CHRIS WERNER HAD A GOOD problem: a new plant and 500 newly hired employees to fill it. But it was still a problem.
When Werner, plant manager for Kwikset (a Black & Decker Company), came to Waynesboro, Ga., three years ago to open the plant, he was looking at a huge management task.
Luckily, during the site selection process, Werner established a relationship with Augusta Technical Institute's Center for Advanced Technology (CADTEC), a training center that brings technology to Georgians through such means as factory-floor training and interactive long-distance learning programs. The center's client list includes AT&T, John Deere Commercial Products and the Medical College of Georgia, among others.
Working with Kwikset, CADTEC trained employees in manufacturing processes through the Certified Manufacturing Specialist program.
"We could not have done this startup without CADTEC," Werner said. "Their reputation and knowledge of industry were a good part of the reason why we located here, and they've been a big part of our startup's success," added Eddie Fite, business team manager for Kwikset.
Other popular CADTEC services include quarterly training courses in AutoCAD (automated computer assisted drafting) software, a long-distance computer programming course, computer training for the Augusta area's disabled population and consulting for local businesses. To help AT&T's Augusta call center, for example, CADTEC trained new employees in customer service policies and procedures.
CADTEC's work has been so impressive that it recently was awarded the prestigious Community Award for Service to Existing Industry by the Georgia Economic Developers Association.
GEDA, a statewide 1,000-member organization of economic developers, recognized CADTEC's contributions to its local community this past April.
Things are going so well that CADTEC, which is financially self-supporting, received a grant to remodel its building and add $400,000 worth of new equipment.
"We do a lot of different things," said Ray Center, Augusta Tech's director of business and industry services and overseer of CADTEC, "But it's all in the name of economic development. We're here to keep these businesses happy."
Paul Karr
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