Ivy Tech Kokomo lands federal grant for manufacturing center

The federal Economic Development Administration is awarding a $500,000 grant to Ivy Tech Community College’s Kokomo campus. The funding, which is receiving a local match, will be used to help establish the Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing.

The U.S. Department of Commerce said the grant will provide autonomous robots and other equipment needed at the center, which has already received $1 million in funding from the state’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative.

The Center for Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing is designed to provide training for students in the evolving advanced manufacturing industry.

“Ivy Tech has a terrific track record of successful trainee placement and the Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing will boost economic growth and good-paying jobs in the region,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo said in written remarks. “This EDA investment will ensure that manufacturers have the skilled talent they need and that good-paying jobs are available for all residents in North Central Indiana for decades to come.”

The Commerce Department said the grant will support the creation of 250 jobs, which an Ivy Tech spokesperson told IIB will be located at the $2.5 billion electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility currently being built by Stellantis and South Korea-based Samsung SDI.

The funding will also support the retention of 100 more jobs through apprenticeships at the Stellantis plant, which will ultimately create 1,400 jobs and is slated to be complete in the first quarter of 2025.

“Ivy Tech’s Center of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing is a welcome addition as we look for more robust training opportunities to strengthen our talent pipeline,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said. “The one-of-a-kind program will offer Hoosiers cutting-edge training and skills to reach a better and brighter future.”