| $10,000 Received for Machine Tool Technology Program |
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May 6, 2009 BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI – Despite the strain the recent economic downturn has put on the manufacturing industry, local manufacturers still see the critical need for readily available high-tech training for their workforces.Clear evidence of this has come in form of support for Lake Michigan College’s Machine Tool Technology program by Bill Mach, president of Mach Mold, Inc. in Benton Harbor, and the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the American Mold Builders Association. Together, they have chosen LMC’s program as the recipient of two awards totaling $10,000. In choosing LMC for this award, Mach cited the long-standing partnership between the College and local industry. “Lake Michigan College has been a reliable strategic partner for mold builders,” said Mach, who also serves as president of the Southwest Michigan Chapter of the AMBA. “With this contribution, we hope to continue this partnership for many, many years and help it to grow.” At a convention of the American Mold Builders Association (AMBA), Mach was named Mold Builder of the Year. The Southwest Michigan Chapter of the AMBA was named chapter of the year. For winning these awards, both Mach and the Southwest Michigan AMBA chapter were presented with $5,000 from Progressive Components in Wauconda, Illinois, to be used for an industry-related educational program of their choice. “Lake Michigan College is grateful that Bill Mach has selected our program for this generous gift,” said LMC Interim President Robert Harrison. “Mach Mold is a vital company in our community’s manufacturing industry, and the College is proud to have contributed in some small way to their success and the success of many mold builders in the region by providing advanced training to their current and prospective employees.” LMC Machine Tool Technology program director Ken Flowers said the contribution will be used to purchase a CNC milling machine. “We are extremely grateful for this contribution to the machine tool program,” Flowers said. “By being able to upgrade our program’s equipment, we can continue to provide students and apprentices with the latest training. This gift will not only impact the quality of our instruction, but ultimately will help LMC provide our communities with more highly-skilled laborers.” Along with its degree and certificate programs, LMC offers apprentice training programs and a high school Manufacturing Academy, which allows students to take college-level basic courses while still in high school. For more information about LMC’s Machine Tool Technology program, contact Flowers at (269) 927-8100 ext. 3032. |
