Subaru of Indiana Automotive breaks ground for new technical training center

LAFAYETTE, Ind. - March 18, 2019 - PRLog -- Representatives from Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) and its workforce development partners today broke ground for a new, larger technical training center for preparing employees to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

"Today marks a big, exciting step in the evolution of how we will educate our workforce," said Scott Brand, senior vice president at SIA. "This new facility will revolutionize the way in which we train our future production associates."

The 20,000-square-foot facility on the company's campus will be twice the size of the current technical training center that was built more than 30 years ago. The new building will feature:

• A simulated factory floor (7,000 square feet), including:
o Up to six training robots
o Multiple assembly line simulators
o A car lift
o A forklift
o Hands-on working space for the Advanced Internship in Manufacturing (AIM) program

• Nine classrooms, some with laboratory-type layouts, for maintenance-related training, including electricity, hydraulics, machine set-up and pneumatics

• Two work simulation rooms for teaching the essentials of standardized work instructions, basic tool usage, and good ergonomic work practices

• A larger computer lab with 24 seats for instructor-led or self-paced e-learning

"Training has always been a cornerstone of our quality strategy," said Brand. "Whether it's primary job skills, enhancing effectiveness through refresher courses, or providing access to college-level courses and degrees, we're committed to helping our associates grow."

SIA has developed programs in conjunction with several workforce development partners, including Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue Polytechnic Institute and Vincennes University.

Construction of the building is expected to finish in October. An expansion of the parking lot, from 48 to 200 spaces, is expected to be completed in December.

SIA is Subaru's only manufacturing facility outside of Japan and currently makes the Subaru Ascent, Impreza, Legacy and Outback for North America. Since beginning production in 1989, the plant has increased its annual production of vehicles 67,000 to approximately 370,000.

http://www.subaru-sia.com