A donation from ESAB will benefit students at the Union County Advanced Technology Center as well as ESAB employees.
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products donated four Mig welding machines and accessories to Spartanburg Community College (SCC). The machines were installed in December at the Union County Advanced Technology Center (UCATC) and will allow SCC to expand its welding program offerings in Union.
“We are extremely excited and appreciative of ESAB’s donation,” said Kathy Jo Lancaster, SCC interim director of the UCATC. “ESAB will provide an economic boost to the Union community and has already proven to be a valuable partner to SCC as well. We’re thankful for their support and commitment to improving our local economy.”
During construction of its Midway Plant in Union, ESAB has utilized the UCATC facilities for employee training. Much of the training in Union is being led by ESAB application engineer Bob Kovalchuk of Ohio. Kovalchuk said the donated Mig welding equipment is all top-of-the-line and can weld anything from sheet metal to four-inch plate.
Kovalchuk also said he was impressed with the UCATC.
“Most places we go don’t have a nice facility where we can do this,” Kovalchuk said.
ESAB has 26 locations throughout the world, manufacturing a wide variety of products. Employees of Union’s ESAB Midway Plant will make Mig and submerged-arc welding wire for welding consumables and personal protection equipment. Kovalchuk also said he was very impressed with Union’s new ESAB Midway Plant facility, which he said was completely computerized and state-of-the-art.
“It’s really going to be a show place,” Kovalchuk said. “It will make the work for those operators unbelievable.”
Union native Jennie Epps Loftis was one of many newly-hired ESAB employees who participated in training at the UCATC. Loftis will work in human resources as a liaison between the Midway Plant and the corporate office. She will coordinate training and lead all new hire orientation.
Loftis said there are still open positions at the plant, and those interested may apply online by visiting www.esabmidway.com.
SCC currently offers a dual-enrollment welding program at the UCATC, which is funded by a grant from AdvanceSC and allows eligible Union County High School students to earn college credit and train for a high-demand and high-growth career in welding while they attend high school.
“With the addition of the ESAB Mig welding machines we can expand our welding offerings at the UCATC to include more advanced classes,” explains Joe Richards, SCC interim department head of welding. “These machines and accessories are valued at $26,371 and are used for high-production welding of materials with different thicknesses.”
Richards said dual credit students are not yet using the Mig machines, but he hopes it will allow for expansion in the way of UCATC welding classes, which could include classes for welding certification there.
For more information on SCC’s welding programs, visit www.sccsc.edu or contact Joe Richards at (864) 592-4691 or richardsj@sccsc.edu.
SCC is now enrolling for spring semester classes. Individuals interested in applying to the college can contact the SCC Admissions Center at (864) 592-4800 or toll free (866) 591-3700 or apply online at www.sccsc.edu. For a complete listing of fall class schedule offerings, visit www.sccsc.edu/academics/search.aspx.
About Spartanburg Community College.
Named one of the fastest-growing colleges in the nation according to Community College Week, SCC offers more than 100 academic programs of study including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, plus University Transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities. SCC provides flexible class scheduling including day, evening, weekend classes with multiple start dates and more than 100 online classes through SCCOnline. Offering the lowest tuition in the region, convenient locations, and regional/national accreditations, SCC offers educational opportunities leading to high-growth, high-demand jobs. The SCC Corporate & Community Education Division provides job and career enhancement, workforce development and personal enrichment courses and training programs. For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu.
About ESAB
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is one of the world’s largest and most skilled manufacturers of welding and cutting equipment and welding filler metals. Ensuring customer satisfaction, a wide range of ESAB products carry the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. ESAB is an international company valuing integrity, experience, innovation and partnership. Every aspect of ESAB product development and day-to-day interaction with customers is consistently informed by a belief in strength through cooperation. For more information on the company, visit www.esabna.com or call 1-800-ESAB123.
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