Auburn’s Industrial Arts Building Grand Opening

CONCORD TWP - There was standing room only as Auburn Career Center unveiled the new Industrial Arts building to the public during a grand opening ceremony on April 30. This building will provide state-of-the-art facilities for both the Advanced Manufacturing program and the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program and increase Auburn’s ability to prepare students to enter the work force shortly after completing their programs.

The new 15,000-square-foot facility is split between Auburn’s manufacturing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning programs, allowing for more than 6,500-square-feet per lab. The high demand for skilled workers and increased enrollment in these fields prompted Auburn to break ground last May on the industrial arts building.

Erik Walter, Esq., Auburn’s Board President, was the Master of Ceremonies for the grand opening event. A number of local manufacturing and HVAC companies were in attendance at this event as well as elected officials, business partners, students, parents and members of the community.

During the ceremony, proclamations were presented from the offices of Governor John Kasich, Senator John Eklund, Congressman David Joyce and Sarah Fowler with the State Board of Education. In addition, speakers for the evening included Mr. Jared Borg from Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel’s office and Lake County Commissioner Daniel Troy.  

“If we are going to be strong as a country and strong as a state, we need to make products. We need to get back to our roots of manufacturing and skilled trades which they are doing here at Auburn Career Center,” said Borg.

“The strength of Lake County is our manufacturing base, we have over 650 manufacturers in Lake County. The main thing that is going to make these companies function, keep our economy growing and make sure the quality of life continues to be great here in Lake County is making sure there is an available pool of trained and ready to work individuals. I cannot say how important what you are doing here with this new industrial arts center is to our future,” said Commissioner Troy. “And with our northeast Ohio climate, of course it is going to be extremely cold or extremely hot, thankfully part of this facility will be training for the HVAC industry.”

Walters presented the Kennametal Foundation with a plaque in recognition of their partnership and generous donations used to support students in completing their training and assisting them to enter the local workforce.   

After the ribbon cutting, guests were given tours of the new facility.

Commissioner Troy said, “This is a great day for Lake County and we appreciate the contribution that Auburn Career Center has made over the last 49 years and will continue to make; making Lake County a great place to live, work and enjoy a fine quality of life.”