Jacksonville, AL – The Jacksonville State University Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS) has partnered with the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) to deliver hands-on FANUC Certified Handling Tool Operations and Programming training for Honda production equipment associates. The pilot program was provided to the Weld Department on one assembly line, emphasizing shop-floor-relevant instruction in robot operation, programming, and safe troubleshooting.
So far, CMS has trained 13 Honda associates through this initial program, bringing the Center’s total number of trained individuals to more than 90. All participants have received industry-recognized certificates upon completion.
“This partnership was an easy connection to make, and we are already seeing positive results,” said Bill Waley, AAP workforce partnership lead-south. “The JSU Center for Manufacturing Support is a local resource with exceptional robotic training and additive manufacturing capabilities.”
Participants noted the benefits of the training. Josh Smith, AAP equipment operator and the first associate to complete the program, described it as “an eye-opening experience that broadened my understanding of the field and highlighted the vast possibilities within advanced manufacturing.”
Rusty Evans, AAP production staff member who completed the training earlier this year, also praised the program, calling it “extremely beneficial.”
“We needed additional training to better prepare our associates for advanced manufacturing,” said Paul Cunningham, AAP Weld-2 robot workforce lead. “This CMS facility and course are just what we needed.”
Matt Rosser, Director of the Center for Manufacturing Support, said the partnership reflects the growing demand for robotics and automation expertise. “This partnership demonstrates the tangible impact that our certifications can have for companies,” he said. “We are hoping to expand the partnership to support all departments across both of Honda’s Alabama assembly lines and the nearby engine plant.”
CMS offers flexible delivery schedules tied to industry credentials aimed at strengthening the regional manufacturing talent pipeline.
About the JSU Center for Manufacturing Support
The Center for Manufacturing Support serves as a regional resource for manufacturers, students, and community partners, offering industry-certified courses, technical support, and opportunities for collaborative engineering projects. The CMS has invested more than $5.6 million in advanced manufacturing infrastructure, including over 150 pieces of equipment across five labs. Key assets include more than $150,000 in 3D-scanning technology, over $3 million in metal and polymer additive-manufacturing systems, and more than $1 million in robotics equipment.
More information about the Center for Manufacturing Support is available at www.jsu.edu/cms.
