College Showcases 'Haas Technical Education Center'
Published 11.19.2004
Pennsylvania College of Technology held an open house recently to showcase its new Haas equipment area, designated the "Haas Technical Education Center."
Haas Automation Inc. of Oxnard, Calif., has entrusted the College with two pieces of CNC (computer numerical control) machine tools a Super Mini Mill Vertical Machining Center and an SL-10 CNC Lathe, along with the accessories to support the equipment for two years.
The equipment will be used for instruction in Penn College's Automated Manufacturing Program, which currently enrolls 89 bachelor-degree students and 63 associate-degree students.
"The advantages to our students through the use of this state-of-the-art equipment are very important to their success. ... There is a significant need for employees with the skills our students will acquire through the use of this equipment," said Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour, Penn College president. "We are extremely grateful for the partnership with Haas Automation and its representatives, and we look forward to our continued work together."
Established in 1983, Haas Automation Inc. is the largest machine-tool builder in the United States, manufacturing a full line of CNC vertical and horizontal machining centers, CNC lathes, rotary tables and related equipment.
Edward Kilgallon, president of Philadelphia-based Lance Co., a distributor of Haas equipment, was instrumental in developing the partnership with Penn College. He said it is important to continue the manufacturing-technology programs in the United States to support America's efforts to increase its world competitiveness in manufacturing.
Penn College will work with Haas officials to coordinate periodic visits to the Automated Manufacturing Lab as well as College tours for customers and representatives of the company. The lab is located in the College Avenue Labs facility at Penn College.
For more information about the academic programs offered by the School of Industrial and Engineering Technologies at Penn College, call (570) 327-4520, send e-mail or visiton the Web.