Nearly 200 supporters attended a dedication ceremony today for Aiken Technical College’s new Center for Energy and Advanced Manufacturing.

“Today’s dedication is the culmination of many years of advocacy, planning and fundraising to establish a Center that will serve as a catalyst for growth in the manufacturing and energy sectors for decades to come,” said ATC President Dr. Susan A. Winsor.

The vision for the Center is to develop a qualified workforce to help drive economic development in the region, said ATC Commission Chairman Carlos Garcia.

“Aiken Technical College has dedicated itself to championing the growth of our regional manufacturing, welding and nuclear sectors,” he said. “Our investment in the Center is a hallmark of the College’s commitment to growing the workforce in these areas for the benefit of the entire CSRA.”

Funding for the Center included a $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration; $2.445 million from the S.C. state legislature; $1.5 million of College funding; and $2 million raised during the Putting Knowledge to Work capital campaign led by the ATC Foundation.

The 35,000-square-foot facility houses the radiation protection technology, nuclear quality systems, welding and advanced manufacturing programs. It includes four classrooms, five bays, meeting space, and faculty and staff offices.

The Center is also filled with state-of-the-art equipment which allows students to train on the same type of equipment used in the industry. Funding for the equipment included a $1 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture facilitated by Aiken Electric Cooperative and a $1 million allocation from the S.C. state legislature.

“The Center reflects our community’s commitment to bring high-paying careers to our area, and to ensure that the workforce available for local business is of the highest caliber,” said Winsor.