Louisiana’s partnership with Haas Automation

On MFG Day 2020, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced a partnership with Haas Automation in which Louisiana will become the first state in the U.S. to install advanced Haas 5-axis machining centers at every community and technical college in the state.

In an effort to bolster manufacturing in their state, Louisiana Economic Development’s LED’s FastStart program has partnered with the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) to purchase 12 Haas UMC-500 5-Axis Universal Machining Centers for 12 area community and technical colleges. All 12 machines are being supplied by the local Haas Factory Outlet, A Division of Trident Southeast in Lafayette, LA. Also supporting the initiative is the Gene Haas Foundation (GHF), which will provide scholarships to train teachers and educate students.

“Louisiana wants to be known as a global leader in manufacturing,” Gov. Edwards said. “And that is why we are investing in the highest-quality manufacturing equipment on our LCTCS campuses to ensure our future workforce is an outstandingly well-prepared workforce. We are proud to team with Haas to create this first-in-the-nation partnership.”

Since 2008, LED FastStart has delivered a half-million hours of training to more than 31,000 employees of 226 expanding companies in Louisiana. In some cases, FastStart training protocols developed for a Louisiana location have been adopted globally by corporations. Recently, Business Facilities magazine ranked LED FastStart as the nation’s No. 1 Workforce Development/Talent Attraction Program for an unprecedented 11th consecutive year. The magazine also ranked Louisiana No. 2 for manufacturing output (as a percentage of GDP).

“This partnership is really unprecedented,” states Toni Neary, Director of Education for HFO/Trident Southeast. “LED FastStart is stepping up to not only provide industry leading 5-axis machining centers, they’re covering the costs for all necessary tooling, workholding, and rigging, making this a turnkey installation for each school. We’re also excited that the Gene Haas Foundation is jumping on board by providing scholarships for teachers and students to get this program off the ground.”

LED FastStart recognizes that more and more manufacturers are investing in 5-axis machining technology to reduce costs, increase productivity and improve part quality. However, advanced skills are required to operate this advanced level of technology, so workforce development is key. By upskilling Louisiana’s manufacturing workforce, LED FastStart hopes to attract a wider spectrum of manufacturers, including aerospace, automotive, and medical, to a state which has been heavily reliant on the energy sector for high-paying jobs.

“Keeping Louisiana’s community and technical colleges equipped with the latest technology allows us to train individuals for advanced manufacturing jobs. A highly skilled workforce positions our state as both an attractive location for industry and a training leader,” said LED FastStart Executive Director Paul Helton. “Through our partnership with Haas, we are now the first state in the U.S. to provide all-in-one, 5-Axis CNC machining training centers at every one of our community and technical colleges. There is great demand for these high-wage skill sets in aerospace, automotive and other manufacturing settings. This win-win partnership clearly demonstrates why LED FastStart ranks No. 1 among all state workforce training programs.”

Schools selected to receive a Haas UMC-500 include the following: Baton Rouge Community College, Bossier Parish Community College, Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Delgado Community College, Fletcher Technical Community College, Louisiana Delta Community College, Northshore Technical Community College, Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Nunez Community College, River Parishes Community College, South Louisiana Community College – Young Memorial Campus, and SOWELA Technical Community College.

“LED FastStart has been a tremendous partner for Louisiana’s community and technical colleges for many years and this strategic investment in our schools and our people is yet another example of their commitment to talent and workforce development,” LCTCS President Monty Sullivan says. “Advanced Manufacturing remains an in-demand and high-wage profession. Providing 12 new 5-Axis Universal Machining Centers to our colleges is a game-changer for our instructors, students, and industry partners. Training on the latest state-of-the-art equipment will give students a competitive advantage entering the workforce. We are grateful to LED FastStart and the Gene Haas Foundation for their generosity.”

For many of these schools, this will be their first CNC machine tool. With tuition scholarships provided by the Gene Haas Foundation, local teachers will receive the training required to teach students how to program and operate the UMC-500, which is powered by the latest Next-Generation Control from Haas. GHF will also be offering scholarships to students attending programs at these schools. Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, established the Gene Haas Foundation in 1999 and in the past 5 years alone, has awarded over 65 million dollars to schools and student organizations.

“LED FastStart is way ahead of the curve by recognizing the growing trend toward 5-axis machining and the benefits the state will have with an upskilled workforce,” states Scott Myre, president of HFO/Trident. “Only a few years ago, 5-axis machine technology was cost prohibitive for most, but that’s quickly changing with technology like the UMC-500. Today almost any machine shop can afford to upgrade to 5-axis, so the demand for skilled operators is stronger than ever and growing.”

Released in early 2019, the Haas UMC-500 takes up little more floorspace than a typical 3-axis machining center and with a base price just under $125,000, it’s extremely affordable. The UMC-500 features a 400mm platter on an integrated 2-axis trunnion rotary table that offers 145° of rotation on the B-axis and 360° on the C-axis.