“Mechatronics is a term the people of the Midlands will be getting to know very well over the next decade. It’s mechanical, electrical, and robotics wrapped together so our students
can solve problems when systems break down.” Greg Little | MTC President
THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING If you’re unfamiliar with the term “mechatronics,” you’re not alone. Think of it as the ultimate mash-up: mechanical systems, electronics, and automation systems including robotics. All these areas working together to keep modern manufacturing lines humming. It’s a discipline that demands precision, creativity, and problem-solving skills; and it’s expensive to teach.
Companies such as Michelin Manufacturing Company, Hahn Automation Group, Trane Technologies, Nephron Pharmaceuticals, Zeus Industrial Products, and JTEKT North America are currently major employers for our mechatronics graduates.
In the next few years, as SC’s advanced manufacturing sector continues to expand, our program will only be able to keep pace if we take strategic steps forward. For example, we will not be able to support the Scout Motors production center in Blythewood with
the current size of our mechatronics program. To understand the gap, look to the Upstate and how the BMW facility transformed that region’s technical colleges. Across the Upstate, Tri-County, Piedmont, Spartanburg, and Greenville combined have almost 1,300 mechatronics students. At MTC, we have about 90.
That disparity speaks volumes. If we want to support the companies investing in our region, we need bold growth. We need to build labs that replicate real-world assembly lines, invest in automation technology, and create pathways for students to master the systems that power modern industry.
Looking Ahead We’re committed to being fiscally responsible while tackling this challenge. This isn’t just about classrooms and equipment. It’s about creating opportunities for students to land family-sustaining jobs and for our region to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.
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