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Equipment Updates & Technology Expansion
CONNECT continues to expand its machine and technology portfolio to better support partner demonstrations, testing, and training.
Grand Opening Highlights
On October 14, CONNECT Central officially opened its doors in Schaumburg, IL. This new hub was built to bring industry, education, and community together under one roof.
CONNECT Central is designed to:
· Inspire students from local high schools, career programs, and colleges
· Strengthen workforce development pipelines
· Provide hands-on access to modern manufacturing technology
· Support partners with real-world demonstrations and collaborative projects
This facility represents a long-term investment in the next generation of skilled workers and a major milestone for regional manufacturing engagement.
What’s New at CONNECT Central
Significant additions and partnerships are already underway:
· A KUKA robot and SPINNER machine are scheduled to arrive in Q4
· A CLAUSING lathe integrated with an ABB cobot, along with a Bridgeport knee mill featuring MILLPWR, are now active on the floor
· We have formed a new partnership with Harper College to support their manufacturing and apprenticeship programs. Their faculty recently toured CONNECT and will begin utilizing the space for student exposure to advanced CNC and automation technology
· Partners OPEN MIND, FRAISA TOOL, and LANG will have their displays installed in Q4 to expand visitors’ access to tooling, CAM, and workholding solutions
• Looking ahead, CONNECT will support a newly planned collaboration between TMA and NTMA-U, beginning in early 2026
These developments further establish CONNECT Central as a hub for learning, collaboration, and technology leadership.
WEST COAST — CONNECT Fremont
· The HERMLE and SPINNER machines have officially been sold
· A new 5-Axis SPINNER machine—complete with an automation solution—is currently on its way to Fremont
· Two new CLAUSING machines have been installed: A CLAUSING turning machine powered by TURNPWR and a Bridgeport with MILLPWR for expanded training and demo capabilities
These additions enhance CONNECT’s ability to support complex machining, control education, and real-world end-user applications.
CONNECT South — Expanding Our Footprint
CONNECT South continues to grow with the addition of a new CONNECT South facility at the SPINNER Technology Center in Austin, TX.
This location expands CONNECT’s reach and provides new opportunities for:
· Technical training
· Partner engagement
· Hands-on demonstrations in the southern region
CONNECT 2025 Highlights & Partner Collaboration
This year, we reviewed key events hosted throughout CONNECT in 2025 and discussed how partners can more effectively plan and schedule future activities.
We recently provided a live walkthrough of the new CalendarWiz event calendar and showed partners how to:
· View facility availability
· Schedule upcoming events
· Coordinate shared use of CONNECT spaces
We also emphasized HEIDENHAIN’s commitment to helping partner companies fully utilize CONNECT facilities, keep event calendars full, and maximize the value of in-person demonstrations, training sessions, and collaborative programs.
Best practices were shared on how partners should communicate, coordinate, and schedule events together to ensure a smooth and productive experience for all participants.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Planning is already underway for continued growth and collaboration in the year ahead:
· Evaluating a potential CONNECT location in Mexico
· Planning partner-led events across CONNECT locations
· Hosting TNC training classes at CONNECT South
· Offering partners opportunities to present and discuss their products during HEIDENHAIN training classes
These initiatives are designed to deepen collaboration, expand educational reach, and create meaningful touchpoints between partners, educators, and end users.
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