New Advanced Automation Program Signals Manufacturing Growth in Douglas-Coffee County
When Wiregrass Georgia Technical College opened its doors to industry partners, community leaders, and state officials at its Coffee Campus recently, the occasion carried real weight. It was a signal that South Georgia is investing in the kind of workforce that modern manufacturing demands.
The celebration centered on the launch of Wiregrass Tech’s new Advanced Automation and Mechatronics Program, developed in collaboration with Advanced Manufacturing International (AMI) and backed by $750,000 in state funding secured through the Technical College System of Georgia. The luncheon brought together the people who made it happen: elected officials, economic development leaders, industry partners, and the educators who will carry the program forward.
The need it addresses is straightforward. As the region looks to grow its advanced manufacturing sector, employers need workers trained in automation and smart manufacturing technologies. This program is designed to close that gap.
Wiregrass President DeAnnia Clements framed it plainly: “This partnership will equip students with the skills and training they need to succeed in high-demand, high-tech careers and will help strengthen our region’s economic development for years to come.”
AMI President and CEO Joe Veranese noted that AMI helps communities build strong workforce pipelines in digital and smart manufacturing technologies, which are competencies he described as essential to U.S. competitiveness.
Joel Wiggins, a partner with the Southern Group of Georgia and Government Affairs Consultant, added: “Few communities work together to collaboratively articulate their workforce needs like Douglas-Coffee County. President Clements showed exceptional vision in seeing a place for AMI in Douglas. From our meetings, it was clear that Wiregrass Technical College featured excellent relationships with employers in the community and a clear understanding of the technology, training, and best practices needed to support their workforce needs.”
That community-wide effort found its champion in the Georgia General Assembly through District 169 State Representative Angie O’Steen, who worked alongside colleagues to secure the $750,000 in state funding that made the program possible. “I am so proud and honored to have been able to work with my colleagues and be a champion on behalf of Wiregrass and Douglas-Coffee County,” O’Steen said. “This is Douglas-Coffee County leading the way in innovation.”
The Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority were proud to attend the luncheon celebrating this milestone. Congratulations to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, Advanced Manufacturing International, and all the partners who helped secure this important funding, including Joel Wiggins of the Southern Group of Georgia, Douglas-Coffee EDA CEO Matt Seale, Representative O’Steen, and Senator Carden Summers.
For students ready to take the next step, Wiregrass is hosting Free Application Week June 9–13, with Fall Semester classes beginning August 12. Learn more and apply at wiregrass.edu.