Grand Opening - Advanced Manufacturing CNC Lab at MSC Southeast in Winona

On Monday, August 12, the college cut the ribbon to officially open the Advanced Manufacturing CNC Lab in Winona -- sparkling clean facilities showcasing newly-installed, state-of-the art equipment. The lab is ready to welcome students as Fall semester 2019 begins.

Winona area manufacturers, businesses, organizations and individuals have come together to support the college through the Advanced Manufacturing Infrastructure Initiative. Business leader Jerry Papenfuss signed a symbolic check for $582,000, representing the funding that has been raised so far to equip and refurbish technical lab spaces.

"Students need to train on the same kind of equipment they will be using in real world manufacturing positions," said Travis Thul, Dean of Trade and Technology. "We have brand new automated CNC lathes, CNC mills, manual processes including advanced digital readouts, and 3D printing capabilities -- not to mention a completely overhauled infrastructure within the facility itself."

In the next phase of the Advanced Manufacturing Infrastructure Initiative, the college will expand its robotics capabilities.

"Today's industry requires a more highly skilled workforce that is able to troubleshoot, design, develop, and operate this type of equipment," Travis continued. 

"We will train our students on the mechanics, the electronics, the programming and the nuances required to be able to operate everything from an automated CNC machine tool to multi-axis automated conveyor systems. We want to be ahead of the curve on providing an environment where students can learn on the most current equipment possible."