DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Wallace Community College–Dothan has added a new Modular Production System, or MPS. It helps students practice real factory work in a safe, school setting.
The MPS works like the production lines used by major companies. Students get hands-on time with tools employers use today.
The project was paid for by a grant from the Alabama Community College System Workforce Development Division.
The system includes robotic machines, AI quality checks, and advanced mechatronics. Students train on equipment that looks and works like what they will see on the job at companies such as Michelin and Nucor.
“Students aren’t just learning theory, they are operating the same AI-integrated systems, robotic automation, and intelligent machine networks they’ll encounter in the field,” said Martha Compton, WCCD Associate Dean of Career Technical Education. “That means when they graduate, they walk into the workforce already fluent in industry-standard technology.”
More than 100 students each year will use the system. This includes students in:
Wiregrass FAME
Industrial Systems Technology
Electrical Technology
Training happens at WCCD’s Advanced Manufacturing facility in Dothan.
The MPS is modular. That means Wallace can add new parts as technology changes. The college has kept similar systems running for more than 20 years and plans to maintain this one for many years.
Eight industry partners support the program with apprenticeships and jobs:
- Cook’s Saw Manufacturing
- Dunbarton Corporation
- Flagstone Foods
- Michelin Tire
- Nucor Tubular Products
- Rex Lumber
- Smartlam North America
- Wayne–Sanderson Farms
College leaders say this mix of hands-on training and employer support will help graduates start work on day one and support the local economy.
For details on FAME, advanced manufacturing, or Industrial Systems Technology at WCCD, contact Martha Compton, WCCD Associate Dean of Career and Technical Education, at [email protected] or 334-556-6822.
