ScanSource, Inc., a leading global provider of technology products and solutions, has donated five 3D printers and related supplies to the Greenville Tech Foundation. The equipment and supplies, a gift valued at $50,000, will be used at the Gene Haas Center for Manufacturing Innovation to support additive manufacturing education.
ScanSource is a longtime partner of Greenville Technical College. In 2011, the company joined with Motorola Solutions, Inc. and Axis Communications to donate a $250,000 wireless system, installed at the college’s Barton Campus.
“We are grateful to ScanSource for the many ways the company has ensured that we can produce highly skilled graduates that employers will want to hire,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “Their generosity means that we have the best tools for teaching.”
“ScanSource is honored to be able to contribute to such an impactful and much-needed initiative right here in the Upstate,” said Paul Constantine, Co-President for the ScanSource Worldwide Barcode, Networking and Security segment. “Developing and recruiting top talent is a vital part of what makes our region’s businesses successful, and the Center for Manufacturing Innovation is a giant step in the right direction. ScanSource is proud to be part of a community that does great work to make sure we are fostering the next generation of skilled workers and leaders that will make an impact in Greenville and beyond.”
At the Center for Manufacturing Innovation, the number one goal is to increase the number of skilled workers for manufacturing in order to close the skills gap that has hampered the progress of many Upstate employers. Programs are offered in a variety of formats, from continuing education workshops and shorter certificate programs to two-year associate degrees and beyond. Offerings include Machine Tool Technology, CNC, Robotics, and Mechatronics. Additive manufacturing is incorporated into the curriculum for Machine Tool Technology and CNC students and is also offered through continuing education classes for working engineers and technicians.
The 100,000 square foot facility is home to many firsts in advanced manufacturing education including a first of its kind collaboration between a technical college and a research university in the U.S. thanks to CMI’s partnership with Clemson University. A Manufacturing Honors College is also a first, allowing Greenville Technical College and Clemson students to work together to solve real world manufacturing challenges.