GNTC unveils the Shaw Industries Automation Engineering Lab

September 13th, 2021 – 2:30 PM

Georgia Northwestern Technical College –

Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) is proud to announce its partnership with Shaw Industries through the company’s recent sponsorship of the Automation Engineering Technology lab on the Whitfield Murray Campus (WMC) in Dalton.

The Shaw Industries Automation Engineering Lab will give GNTC students hands-on experience with the same equipment used daily by automation engineers and other professionals in the fields of advanced manufacturing and industrial production.

“The Automation Engineering program prepares students to design, implement and troubleshoot various automated industrial processes,” said Brian Cooksey, director of Workforce Development at Shaw Industries. “Earning a degree in Automation Engineering will provide a well-rounded skill set for individuals to equip them for success in advanced manufacturing.”

The demand for these roles is high, Cooksey added. “This program further provides existing technicians who already work in the manufacturing industry with opportunities to advance their skills and grow their careers.”

“This support from Shaw is greatly appreciated,” said Linda Case, vice-chair of GNTC’s Board of Trustees. “The GNTC Foundation couldn’t do its work without strong partners like Shaw Industries.”

“GNTC could not train tomorrow’s workforce without the support of our business and industry community. Shaw Industries has been a longtime supporter of GNTC and employer of our students and graduates,” said Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC. “Shaw’s valued partnership is essential to our workforce development success.”

Shaw Industries Group, Inc. supplies carpet, resilient, hardwood, laminate, tile and stone, synthetic turf and other specialty products to residential and commercial markets worldwide. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. with more than 20,000 associates worldwide. Shaw is headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, with salespeople and/or offices located throughout the U.S. as well as Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, India, Mexico, Singapore, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.