Feb 25th, 2015
Representatives from Jackson State Community College and ARJ Manufacturing, LLC met Tuesday to commemorate ARJs donation of a robotic weld cell. The informal ceremony took place in the industrial technology lab on the JSCC campus.
Dr. Bruce Blanding presented a plaque to ARJ president, Kimihiko Sumino and plant manager, Pat Regan. Dr. Blanding noted the significance of having the generous support of sponsors such as ARJ and the impact that this will have on the quality of training Jackson State can provide students. 'This equipment will allow us to provide training that will accurately simulate real-world scenarios,' Blanding said. 'The support of ARJ and our other partners has been tremendous.'
ARJ plant manager, Pat Reagan has stated that future of ARJs manufacturing operations depends on the skilled trades and the donation this equipment will help the effort of developing the upcoming generation. 'The robotic equipment we donated is very common in manufacturing,' states Reagan, 'and by this donation we hope to help young students gain a basic understanding of equipment and programming, giving them a head start in the manufacturing industry.'
ARJ is among 17 area manufacturers that currently participate in a consortium with Jackson State Community College to encourage youth to pursue careers in manufacturing technology. All of the consortium partners currently have JSCC students working in their facilities. These students are participating in a unique work-study cooperative that is known as Advanced Maintenance Technician (AMT).
The robot donated by ARJ is a Motoman SSF-2000 that is equipped with a MIG welding torch. The equipment was utilized by ARJ to weld frame subassemblies for the seat components in the Toyota RAV4. The robotic welder will now be utilized to teach students in the industrial maintenance program at JSCC to program and maintain robotic equipment.
ARJ Manufacturing, LLC was built in Jackson, Tenn. in 2001 and is owned by Toyota Boshoku Corporation, the world headquarters is located in Kariya, Japan . TBA was established in 1918 by the founder Sakichi Toyoda who was known as the Thomas Jefferson of Japan. ARJ Manufacturing, LLC stamps & weld seat components for the automotive industry and employs over 300 team members.