LAFAYETTE, IN–Representatives from Subaru of Indiana Automotive and its workforce development partners recently broke ground for a new, larger technical training center to prepare employees to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The building is 20,000 square feet and features a simulated factory floor of 7,000 square feet that includes:
>Up to six training robots
>Multiple assembly line simulators
>A car lift
>A forklift and
>Hands-on working space for the Advanced Internship in Manufacturing program.
Also included in the facility are nine classrooms, some with laboratory-type layouts, for maintenance-related training, including electricity, hydraulics, machine set-up and pneumatics; two work-simulation rooms for teaching the essentials of standardized work instructions, basic tool usage, and good ergonomic work practices; and a larger computer lab with 24 seats for instructor-led or self-paced e-learning.
Construction of the building is expected to finish this October. An expansion of the parking lot, from 48 to 200 spaces, is expected to be completed in December.
“Training has always been a cornerstone of our quality strategy,” says Scott Brand, senior vice president at SIA. “Whether it’s primary job skills, enhancing effectiveness through refresher courses, or providing access to college-level courses and degrees, we’re committed to helping our associates grow.”
SIA has developed programs in conjunction with several workforce development partners, including Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Polytechnic Institute and Vincennes University.
SIA is Subaru’s only manufacturing facility outside of Japan and currently manufactures the Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback for North America. Since beginning production in 1989, the plant has increased its annual production of vehicles from 67,000 to approximately 370,000.