Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College celebrated the grand opening of its state-of-the-art AiM UP Lab on October 22 at the Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center (AMTC) in Gulfport. The AiM UP Lab, part of the Advanced Manufacturing Upskilling Program (AiM UP), is a pioneering initiative developed in partnership with Mississippi State University, AccelerateMS, and various government and industry partners aimed at transforming workforce development in the region.

The event was attended by representatives from MGCCC’s industry and government partners, including AccelerateMS, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, Harrison County Development Commission, Innovation Capability and Modernization Office (U.S. Department of Defense), US Navy Maritime Industrial Base, Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District (SMPDD), Mississippi Manufacturers Association (MMA-MEP), and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office. Attendees had the opportunity to observe live demonstrations, adding an interactive experience to the grand opening.

The new lab is designed to provide cutting-edge training in advanced manufacturing technologies, featuring state-of-the-art equipment including collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots, resin and metal 3D printers, 3D scanning, and 3D vision technologies. It offers hands-on experience for students, helping them explore career opportunities in advanced manufacturing while also serving as a demonstration and training facility for local industries.

Jefferson Reid, appointed as the AiM UP Lab Director, will oversee the lab’s operations, training programs, and collaborations with industry partners. Reid’s leadership will be instrumental in ensuring that the lab supports workforce development needs in the region and helps local industries thrive in the evolving industrial landscape.

“This lab represents an exciting step forward for advanced manufacturing in Mississippi,” said Reid. “By equipping our students with the skills they need and providing a space for career exploration, we are helping to shape the future of Mississippi’s workforce.”

The AiM UP Lab is one of three advanced manufacturing training labs in Mississippi, offering a comprehensive approach to workforce development. The advanced technology and training available at the lab will be crucial in addressing the growing need for skilled manufacturing workers, with 14 percent of the state’s total output and 12 percent of its workforce tied to the manufacturing sector.

In Mississippi, manufacturers employ approximately 143,000 workers. With the new AiM UP Lab, MGCCC is positioning itself at the forefront of workforce training in the advanced manufacturing sector, contributing to the economic development of the state.