Pitt's Manufacturing Assistance Center Receives $350,000 Grant

October 25, 2002

PITTSBURGH— The Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Engineering will receive a $350,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pay for training programs, manufacturing space, and expertise, Pennsylvania State Senator Jane Clare Orie (R-District 40) and Representative Frank Dermody (D-District 33) announced.

"This funding will help MAC to provide new programs and hands-on training to many western Pennsylvania workers and manufacturers, enabling them to become more productive, create new jobs, and expand its operations," says Orie. "The University of Pittsburgh's Manufacturing Assistance Center is meeting a critical need when it comes to job training, improving technology, and enhancing employee productivity. I'm pleased that the state is helping to provide funding for this important local job-training and career placement program."

"While the growth of biotechnology and computer science has captured the attention of the local media and economic development experts, manufacturing still provides a solid base for the economy of Pittsburgh and western Pennsylvania," says Gerald Holder, U.S. Steel Dean of Pitt's School of Engineering. "We are grateful that Senator Orie and Representative Dermody recognize the important role the MAC plays in supporting established local manufacturers and nurturing new companies."

Part of the Department of Industrial Engineering in Pitt's School of Engineering, the MAC is a technology transfer center with a skilled staff and a state-of-the-art factory. It offers area manufacturers access to advanced machine tools and computer aided manufacturing software, as well as training, technical assistance, and research and development. It also offers apprentice training to individuals.

Since its inception in 1994, MAC has worked with more than 100 start-up manufacturers. MAC's manufacturing facilities house four start-ups. MAC has completed more than 500 manufacturing and technical assistance projects combined, and training equalling more than 5,500 person-days.

MAC offers training in manual machining, precision grinding, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, Electric Discharge Machines (EDM), metrology (precision measuring), and engineer training. It provides people with instruction in several software packages for CNC and EDM, including Esprit and Mastercam. MAC also creates customized curriculum and training programs to meet the needs of local manufacturers

###

10/25/02/tmw