FMA Metal Fabrication Lab at Harper College to hold open house April 26

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA) and Harper College will host an open house at the new 6,000-sq.-ft. FMA Metal Fabrication Lab on Tuesday, April 26, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The event will include tours of the new space and equipment and a presentation by FMA economic analyst Dr. Chris Kuehl. A workforce development panel also will be presented, featuring Dr. Kenneth Ender, president of Harper College; Jean Pitzo, CEO of Ace Metal Crafts; and Jim Warren, executive director of education, membership, and foundation at FMA.

The $1.5 million lab, funded in part by a $500,000 grant from the FMA, doubles the size of Harper College's current manufacturing lab. The lab features a Mitsubishi CO₂ laser, Amada 89-ton press brake, Panasonic robotic welding cell, plate roller, ironworker, and welding equipment.

The new facility supports Harper's Advanced Manufacturing Program, which trains students for high-tech manufacturing careers in mechatronics/automation, precision machining, metal fabrication, and supply chain management/logistics. The program offers industry-endorsed skills certificates and paid internships with 75 local manufacturers. The expanded facility, which will train up to 600 students annually, is designed to create critically needed skilled workers for area manufacturers and related businesses.

To register for the open house, visit fmanet.org/fmalab or call 888-394-4362 before April 20.