April 25, 2010 – ABB Robotics and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) have formed a partnership that will greatly enhance the Appleton, Wisconsin college’s vocational and technical robotics training, and provide ABB with an authorized training facility in the north central Midwest. The partnership includes the Phase I installation of seven (7) ABB robots and related software and controllers into FVTC’s updated industrial training facility. A Phase II is planned for Fiscal year 2011 that will include the addition of arc welding robots, positioners, welding equipment and related software. FVTC offers a two-year associate degree in Automated Manufacturing & Robotics, and a series of robotic training courses in its Workforce Development program.
“Robotics training plays a significant role in today’s high-tech, global market that is increasingly driven by automation,” noted Dr. Susan May, president of Fox Valley Technical College. “Our partnership with ABB Robotics brings advanced manufacturing technology to students and workplace trainees to help build a highly-skilled and competitive workforce.”The partnership is a significant step in the strategic plan for ABB to establish regional certified training campuses throughout North America, where robotic technicians will have easier access to comprehensive training and certification." ABB recognizes the value that Fox Valley Technical College brings to industry throughout Wisconsin and the upper Midwest," said Joe Campbell, vice president sales and marketing for ABB Robotics.
"The FVTC team is truly experts in the field, and we are honored that they made ABB Robotics their robot of choice." Though the full reach of the relationship between FVTC and ABB is still evolving, ABB will provide comprehensive training for FVTC staff at the ABB flagship training facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Future plans include the potential for field training for FVTC students in conjunction with ABB’s participation in industry trade shows, new industrial system installations, and other industry related activities.
About Fox Valley Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College offers more than 200 associate degree, technical diploma and certificate programs, and instruction related to 20 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. Annually, the college serves about 45,000 people throughout its five-county district. About ABB, Inc. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.
About ABB Robotics
ABB Robotics is a leading supplier of industrial robots – also providing robot software, peripheral equipment, modular manufacturing cells and service for tasks such as welding, handling, assembly, painting and finishing, picking, packing, palletizing and machine tending. Key markets include automotive, plastics, metal fabrication, foundry, electronics, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. A strong customer focus helps manufacturers improve productivity, product quality and worker safety. ABB has installed more than 160,000 robots worldwide.