The Ohio State University at Lima showcased one of its newest ventures – the Engineering Education and Manufacturing Center – with a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours for manufacturers and state and local leaders.
The EEMC builds on one of the cornerstones of the land grant mission of The Ohio State University – access. It allows Ohio State Lima to extend that mission in a way that directly impacts our workforce.
“Not only does this engineering technology degree provide local partners with access to local talent and resources, but it also provides access to our students – access to an Ohio State education, access to industry partners through mentorships, internships and capstone courses, and access to a career with endless possibilities,” said Dr. Margaret Young, interim dean and director at Ohio State Lima.”
Ohio State recently signed a long-term lease with Ford Motor Company for use of its former training center at the Lima Engine Plant. Students are already attending classes and working in the Ohio State labs at the EEMC. They were on hand to demonstrate the capabilities of the labs and industry-standard equipment.
The EEMC equips students with specific knowledge of the latest equipment during their education process and provides manufacturers with direct access to top local talent specifically trained in manufacturing. Manufacturers, operators and skilled trades also have the opportunity to use the facility for training and equipment demonstrations.
“This center further establishes west central and northwest Ohio as the hub for manufacturing engineers in the region, and a model for manufacturing engineering education,” said Lamar Jones, Lima Ford Engine plant manager. “By bringing education and industry together in one space, students will enjoy easy access to a wealth of resources and allow them to immediately contribute to 21st century engineering jobs in our region.”
Featured speakers included State Representative Susan Manchester and City of Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith, who noted the deep roots both Ohio State Lima and Ford have in the area.
“The Ford Motor Company Lima Engine Plant opened its doors in 1957, and just three years later, in 1960, The Ohio State University at Lima offered its first classes. Both have been instrumental in helping to grow our regional economy by providing jobs and access to higher education to thousands of Lima residents looking to build their careers and support their families,” Mayor Smith said. “At that time, no one could have imagined the changes and technological advances we would experience that would lead to this day in history, where there is a need to more closely interweave education with technical and manufacturing skills to meet the needs of our current workforce.”
The 40,000-square-foot facility is a hub for the next generation of engineers. The EEMC houses eight labs, 12 classrooms and breakout rooms, and 300-seat auditorium. Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology and other engineering program are housed in the EEMC where learning and laboratory experiences are anchored in manufacturing and production with real-world applications supported by industry partners and equipment providers.
During the ribbon-cutting, Ohio State Lima was pleased to recognize Cenovus Lima Refinery as the engineering technology program’s first foundational partner. The relationship will help sustain the program as it continues to grow to meet the needs of manufacturing in the area.
“We launched the engineering technology program in 2020 in direct response to industry requests for a program that would integrate engineering concepts and manufacturing processes with hands-on skills,” Ohio State’s Young said. “This unique degree is calculus-based, undergoing ABET accreditation and positioned only on Ohio State’s regional campuses – in communities where the majority of our advanced manufacturers operate.”
Facilities at the EEMC include the Smart Manufacturing Lab, Manufacturing Machining Lab, Forming Lab, Material Science/Quality Lab, Mechanical Processes Lab, Industrial Toolroom, and Electrical Circuits, Controls and Robotics Lab.
The location, faculty and subject matter are a perfect fit for the students as they work to build future careers and lives in the area.
“This is my third year in the program. I absolutely love it. I come from a family full of engineers and Ohio State alums, so Ohio State Lima was a logical choice for me,” said Joshua Niekamp, a third-year engineering technology student from Minster. “I already know I want to go back to Minster to work after graduation next year, and with the experience and connections I’m gaining here, I am confident that my dream will be a reality.”
