OTC selects BatesForum, a full-service design and technology firm, to provide architectural services for its Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) facility. The OTC Board of Trustees approved the proposal at its monthly board meeting held Feb. 11.
Slated to open in 2022, the multi-million dollar building will serve as the regional hub for advanced manufacturing and technology-related education and training. OTC’s CAM will train students in high-growth areas of the manufacturing sector including mechatronics, 3-D printing, stainless steel production and precision manufacturing
BatesForum will receive a base fee of 7.25 percent of the facility construction cost plus reimbursable expenses. This amount is expected to range between $1.6 and $2.7 million. The total cost for the project will depend on several factors, such as, local industry needs and the amount of public and private investment in the project. BatesForum was selected following a review of 18 proposals.
“This was an extremely competitive process and we underwent multiple reviews before granting the job to BatesForum,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, OTC chancellor. “Given BatesForum’s experience in designing similar buildings, we’re confident the college will get a top-notch facility.”
As part of the CAM planning process, twenty OTC officials visited advanced manufacturing educational facilities in Tennessee and South Carolina this month. This is the second time OTC officials have visited advanced manufacturing centers associated with higher education institutions.
“The goal of these visits is to determine best practices for building and operating a center for advanced manufacturing,” Higdon said. “Plus, we want to make sure the college aligns the project with regional and workforce training needs.”
In addition to training designed for degree-seeking students, the CAM will offer continuing education opportunities for individuals and companies within the manufacturing field. The center’s footprint will include customizable simulation training centers, research and development labs, business incubation test centers, and a centralized, fully operational manufacturing plant.
OTC is currently conducting a national search for an Executive Director for the Center for Advanced Manufacturing who will oversee programming and operations for the facility.