Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the ribbon cutting of the new Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center at Alfred State College. The $5 million, 16,000-square-foot facility will help prepare welding and machine tool technology students for in-demand jobs, while learning state-of-the-art sustainable practices in advanced manufacturing. The Center is supported by the $4.5 million SUNY 2020 “Retooling the Southern Tier” project, as well as a grant of up to $500,000 for new equipment and machinery from the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council.
“Alfred State’s new Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center will keep the school at the cutting edge of technology and ensure our manufacturers have access to a pipeline of the educated and well-trained employees they need to succeed,” said Governor Cuomo. “New York is committed to developing a high tech workforce to help grow the 21st economy and that begins with making these types of investments to bolster the capabilities our higher education institutes.”
Located on Alfred State’s School of Applied Technology campus in Wellsville, the Center includes classrooms, a computer lab, a welding booth shop, a welding fabrication shop, material handling and preparation space, a CNC machine shop, and metrology and inspection space. Other uses for the facility include prototyping and assisting manufacturers across western New York in the development of new products and systems.
“Alfred State is at the heart of the hi-tech revolution in this region, and this center is a symbol of what Governor Cuomo is achieving all across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Hochul. “We are positioning a new generation of workers for success in the area of advanced manufacturing even as we promote and develop the new methods necessary to achieve the right balance between growing our economy and preserving our environment.”
The SAMC is the first building on the Wellsville campus funded by the State of New York. The Educational Foundation of Alfred, Inc., a private foundation whose mission is to improve the Alfred State community through support of educational programs, owns the property and is leasing the site to SUNY for 30 years.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher said, “This is one of many historic moments for Alfred State College as it builds on its reputation of truly preparing students for the future job demands in the Western region. My congratulations to President Sullivan and the entire Alfred State College community for realizing their vision for the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center.”
Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan said, “It is an exciting time for our students, the community, and the business and industry partners that employ our graduates. I personally appreciate the investment in Alfred State and the investment in the next generation of students who will meet workforce needs in the future. This state-of-the-art facility is a gem that allows our experienced and quality faculty to prepare our students to ‘hit the ground running’.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said,“Aligning education and skills training to the needs of local employers is a must in order to advance our economy and Alfred State’s new SAMC understands the importance of coordinating educational opportunities and workforce needs so that their students will graduate prepared for successful careers in advanced manufacturing.”
Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair and SolEpoxy President Jeff Belt said, “Alfred State is a leading college of technology in our region and a great partner to the WNYREDC as we strive to prepare our youth for in=demand and growing industry sectors such as advanced manufacturing. SAMC will be a real asset for area manufacturers by providing the education and training for employment opportunities close to home. One of the WNYREDC’s core strategies is preparing our workforce and Alfred State’s new SAMC fits that bill perfectly.”
Satish K. Tripathi, Western New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair and University at Buffalo President said, “There is a high demand for advanced manufacturing graduates in our region so Alfred State’s new center will be a benefit for the area manufacturers who are looking to fill positions with talented, career-ready individuals. I am proud that the WNYREDC supported this important project.”
Senator Catharine Young said, “Alfred State College’s Wellsville campus offers students of all ages a cutting edge environment to learn an array of skilled trades. With the addition of the new Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center (SAMC), students will have the tools necessary to be at the forefront of advanced manufacturing fields and they will be well-prepared for careers that offer good paying jobs. The SAMC will be a valuable asset for Alfred State College and Allegany County, and I was proud to support the $5 million in funding for the facility in the State Budget. I applaud Governor Cuomo and SUNY for making this investment in our community because it will be a tremendous resource as we continue to create jobs and improve everyone’s quality of life.”
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio said, “I am pleased to congratulate Alfred State on the opening of its Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center, which will train students for future careers with local manufacturers. The need for a skilled workforce is frequently cited as crucial to developing and supporting manufacturing facilities here in the Southern Tier of Western New York. This new facility will help to meet that need and to build the local economy through the creation of new products and technologies.”
Allegany County Board of Legislators Chairman Curt Crandall said, “Allegany County is proud of Alfred State and its School of Applied Technology at the Wellsville campus. It has a rich history of training a skilled workforce for this region and beyond. Today’s ceremony only reinforces that pride and elevates Alfred State graduates to even higher levels of expertise.”
About Alfred State
Alfred State, a residential college of technology, provides career-focused education enriched by the liberal arts. With more than 70 dynamic majors — offering engaging course work in both traditional classrooms and the real world — Alfred State provides students with unparalleled preparation.