Horry-Georgetown Technical College Opens New Advanced Manufacturing Center
State-of-the-art facility will provide training for in-demand manufacturing jobs
(Conway) Oct. 10, 2017 – Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) held the grand opening for its new advanced manufacturing center in Conway today. President Marilyn Fore led a dedication and ribbon cutting, and more than 100 community and industry leaders toured the new facility for the first time.
The 25,000 square foot facility in Conway was built in response to industry demand for skilled workers in the fields of welding, machine tool technology, and computerized numerical control. It houses new state-of-the-art equipment and allows for larger class sizes for both day and evening classes.
“Horry County has entered a new era with the opening of this advanced manufacturing facility,” said HGTC President Marilyn Fore. “We now have the technology and the space to train the workforce that our community, and industry partners, so desperately need. Horry County now has the ability to compete with hubs like Charleston and recruit businesses who manufacture parts for companies like Boeing, BMW, Mercedez Benz, Volvo, and GE, while also being able to train for local employers like Conbraco, PTR, Canfor Southern Pines, and Santee Cooper.”
“We are excited the day has come for us to share this new facility with our community,” said Associate Dean Brandon Haselden. “This new building presents endless economic opportunities for the people of Horry County, and for our students in particular. The demand for these manufacturing skills is so high that many of HGTC’s manufacturing graduates land five- to six-figure salaries within five years after graduation.”
“This is what the manufactures in Horry, Georgetown, and Williamsburg Counties have all been waiting for - a true state-of-the-art facility to train a much-needed work force in machine and welding,” said Bob Meltzer, Chief Operating Officer of Peddinghaus Corporation. “To top it off, the training is being done on some of the finest machines and welding equipment made, much of which is the very same equipment we have in our own shops."
President Fore surprised her predecessor, Neyle Wilson, at the event by dedicating the building’s conference room in his name.
“This center, and HGTC’s advanced manufacturing program in itself, would not exist if it weren’t for the 47 years of exemplary leadership and vision of Neyle Wilson,” President Fore said.
HGTC has plans to build a second facility on its Georgetown campus in 2019. Click here to learn more about HGTC’s advanced manufacturing and industrial technologies programs.
HGTC offers college transfer and skilled associate degree programs in more than 65 fields of study, and many with online class options. Nearly all programs feature internships that lead to jobs. Ninety-five percent of students either transfer to earn advanced degrees or start careers in their respective fields of study. Horry-Georgetown Technical College prohibits discrimination against students and employees. Please direct discrimination and accessibility issues to the Office of Student Affairs at (843) 349-5228.