MILWAUKEE, WI – For their support of manufacturing training, two companies have earned the spring 2008 Partners in Excellence Award from the Milwaukee Area Technical College Foundation. They are New York-based Hardinge Group, a world leader in turning, milling, grinding and workholding solutions; and Chicago-based machine tool distributor Iverson & Company.

Both companies provided equipment for the new Center for Energy Conservation and Advanced Manufacturing (ECAM) at the Oak Creek Campus. The awards were given May 13 at the Foundation’s semi-annual scholarship banquet.

Accepting for The Hardinge Group was Jim Langa, vice president of operations. “We are proud to be a part of such an innovative facility,” Langa said. “ECAM is a training model that can be used by our entire industry. Also, it’s been a pleasure to work with MATC. We have especially appreciated the college’s flexibility.”

Iverson & Company CEO Terry Iverson said he was impressed by MATC’s commitment to innovation in general. “I’m not sure you realize how far ahead you are of other colleges,” he said. “Innovation requires real commitment. I’m very impressed by the commitment I see across the board at MATC.”

MATC President Darnell E. Cole thanked Hardinge and Iverson, noting that the two companies recently used ECAM for a well-attended two-day seminar in advanced machining. “Not only did they step up to the plate as partners. They are showing us how to exploit ECAM’s capabilities to the maximum,” Cole said.

The largest technical college in the state, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of the economy in southeastern Wisconsin. MATC offers 200 degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships, plus nearly 400 transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees. A large pre-college program enables people to complete high school and prepare for higher learning. The Office of Corporate Learning provides customized training to incumbent workers. About 48,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses, numerous evening centers and community-based sites, or learn online. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses right here at home.