was purchased with grant monies from the Lottery Grant and Carl Perkins which allow for innovative technology to be purchased to assist students to become proficient in their skills at the highest level.

For more information about these programs and other programs and services please visit Mid-America Technology Center at matech.edu.