Oregon Freeze Dry Provides $50k to Equip Mechatronics Program
Local industry leader Oregon Freeze Dry LLC has committed $50,000 toward the purchase of equipment to support Linn-Benton Community
College’s Mechatronics Program.
Building upon a long relationship with the college, OFD’s donation will help meet
the educational and training needs of students in the Mechatronics program.
“LBCC is an outstanding partner in our community, providing general and specialized
education for our workforce,” said Jim Merryman, CEO and President of OFD. “We are
proud to be a partner in the Mechatronics program. More than 100 of our current employees
have earned degrees and certifications from LBCC, and the work the college is doing
to keep current and ahead of our educational needs serves as an example of leadership
in our area.”
Local industry growth and modern manufacturing environments have increased the need
for a highly-skilled, hands-on workforce. As an industry partner, OFD works alongside
program faculty at LBCC to bring about improvements that are in line with industry
and community needs.
“OFD is a strong business leader in our area and a long-standing supporter of LBCC
and our students,” said Greg Hamann, LBCC President. “This most recent contribution
is just the latest in a series of investments that reflect OFD and CEO Jim Merryman’s
strong commitment to business and education partnerships that make for a better future
for all of us.”
LBCC’s partnership with OFD and other industry leaders ensures that the college continues
to provide data-driven, hands-on curriculum and labs for students to learn and train
for the real-world economy of today.
“OFD has been a supporter and promoter of LBCC’s Mechatronics Program for over a decade,”
said Dave Mack, LBCC Mechatronics faculty. “One of the challenges facing any high-tech
training program is staying ahead of the technology curve. State-of-the-art, industry-grade
equipment is expensive, yet vital, in providing cutting-edge training for our students.
Financial support such as OFD’s helps propel our program into the future.”
LBCC’s career technical programs in Mechatronics Technology, Non-Destructive Test,
Machine Tool, Welding, and Automotive Technician were developed in close partnerships
with local industry, resulting in state-of-the art facilities and leading-edge technical
training that lead to family wage jobs in our communities.
Above Photo: LBCC student Thomas Lopez works on wiring an electrical control circuit during a
recent Mechatronics class lab.