A new headquarters for the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is one step closer to reality thanks to a $1 million donation from the Gene Haas Foundation.
In recognition of the contribution, the MAMC will name the new facility’s 8,000-square-foot computer numerical control (CNC) machining training center the Gene Haas Advanced Machining Lab, according to Director Derek Scarbro. Marshall University officials have designated a new MAMC headquarters as a top priority. Fundraising is underway for the $20 million, 55,000-square-foot headquarters to be constructed on the former ACF Industries site on Third Avenue in Huntington.
Kathy Looman, executive director of the Gene Haas Foundation, says the MAMC was selected for the $1 million award because of the passion of its staff and the creativity of its program to educate the next generation of skilled machinists.
“These exclusive capital grants endorse the best CNC training programs in North America and Europe,” Looman says. “Candidate programs are teaching the most advanced manufacturing processes prior to their selection for this honor. Their exemplary programs are in high demand and exhibit excellent relationships with and serve the needs of local industry.”
Marshall University President Brad Smith says the MAMC is deeply grateful for this generous gift and is proud to announce the Gene Haas Advanced Machining Lab.
“This gift strengthens our programs within the MAMC and serves as a catalyst for our community,” he says. “The lab will equip students and community partners with the hands-on training that will open doors, build careers and fuel the growth of West Virginia’s manufacturing industry.”
Scarbro commends the foundation for its continuing support.
“For nearly a decade, the Gene Haas Foundation has funded scholarships for individuals in our machinist technology/CNC career skills program, many of whom are first-generation college students,” he says. “This new $1 million donation will allow us to educate even more machinists in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology.”
A recent survey of 83 West Virginia manufacturers conducted for the MAMC by the Marshall University Center for Business and Economic Research found that state companies expect to hire nearly 7,000 manufacturing workers over the next three years, including more than 500 machinists.
“We’re not only educating individuals for good-paying careers as machinists but providing the skilled talent that manufacturers require to innovate and grow their businesses,” Scarbro says. “The generosity of the Gene Haas Foundation is an economic boost to our entire state and region.”
The MAMC launched its Machinist Technology/CNC Program in Huntington in 1998 and expanded to South Charleston in 2024 to meet growing demand for skilled machinists. Students earn individual industry credentials as well as one-year certificates and two-year associate degrees through the MAMC’s partnerships with Mountwest and BridgeValley community and technical colleges.
The MAMC’s hands-on student labs and shared manufacturing centers feature more than a dozen Haas Automation CNC mills, lathes and multi-axis machining centers. In addition to its career skills program, the MAMC provides customized training for individuals and companies as a certified Haas Testing Center.
“We appreciate the sincere generosity of the Gene Haas Foundation for this extraordinary gift,” says Nico Karagosian, president and CEO of the Marshall University Foundation. “This machining lab will give learners access to the same advanced tools used in world-class manufacturing environments and prepare them to lead West Virginia’s workforce.”
