Center of Attention

A new manufacturing and technology facility at a community college

Elgin Community College's (ECC), featured in past issues of EA for its technical programs (including the March '25 cover), recently opened a brand new, 150,000-square-foot Manufacturing and Technology Center (MTC).

The facility was designed to advance workforce development and meet the needs of local employers. This cutting-edge facility, opened in August 2026, expands ECC’s academic programs in manufacturing, engineering, and technology while addressing the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.

Funded by $28.5 million in state investment, the MTC "will help close the middle-skills labor gap by providing hands-on education, industry-recognized training, and real-world learning opportunities for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing and related fields," according to the college.

More than just a learning space, the MTC will serve as a regional collaboration hub, connecting students, educators, and industry partners to strengthen the local workforce pipeline. Through this partnership-driven approach, ECC continues its mission to prepare students for high-demand, high-paying careers while fueling economic growth in the greater Elgin area. Explore our Frequently Asked Questions to find answers to common questions about the Manufacturing and Technology Center.

The facility will also offer new and enhanced programs in robotics, renewable energy, pipe welding, industrial process control, and more. The MTC will expand Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship opportunities, giving employers access to a larger talent pool. It will also create pathways to advanced manufacturing careers for K-12 students.