February 21, 2022 at 1:55 p.m.
Nicolet unveils $2.2 million upgrade to manufacturing labs
Nicolet unveils $2.2 million upgrade to manufacturing labs
"It's critical for the college to stay on the leading edge of technology so our graduates can make that seamless transition into the workforce," said Jeff Labs, dean of Trade, Industry and Apprenticeships at Nicolet. "This large-scale remodel of the Birchwoods Center will help them do exactly that. The skills students will learn are precisely what they'll need to launch successful careers in a variety of industries and are also what area manufacturers need to be productive, efficient and profitable."
Students have been using the lab since Jan. 5 when the spring term started. The remodel was completed in phases, and the project was delayed by supply issues with some of the equipment. One of the most important items is the interior fire suppression sprinkler system.
Welding instructor Jon Edwardson helped student Everett Rice use an Accurpress press to bend the metal project he was working on for class. The new machinery uses a descending tool to press the metal to be bent against a die to make a precise and repeatable angle bend. One of the dies needed for Rice's project was so new Edwardson had to take it out of its packaging.
In addition to the press Rice was working on, other new technology includes the latest in metal rolling, bending and forming equipment as well as other specialized devices used in metal fabrication. A new, high-definition plasma cutter has replaced the water jet cutter that had been used to cut sheets of metal.
The college is also launching a new metal fabrication program this spring to be followed this summer with a new forestry maintenance program, both of which will also be housed in the Birchwoods Center.
In the past some these academic programs were located in different buildings across campus.
"It's exciting to bring them all under one roof," Labs explained. "There's a lot of cross-competencies between programs, just as there are between jobs in manufacturing plants. By being in the same building, students will also get a baseline understanding of the different professions and how they can work in sync with each other to accomplish any given task."
Along with providing new, clean and inviting spaces to learn and work, the project also includes a serious upgrade in mechanical technology.
When planning the project Nicolet staff worked closely with manufacturers across the Northwoods to gain a solid understanding of the skills they need in their workforce, the release states.
The approximately $2.2 million upgrade is being paid for with $1.5 million from college coffers and the remainder with grants the college was awarded from the Wisconsin Technical College System.
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