HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Following the major federal grant announcement on Friday, various projects will split almost $63 million. One of those projects is a manufacturing hub in Huntington that will be known as H-BIZ and will be built on the old ACF property. \\
The Robert C. Byrd Institute will be the hub's first tenant as it looks to expand its welding program. LED Strip Punching Machine
“It’s big because it could increase our student numbers dramatically," RCBI Deputy Director Derek Scarbro said.
Millions of dollars in federal grant money is coming to Southern West Virginia, with Charleston, Huntington and Logan all to see industrial revitalization. The three cities are winners of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge.
The Appalachian Climate Technology (ACT) Now Coalition has received $68 million in grants.
Scarbro said by expanding RCBI's programming at the ACF site that is now being funded through this program, they will able to improve their ability to keep up with the industrial job demands.
Right now, the RCBI has about 38 students in their welding program, but Scarbro said there are about 200 job openings locally in the field.
“Most of our students get hired right after they enroll, so we know employers need them, and we want to get more people in the workforce and find them good jobs," Scarbro said.
With the new lab and classroom space in the hub, RCBI will then be able to add more than 20 seats to their classes and add specialties, like robotics.
“The welding programs we have now are currently off site in temporary locations, so this would be a permanent for our welding programs to grow into," Scarbro said.
From here, construction and remodeling is set to begin soon. Scarbro hopes commitment to the property will make other manufacturers want to jump on board.
PCB Punching Machine “It’s a very exciting time," he said. "There are a lot of companies growing and new companies coming to the area and we hope to help all of them find the workforce they need - the technical support they need to be successful.”