Penn College adds Fronius equipment for expanded facility

Published 09.16.2019

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Welding & Metal Fabrication
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Pennsylvania College of Technology’s expanded welding instructional facility will include new equipment, thanks to a continuing partnership with Fronius USA.

Fronius USA LLC is entrusting 12 of its TPS/i 300 machines, units that facilitate multiple welding processes. Fronius is a leading manufacturer of high-quality technology with three business units: Perfect Welding, Solar Energy and Perfect Charging. The company previously entrusted equipment to the college in 2016.

Fronius USA LLC is continuing its partnership with Pennsylvania College of Technology by entrusting 12 of its TPS/i 300 machines, units that facilitate multiple welding processes. From left are: David R. Cotner, dean of industrial, computing and engineering technologies; Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations for the college; Wes Doneth, regional sales manager NE-Fronius USA; former Fronius USA interns Luke D. Stolarski and Benjamin A. Bean, both majoring in welding and fabrication engineering technology; and Tom Farley, sales application technician-Fronius USA.

Fronius markets the new platform TPS/i as the “welding system of the future.” The weld properties have been significantly improved compared to previous versions, and the unit’s modular design and capacity for system add-ons ensure flexibility.

“We are thankful for Fronius’ ongoing support for our welding program,” said David R. Cotner, dean of Penn College’s School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies. “Such support is vital to the success of our students. Hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment is one of many reasons why our students are real-world ready when they graduate.”

Each year, up to 260 students will have access to the Fronius equipment, which will be placed in two labs in the expanded facility.

The college’s 35,000 square-foot welding expansion – made possible in part by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration – enables enrollment of up to 60 more students annually. There are currently about 350 welding students.

“We are very excited and grateful to continue our partnership with Fronius USA,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations at Penn College. “Fronius is a world-leading company with a long history of excellence. The company is a perfect match for our welding program, which has been producing successful graduates for generations.”                                                           

Fronius and its Perfect Welding Business Unit have been developing welding technologies and system solutions for arc welding and resistance spot welding since 1950.

“As a supplier of arc welding technology to a wide range of industries, we at Fronius USA recognize the importance of what Penn College brings to the industry and the effect of students using the equipment during their education and training,” said Wes Doneth, regional team leader-Northeast.

Penn College offers a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology, associate degrees in welding technology and metal fabrication technology, and a certificate in welding.

For information about those majors and other programs offered by the college’s School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

For information on Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.