May 3, 2006

MCC’s new Integrated Manufacturing Technology program begins June 12

Courses for Montcalm Community College’s new certificate in Integrated Manufacturing Technology begin June 12.  The certificate program prepares people for production technician positions at United Solar Ovonic.

            United Solar Ovonic will open a production facility in Greenville in 2007.  The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., is the leader in thin-film solar technologies and manufacture of thin-film solar electric modules and laminates.  United Solar Ovonic is initially investing $129 million and creating 200 local jobs.  United Solar Ovonic anticipates hiring 60 production technicians in late 2007. 

            MCC will accept up to 96 students in the June 2006 training program.  Admission into the program is competitive and based on assessment scores in reading, mathematics and writing.  Anyone interested in the program must complete assessment between May 8 and 19 at the college’s Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) in Greenville.  Call 616/754-7706 to schedule an assessment appointment. 

            MCC designed the new certificate program specifically to train people who want to apply for production technician jobs at United Solar Ovonic.  The 15-month program includes 51 credits in computer, applied mathematics, electricity, industrial technology and science courses and non-credit training in forklift operations, crane operations, LEAN manufacturing, safety, solar energy and solar-cell technology.  The college plans to begin a second session of the new program by January 2007.

“MCC’s Integrated Manufacturing Technology program is one of several screening mechanisms for United Solar’s production technicians,” said Leslie Anne Wood, MCC director of workforce development.  “Completion of MCC’s certificate program does not guarantee employment by United Solar.”

“The training is the first step," said Janet Bloomfield, Central Area Michigan Works! vice president for employment training.  The Greenville-based Michigan Works! agency will work with United Solar Ovonic to screen production technician candidates and other employees for the new plant.  "The hiring schedule and details are still out there in the future,” Bloomfield said.  “The first priorities are getting the plants constructed and getting individuals trained."

March 2006

MCC to provide training for United Solar Ovonic technicians

When United Solar Ovonic executives searched for a site for a new production facility, one of their needs was a local training provider.  When the company's new high-technology manufacturing plant opens in Greenville next year, Montcalm Community College will train its technicians.

            "We are pleased to be an integral player in a partnership that succeeded in bringing new business to the area," said MCC President Donald Burns.  "We are also excited to be offering training for this advanced technology."

            During a March 22 press conference at the college's Michigan Technical Education Center, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced United Solar Ovonic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., will soon locate a production facility in Greenville.  The company is investing $129 million and initially creating 200 local jobs.

             United Solar Ovonic is headquartered in Auburn Hills.  The company is the leader in thin-film solar technologies and the manufacture of thin-film solar electric modules and laminates.  United Solar's high-volume production equipment is the world's largest and most advanced machine for the manufacture of thin-film amorphous solar cells and related products that are used for a variety of applications. 

            The company was considering building its new plant in several locations, including South Carolina.  Collaboration between the college, the state, the city and the company resulted in the decision to locate the facility in Greenville.

            MCC is not yet offering the program for training United Solar's technicians.  People interested in working for the company should first contact Michigan Works! in Greenville.  However, because details are not yet in place, people interested in jobs at United Solar Ovonic should wait to contact Michigan Works! until after a public announcement is made in the local media. 

Video 1 From WZZM 13

Video 2 From WZZM 13

Press Release from the Governor's Office

United Solar Ovonic's Website