Vibrancy of manufacturing celebrated at grand opening

By: Lauren Alford

News editor

Students, staff and faculty gathered at the grand opening of the Gene F. Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Skills on Tuesday, August 27. The building is part of an expansion initiative for Hudson Valley Community College’s advanced manufacturing technology program.

“This is a bold statement that American manufacturing is alive, well and growing,” said United States Congressman Paul Tonko. “The vibrancy of manufacturing is what this is all about.”

Designed by Mosaic Associates, the $14.5 million structure is seven times the size of the original home of the advanced manufacturing technology program. This allows the program’s enrollment to double from 144 students to 288 students. 

Gene Haas, founder and president of Haas Automation Incorporated, donated $1 million dollars to the construction. The machines inside of the building are all from his company. 

“This building is going to be here for a long time and it’s really an honor to have my name on it,” Haas said.

The rest of the building’s funding is the result of other manufacturing firms, in addition to federal and state grants.

“This accomplishment is a perfect example of the things we can achieve when we work together as partners for the betterment of our community,” said Roger Ramsammy, president of Hudson Valley Community College.

As stated by the New York Department of Labor Commissioner, Roberta Reardon, Haas Center is a perfect example of government, business and education coming together to create solutions.

“Not only did government come through with the State of New York, but our friends in manufacturing made significant contributions and donations so we’re very thankful for that,” stated David William Davis, president of Simmons Machine Tool Corporation.

Davis’ company is a local business that will benefit from the Haas Center. After contributing to Hudson Valley Community College’s advanced manufacturing program, Simmons Machine Tool is projecting nearly double the profit for the next year.