Subaru of Indiana Automotive celebrates grand opening of new Technical Training Center

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Dec. 11, 2019 - PRLog -- Representatives from Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), along with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and workforce development partners, today celebrated the grand opening of the company's new Technical Training Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"This facility marks a big, exciting step in the evolution of how we will educate our workforce for lifelong careers in advanced manufacturing," said Scott Brand, senior vice president of administration and quality at SIA. "In fact, it will revolutionize the way we train our current and future production associates."

The $4.2 million, 20,000-square-foot facility on the company's campus is twice the size of the previous technical training center that was built more than 30 years ago and features:

A simulated factory floor (7,000 square feet), including:
Training robots
Assembly line simulators
A car lift
A forklift
Hands-on working space for the Advanced Internship in Manufacturing (AIM) program

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

A larger computer lab with 24 seats for instructor-led or self-paced e-learning

"Training has always been a cornerstone of our quality strategy," said Brand. "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 Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Vincennes University and Ivy Tech Community College.

"Through collaborative efforts, we have made higher education a reality for many associates who would otherwise not have the opportunity," said Brand. "By improving the abilities of our associates, they will be ready to assume the technical and leadership roles we have, both now and in the future."

Over the past 30 years, SIA has been the first U.S. auto plant to achieve a variety of environmentally-friendly milestones. In a first for the company, the Technical Training Center is also serving as a pilot project for solar energy. A rooftop solar array, featuring 328 solar panels, will provide more than half the power needed to operate the facility, while also helping cut its carbon emissions by 47%.

About Subaru of Indiana Automotive
Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA), a subsidiary of Subaru Corp., is the home of North American production for the Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback. SIA employs more than 6,000 associates who are committed to quality, safety and environmental stewardship. For more information, visit subaru-sia.com.