​Elgin Community College is moving forward with plans to build a multi-million-dollar manufacturing center.

The $55 million-dollar training facility will give students expanded opportunities to learn  high-skill, in-demand jobs in a variety of careers in the manufacturing sector.

Cathy Taylor, Dean of the Sustainability, Business and Career Technologies Division, tells the Elgin Courier, the new building will house ECC’s programs for heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration (HVAC-R); energy management; industrial maintenance; mechatronics; and CNC (computer numerical control) along with two new courses in pipe welding and quality technician.

According to the Courier, the college recognized the need for the new building several years ago when they had to create a waiting list for students wanting to enroll in some of the manufacturing programs.

“The need for space was further exacerbated when local employers offered donations to the college to educate and train students and workers for manufacturing related jobs and careers, but we were challenged to find space,” Taylor told the paper.

The new manufacturing center will be built near ECC’s main entrance on property that used to be the site of the Colonial Café at Spartan Dr. and McLean Boulevard.

Source: Elgin Community College Board minutes/ Elgin Courier News. ​