Tech is Responsive—
For the last year, the West Bend Campus community has watched the exterior of the building expand and transform into a brand-new, beautiful canvas along County Highway D. This transformation is part of Moraine Park’s long-term vision for growth and is one of four referendum projects approved by voters in 2022. It now stands as the third completed project. Here’s a peek inside at the spaces and the benefits they will bring to Moraine Park’s communities.
Advanced Manufacturing Center
A majority of the project focused on the addition of the Advanced Manufacturing Center at the West Bend Campus. This need was identified directly by local business and industry partners seeking more skilled workers. At the time, the West Bend Campus spaces were outdated, and welding instruction was held off-site at a small regional center in Jackson. To meet current and future workforce demands, the campus required an expansion to house all manufacturing instruction in one location and to provide new equipment that meets industry standards.
The new space features innovative solutions, advancements in robotics and cutting-edge technology, including the fiber laser welder.
As part of this project plan, welding operations moved back to West Bend, and the Regional Center in Jackson closed, allowing the College to free up budget dollars tied to the lease of that space.
Local business and industry partners played an active role in shaping the Advanced Manufacturing Center, providing input at every stage of the planning process. Today, the Center is home to 12 robust manufacturing, automation and robotics programs that are helping to meet the needs of the local workforce.
Campus Updates
Part of the project also included campus updates such as a new front entrance, an expanded conference center and the reconfiguration of the student services department.
The new entrance and student services areas feature a bright, fresh design with ample space for employees to assist with various student needs. These areas incorporate forward-thinking materials, such as modular walls, allowing for future reconfiguration without the need for major construction.
The expanded conference center is a beautiful, versatile space available for both internal and external use. It offers enhanced capacity for Moraine Park’s professional development and operational needs, as well as a welcoming venue for community events.
Additional updates included the construction of a school Spirit Store, the restoration of the former student services area into offices for campus leadership and the relocation of the Economic Development Washington County.
The project was completed in August and welcomed its first class of students to use the new state-of-the-art facilities this fall.
Moraine Park is approved to use up to $1.5 million from its general budget for facility improvements each year. The College develops a comprehensive three-year facilities plan to ensure these funds are directed toward planned updates as needed. Any facility updates exceeding the $1.5 million threshold require approval through a district referendum.
The Advanced Manufacturing Center addition and the new main entrance were part of the approved 2022 College referendum. All other renovations are included in the College’s annual capital improvement plan and budget. The equipment for the Advanced Manufacturing Center is being supported by a $2 million campaign led by the Moraine Park Foundation. To date, 22 partners have contributed over $1.8 million toward meeting these equipment needs.
Join us in Strengthening Manufacturing in Our District
The Moraine Park Foundation is working to raise $2 million to fund equipment for the new Advanced Manufacturing Center. Today, they are just shy of their goal. Be part of Moraine Park’s history and help ensure students have access to advanced manufacturing technology for years to come.
Donate to the West Bend Equipment Campaign today. Contact the Moraine Park Foundation at (920) 924-3225.
Thank you to our donors:
Bonnie Baerwald
David and Eileen Baldus
Cole Manufacturing Corp.
DACO Precision-Tool
Horicon Bank
John Deere
William Stark Jones Foundation
Matthew and Renee Kirchner Family Charitable Fund
Lab Midwest
Steve Lindley
Maysteel
MEC
Milwaukee Tool
National Exchange Bank Foundation
Joel Ongert
Roger Pribnow
Barbara and Peter Stone Family Foundation
Synergy Ops, A Manufacturing Division of Regal Ware, Inc.
Dominic Tisler
Washington County
West Bend Insurance Company
Westbury Bank
