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SEMCA, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Henry Ford Community College (HFCC), Ford Motor Company, and the United Auto Workers (UAW) came together on November 20, 2000 for the ground breaking ceremony for the new Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC Center). HFCC is one of 18 learning institutions in Michigan that has been chosen to have an M-TECSM Center. The center will be located in the business community and deliver training in high wage, high-skill, high demand occupations. |
 Breaking ground with ceremonial shovels are from left to right: Dr. Andrew A. Mazzara; Ms. Cindy Ballard; Mr. John B. O’Reilly, Jr.; SEMCA Board Member Ms. Mary Bugeia; and Mr. Roger Gaudette, Manager, Development Construction Global Plant Engineering, Ford Motor Land Services Corporation. |
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The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (formerly the Michigan Jobs Commission) awarded a $5 million grant to HFCC through the Michigan Skilled Worker Initiative to build the M-TEC center. SEMCA has been chosen by the state to oversee the use of this grant. In addition, the SEMCA Workforce Development Board and the MEDC will work with HFCC to ensure that the programs offered reflect the needs of Michigan’s current economy. |
 An artist’s concept of how the new M-TEC Center will look. |
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The UAW National Training Center will donate approximately $1 million in equipment for the center to support high tech training programs. “This contribution is an investment in the future of our UAW members, Ford employees and the community in which we live,” said Jerry Sullivan, Local 600 UAW Chairman for the Ford Rouge Complex. |
 The floor plan for the new facility. Click here for a larger view of the M-TEC Floor Plan. |
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Ford Motor Company and the UAW-Ford will invest an additional $1,962,000 in land value and equipment.
Ford Motor Company will lease 5.5 acres of the 13-acre parcel for the 30,000 square foot building, which is expected to be completed by October of this year. |
 An artist’s rendering of the new M-TEC Center. |
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The M-TEC will be built at the corner of Rotunda and Schaefer. For those not familiar with Dearborn history, this is the former site of the old Ford Rotunda which burnt down in 1963. The land has stood vacant since then. |
 Ms. Cindy Ballard from the MEDC spoke at the ceremony. |
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Targeted occupational areas for training at the facility include manufacturing, construction, and information technology. The instructional design includes open-entry, open-exit, modular based curriculums, and competency-based training. |
 Dr. Andrew A. Mazzara, HFCC President holding the plaque from the MEDC. |
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The M-TEC will be self supporting, with income from tuition and fees paid by users, as well as state and federal aid. The center will be owned and operated by HFCC. |
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“This is something that mayors dream about,” said Dearborn Mayor Michael Guido a former HFCC student. “We are really investing in people.” |
 The Honorable Michael Guido, Mayor of the City of Dearborn spoke at the ceremony. |
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When asked about the many organizations and partnerships involved with the M-TEC, SEMCA Executive Director John B. O’Reilly commented “It took a lot of leadership to get here,” He went on to say “Not just Ford but all of the businesses in our region will benefit.” |
 Executive Director of SEMCA, Mr. John B. O’Reilly, Jr. spoke at the ceremony. |
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For more information about M-TEC, please visit http://medc.michigan.org and click on the M-TECs link. |
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| Also speaking at the ground breaking ceremony were (above, left to right) Mr. Jerry Sullivan, Chairman of UAW Local 600, Ford Rouge Complex; and Mr. David Murphy, Vice President, Human Resources, Ford Motor Company. | |
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| Construction on the new M-TEC Center is underway! | |