Blackhawk Technical College celebrated the opening of its state-of-the-art Innovative Manufacturing Education Center (IMEC) at the Beloit-Janesville Campus on Thursday evening, with a ribbon-cutting event and tours for industry and K12 partners.
Designed by Angus-Young Associates and constructed by JP Cullen, the 45,000-square-foot IMEC mirrors a real-world manufacturing environment. Its open, flexible spaces accommodate a range of processes from robotics to CNC machining, offering students an authentic, hands-on experience in high-demand fields like Automation Systems Technology, Welding, and Electro-Mechanical Technology.
“The IMEC is our idea of manufacturing education in the 21st century – a work-based learning environment where faculty and students engage much deeper than the traditional model, developing thinking skills that will give them a confidence in their abilities to adapt quickly in today’s high-tech manufacturing world,” said Greg Phillips, Blackhawk’s Dean of Advanced Manufacturing.
A nearly $7 million donation from the Blackhawk Technical College Foundation made the IMEC possible. In May 2023, the Foundation sold the Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in Milton to KANDU Industries, using the proceeds to fund the IMEC at the Beloit-Janesville Campus. The move to the college’s main location places manufacturing students closer to essential support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services, as well as overall campus life.
“We are celebrating a comprehensive Beloit-Janesville Campus in a location that sits at the center of our population in Rock County – the proper location for a manufacturing education center – IMEC,” Dr. Tracy Pierner, President of Blackhawk Technical College, said to about 125 people who gathered Thursday for the opening event.
The Prent Corporation also has been instrumental in making the IMEC a reality. Prent donated $250,000 to Blackhawk’s Foundation to fund a manufacturing automation cell, which is housed within the building.
“This advanced facility is part of the solution – where our community becomes a talent importer versus a talent exporter,” said Rachel Pregont Andres, Prent Corporation Executive Vice President.
IMEC Project History
May 2023: Blackhawk Technical College Foundation sells the Milton Advanced Manufacturing Training Center to KANDU Industries, donating nearly $7 million to the college to fund a new manufacturing facility.
October 2023: Groundbreaking for the Innovative Manufacturing Education Center (IMEC). Prent Corporation announces a $250,000 donation for a manufacturing lab.
August 2024: Completion of the 45,000-square-foot IMEC, featuring welding areas and specialized labs for hands-on student learning.
October 2024: Blackhawk hosts ribbon-cutting event, celebrating the completion of IMEC.