From its historic Norwood Motor Manufacturing Facility, Siemens recently announced a $66.8 million in-kind software grant to Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. Students there will now have access to the same Siemens’ product lifecycle management (PLM) software used throughout the global manufacturing industry to design, develop and manufacture some of the world’s most sophisticated products in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, biotechnology, machinery, shipbuilding, and high-tech electronics.

“The manufacturing industry in America is on the rise and it is being transformed by a software revolution that is enhancing productivity, increasing efficiency and speeding time to market,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. “This revolution requires a highly trained workforce. With this grant, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College will be able to integrate world-class PLM technology into its curriculum, so that its students are even better prepared for co-op assignments and for high quality manufacturing jobs.”

Cincinnati State President O’dell M. Owens expressed gratitude for the grant, and said it will be put to good use. “Cincinnati State is a career college, and we’re known for our strong business relationships,” Dr. Owens said. “This software grant from Siemens allows us to send our graduates into the manufacturing workplace ready to go the minute they walk in the door. That will be a huge competitive advantage for them and an even greater asset for the Cincinnati business community.”

Siemens’ software will be used in Cincinnati State’s Center for Innovative Technologies to support its mechanical engineering and industrial design technologies programs, as well as other programs in the college. Computer labs on the Clifton campus will be outfitted with Siemens software to support computer-aided design (CAD) courses. Students and faculty will use the software in assignments and research related to mechanical engineering, industrial design and manufacturing management.

By using the software in their course work, academic and research projects, students will develop the advanced skills sought after by the more than 71,000 global customers who utilize Siemens’ software and technology solutions. Nearly 500 businesses throughout the state of Ohio and in the Cincinnati region rely on Siemens’ PLM and CAD software including employers such as Procter & Gamble, GE Aviation, the United States Air Force, Ethicon Endo Surgery (a Johnson & Johnson company), CDI, Belcan, Sheffer Corporation, and OPW Fueling Components.

“Manufacturing is the most sophisticated, forward-looking and innovative business function in the world today and we need to let students, parents and administrators know what these jobs look like and what students need to learn in order to get them,” said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens Corp. “This partnership can serve as an economic catalyst for the region.”

Located near Cincinnati and originally built in 1898, Siemens’ Norwood facility is one of the oldest manufacturing sites in the world. It is now a “Global Motor” research and technology center where electric motors are designed, built and shipped worldwide for use by chemical, pulp & paper, power generation, cement, water/wastewater, metals, mining, oil & gas and transportation industries. In recent years Siemens has invested more than $40 million in the plant, which employs 500 workers.