Drake State to construct new 50K-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center

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Construction on the Advanced Manufacturing Center will begin in January 2023. (Drake State)

The campus at Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville will have a new addition soon, as the school announced last week it will build a new 50,000-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center.

The new building will support the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries and will house the most in-demand training programs including engineering design and mechatronics.

Read more: Drake State to construct new 50K-square-foot Advanced Manufacturing Center

A positive impact on North Alabama’s workforce

Group photo
City and state leaders are behind the new project. (Drake State)

Alabama Community College System chancellor Jimmy Baker, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, and Office of Senator Tommy Tuberville regional director Gwen Shelton shared their excitement during Wednesday’s press conference and highlighted the positive impact the center will have on North Alabama’s workforce.

“The need is so great. We want to show students that there are a lot of ways to make a good living that will allow them to be outstanding members, not only in their families, but in their communities as well.”

Alabama Community College System chancellor Jimmy Baker

Skills learned at the new Advanced Manufacturing Center, which will be located on Meridian Street, will help Alabama workers earn a high wage and gain nationally recognized certifications at a low cost.

“We know that our continued economic growth depends on a highly skilled workforce. A Community College is the best vehicle to change our state by providing access to more career opportunities.”

Drake State president Dr. Patricia Sims

Breaking ground in 2023

ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker and Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims
Alabama Community College System chancellor Jimmy Baker and Drake State president Dr. Patricia Sims said the new center will be valuable for Alabama’s workforce. (Drake State)

Construction on the Advanced Manufacturing Center is set to begin in January of 2023. The idea for the new building was conceived in 2020 and the process to break ground has been extensive, but will now come to life, so to speak.

Drake State president Patricia Sims said the facility will be, “New, clean, and modern, to reflect the industries that it will service.”

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Michael Seale
Michael Seale
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