ABB is making a $1 million investment in the Peak Innovation Center in Fort Smith.
The company’s NEMA motor division will be making the investment in the center, which is a hub for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) instruction. ABB’s investment will enable the Peak Innovation Center to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for its advanced manufacturing program, as well as its automation/robotics, electronics technology, and computer integrated machining disciplines.
The investment was formally announced on Monday, May 24.
“Today, we are investing in our business with automation solutions and data-driven processes,” Jesse Henson, president of ABB’s NEMA motor division, said in a statement. “These improvements require positions and skill sets we didn’t imagine 10 years ago. We are pleased to partner with Peak to help local students develop the skills we need, and we are honored to invest in those students, their families, and our region.”
The Peak Innovation Center, a regional partnership between Fort Smith Public Schools and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, is set to open in August 2021. It is projected to provide educational programs to 43,000 students from 22 regional school districts.
“ABB’s investment in Peak Innovation Center will offer students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and expertise in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing, with the option of taking their skills directly into the workforce after graduation. We are very grateful for ABB’s leadership. They have supported the development of Peak from its very beginning, and we couldn’t be more thankful to them for their generosity,” Fort Smith Public Schools superintendent Dr. Terry Morawski said.
ArcBest previously announced a $1 million investment in the Peak Innovation Center in early May. Through this investment, the company will be sponsoring the community room and makerspace in the center.
READ MORE: ArcBest Makes $1 Million Investment in Peak Innovation Center