DENSO North America Foundation PLEDGES $150,000 Toward ANC Center for Allied Technologies

DENSO North America Foundation PLEDGES $150,000 Toward ANC Center for Allied Technologies

Photo (L to R): John Beal, Manager Administration, DENSO Manufacturing Arkansas; Melissa Smith, Secretary of the DENSO North America Foundation; Dr. James Shemwell, President, Arkansas Northeastern College; George Harguess, President, DENSO Manufacturing Arkansas; and Jessica Griffin, Corporate Services, DENSO Manufacturing Arkansas.

DENSO North America Foundation (DNAF) has become the latest supporter of the Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) Center for Allied Technologies with their announcement of a $150,000 contribution toward the project. DNAF has approved the project for funding over a three-year period.

As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers with operations in 32 countries and regions, DENSO provides capabilities in research and design, and development, manufacturing and delivery of advanced automotive technology, systems and components. 

“The DENSO North America Foundation is pleased to support ANC’s efforts to build a skilled, knowledgeable and well-trained workforce to serve industry,” said George Harguess, President of DENSO Manufacturing Arkansas in Osceola. “We appreciate the standards of excellence that are held by Arkansas Northeastern College and its commitment to education.”  

“We are so grateful for the relationship that Arkansas Northeastern College has with DENSO.  The local plant has been a long-time supporter of ANC with participation in the WORK Program and other technical programs, as well as sponsoring ANC Foundation activities. We appreciate their past support and this generous gift toward our Center for Allied Technologies and look forward to beginning construction on the project next year,” said Dr. James Shemwell, President of Arkansas Northeastern College.

Because of their vision for the community and the development of a skilled workforce, the DNAF’s contribution to the ANC Center for Allied Technologies will provide funds to complete and equip two separate areas of the facility: the DENSO Manufacturing Classroom and the DENSO Computer Laboratory & Library.

Currently the facility is in the architectural and engineering planning stage, which will take approximately one year, with construction expected to take two years. The 85,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in 2018.

The Center for Allied Technologies, to be located on the ANC Main Campus, will actually decrease the College’s overall facilities by 30,000 square feet by consolidating the Burdette Center, Harry L. Crisp Center, and the ACME Center—with an estimated costs savings for the College of approximately $100,000 a year in maintenance.  This new facility will feature a headquarters for the College’s customized training force—The Solutions Group, including general purpose classrooms, electrical classroom & lab, mechanical classroom/lab, safety classroom/lab, HVAC classroom & lab, computer classroom, and large multi-purpose room. Additionally, a world-class welding laboratory will be available for students.

Secondary Center students from area high schools also will be served by this facility through classroom & laboratories for advanced manufacturing, welding, criminal justice, education, and construction/carpentry.  The design incorporates a computer lab for the Secondary Center. Also featured is an aircraft hangar/lab, combination non-destructive testing (NDT) & composites laboratory, and general purpose classrooms to fully accommodate ANC’s Federal Aviation Administration—certified Aviation Maintenance Program.

Since its inception in 2001, the DENSO North America Foundation, philanthropic arm of global auto parts supplier DENSO’s North American headquarters, DENSO International America, Inc., has been dedicated to advancing the auto industry through grants to colleges and universities. The Foundation provides students with technology, tools and experiences similar to that of the professional workplace they’ll experience after graduation.