ABB’s NEMA motor division is pleased to announce its support of Peak Innovation Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Their $1 million investment will be dedicated to the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment for the Advanced Manufacturing program and its Automation/Robotics, Electronics Technology, and Computer Integrated Machining pathways.
“Today, we are investing in our business with automation solutions and data-driven processes,” said Jesse Henson, President of ABB’s NEMA motor division. “These improvements require positions and skill sets we didn’t imagine 10 years ago. We are pleased to partner with Peak to help local students develop the skills we need, and we are honored to invest in those students, their families, and our region.”
Johnny McKusker, Vice President Operations, added, “We are excited that students will experience hands-on, real-world learning, taught by industry-experienced instructors at Peak. Upon graduating high school, Peak students will be prepared to immediately enter the workforce, continue on to college, or do both with the support of their new employers.
“ABB’s investment in Peak Innovation Center will offer students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and expertise in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing, with the option of taking their skills directly into the workforce after graduation. We are very grateful for ABB’s leadership. They have supported the development of Peak from its very beginning, and we couldn’t be more thankful to them for their generosity,” said Dr. Terry Morawski, Superintendent, Fort Smith Public Schools.
Peak Innovation Center is a regional partnership between Fort Smith Public Schools and the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, and it has been strongly supported by the voters of Barling and Fort Smith, the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, and multiple local businesses. Career pathways at Peak, which opens in August 2021, will be available to approximately 43,000 total students from 22 regional school districts. The four distinct programs will focus on Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Healthcare Sciences, and the Arts. 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in the programs will earn technical concurrent credit from the Western Arkansas Technical Center at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith.
ABB (NYSE: ABB) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.
ABB Motion keeps the world turning, while saving energy every day. Our pioneering drives, motors, generators, traction converters and mechanical power transmission products are driving the low-carbon future for industries, cities, infrastructure and transportation. Through our global presence we are always close to serve our customers. With our products and services we help them optimize energy efficiency, improve safety and reliability and achieve precise control of their applications. abb.com/motors abb.com/drives abb.com/mechanical-power-transmission