New AiM UP Lab teaches students about manufacturing at the MGCCC Harrison County campus

One of the biggest industries on the Mississippi Coast is manufacturing, but advances in automation seem to be making less jobs available.

WXXV News 25’s Lucas Warren was at the grand opening of a new lab that is looking to fix that problem.

The MGCCC Advance Manufacturing and Technology Center held a grand opening for their AiM UP lab.

AiM UP Labs are the industry leading training ground for those looking for a career in manufacturing.

In partnership with Mississippi State, the labs focus on preparing students for the future workforce by focusing on automation as it continues to become a bigger part of manufacturing.

Vice President of Teaching and Learning Jonathan Woodward said, “We are elated to finally open the AiM UP lab. That’s advancements in manufacturing upscaling program. This program is all about bringing automation to help be more efficient and effective in the manufacturing sector. By partnering with Mississippi State University, we get a look into what the companies are going to do for the next 5 years. So, in this lab we are ensuring our students are future proof. So, as they go into the workforce they’re prepared for today and the future as well.”

Manufacturing is a huge part of the economy in Mississippi especially here on the Coast. There are currently three AiM UP Labs in the state with the MGCCC location being the first on the Coast.

“There are three AiM UP labs in the state of Mississippi and this one is going to serve South Mississippi. It’s a big deal because if you look at manufacturers and where they’re going with their technology. They’re going to need spaces where they come and look at what’s out there and what is possible.”

With industry leading technology right here on the Coast, it’s bringing a lot of attention from some big-time manufactures. Adele Ratcliff with the Department of Defense said, “Manufacturing is an exciting sector to be in and an exciting profession. It doesn’t matter what you want to do whether you want to be an engineer or an operator, these are great professions to be in. It helps you as an individual, your community, and help us in the Department of Defense build what we need for our national security.”

The MGCCC AiM UP lab will begin training staff immediately and eventually open for students at the start of the next semester.