ABB is equipping the next generation of professionals for advanced technology manufacturing by partnering with Arkansas Tech University’s Ozark campus to launch a career-readiness program. This collaborative workforce development initiative will offer a curriculum focused on automation technology, air conditioning and refrigeration.
ABB’s Ozark motor manufacturing facility, the region’s third-largest employer with over 250 employees, is a leading economic driver in the community. Each week, the facility produces 3,000 Baldor-Reliance industrial electric motors. These motors power fans, pumps, blowers and other systems ensure the safe and efficient flow of air, liquid and data.
“This program is an effective workforce development initiative that has the potential to support the entire region,” says Greg Dawson, human resources business partner at ABB’s Ozark plant. “Instead of bringing in a temp and starting him or her from scratch, we are pre-training our candidates to succeed in our manufacturing operations.”
ABB intends to replicate this model in other universities near its manufacturing facilities. This program exemplifies ABB’s ongoing commitment to nurturing future professionals in its communities. In 2023, ABB invested $1 million to create a workforce training program.