Latest news from MAMC

-CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT--

MAMC assists Wilson in securing coveted ISO quality certification

---A familiar name for more than 60 years across the Huntington Tri-State region has achieved another milestone for itself by earning ISO 9001 certification with assistance from Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC).

---The ISO registration for Wilson Welding Co. Inc., which has served the specialty steel and fabrication industry with services from builds and rebuilds to repairs of engineered infrastructure of steel and alloys, means the family-owned-and-operated company has qualified welders and procedures to meet AWS (American Welding Society) standards in addition to robust quality management system processes.

---Derek Scarbro, MAMC Director, said he recognizes the company’s customer-focused commitment and is especially proud to point out that the company successfully made it through the audit with zero findings, which resulted in its immediate recommendation for

certification by an independent auditor.

--“Wilson Welding’s quality system and staff are well aligned, well developed and disciplined – so new doors and markets are opened to this local business,” Scarbro said.-

Read the article

-IMARSHALL UNIVERSITY SKILLS EXCHANGE--

Learn the systematic process for programming automated machinery

---Industry professionals, students and automation enthusiasts can register for hands-on training designed to demystify modern manufacturing systems. The Control Ladder Logic course, presented by Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC), will take place Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at MAMC Huntington (1050 4th Ave).

---The cost is $35. Registration is required at www.mfg.marshall.edu/ladderlogic26.

---This introductory, three-hour course bridges the gap between physical control hardware and digital automation programming. Participants will progress from understanding foundational hardware components – such as pushbuttons, selector switches and indicator lamps – to mastering Ladder Logic, the universal standard for programming automated machinery.

---Through a blend of theoretical principles and practical schematic analysis, the course will explore the mechanics of manual, semi-automatic and automatic electrical control systems.
---Attendees will learn to track power flow through

ladder diagrams, apply the six fundamental rules of circuit design, and build robust control routines using essential Boolean logic operations.

Read the article

MAMC to offer Safety in Manufacturing course Aug. 4 in Huntington

---Ensuring a safe work environment is job one in manufacturing. To help you build the knowledge and awareness needed to recognize hazards, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) is offering a one-day, in-person Safety in Manufacturing course Aug. 4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (1050 4th Ave., Huntington).

---This comprehensive three-hour session will introduce participants to the fundamental principles of workplace health and safety as well as emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.

---Individuals will gain an understanding of workplace health and safety guidelines and examine the role safety policies play in preventing accidents and injuries. The course will explore the consequences of unsafe behavior and highlight individual and organizational responsibilities for maintaining safety.

Read the article

-NEW FACES--

Thomas joins MAMC's Apprenticeship Works team as technical trainer

---A long-time West Virginia education professional has joined the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s (MAMC) growing Apprenticeship Works team as technical trainer.

---In her new role, Dr. Ann Thomas of Beckley provides train-the-trainer services nationwide for manufacturers that implement U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeships through Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership at MAMC.

---“In industry, you may know your craft but you may not necessarily know how to relate your craft to someone else,” Thomas explained. “My job is to teach you – the trainer – how to better connect, better instruct, better assess the trainee. You know how to do the job but you may not know how to teach it or share your skills and knowledge with an apprentice or trainee.”

---Thomas also works with West Virginia high school career and technical education programs to train teachers how to use online platforms to deliver related technical instruction to high school students enrolled in MAMC manufacturing pre-apprenticeships.

Ann Thomas of Beckley brings more than 15 years of experience in post-secondary and higher education to her new role at MAMC.

---She previously worked in post-secondary career and technical education and in the West Virginia Community & Technical College System for the past 15 years.
--------------------------------------Read the article

- OCTOBER 2 CELEBRATION--

Registration opens for 13th-annual West Virginia Makes Festival

---The countdown officially has begun and so has registration. Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) invites artists, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, innovators, inventors, students and other creative types from across the Mountain State – and beyond – to showcase what they make during the Oct. 2 West Virginia Makes Festival.

---There is no cost to participate.

---Now in its 13th year, the annual celebration of creativity and ingenuity in all forms will feature hands-on making activities, interactive demonstrations and a Design Challenge in which makers of all ages exhibit their creations for a chance to win cash and other prizes in adult and youth categories.

---As always, the challenge is open‑ended. There are no strict rules about what qualifies as an entry. Past challengers have showcased everything from electronic devices, custom motorcycles and mechatronic dinosaurs to paintings, sculptures, computer apps, games, tools, medical devices, rockets – even pet desserts.

---If you imagine it, design it, make it, build it, code it, weld it, carve it, print it or dream it – bring it because we want to see it!

---Our Friday, Oct. 2, event will run from 9 a.m. to

2 p.m. on the Huntington campus of Marshall University, bringing together makers of all ages for a full day of demonstrations, exhibits, activities and music.

Read the article

-PROJECT UPDATE--

Artists' buffalo sculpture now anchors New York state park

---The 18-foot-long, 8,000-pound buffalo sculpture of world-renowned artists Bill Hopen and Ai Qui Hopen is complete and in place at its permanent home in New York.

---The Sutton artists were commissioned to create the massive artwork for Buffalo Harbor State Park. Ai Qui sculpted a model from clay, which the pair then transformed into the massive metal sculpture in Bill's Sutton studio with assistance from the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.

---The body of the buffalo is made up of metal cutouts of birds in flight – 15 species native to New York, which Bill painstakingly welding into place one by one.

---“[MAMC] engineering was absolutely pivotal in our production of this piece,” Bill explained. “Without [Design Engineer] Chris Shaffer and the tools he brought to the project, his knowledge, his suggestions, his willingness to jump in and help … we would still be struggling with a much lesser quality enlargement.”
---Read our original story about this project here.

MAMC Design Engineer Chris Shaffer uses digital scanning technology to capture the exact contours of Ai Qui Hopen's original clay model of the sculpture.

The artists begin the process of transforming the clay model into the metal buffalo in Bill's Sutton studio.

The sculpture arrives at its permanent home atop a large fountain in Buffalo, New York.

A massive crane is used to lower the work of art into place atop a fountain in Buffalo Harbor State Park.

Salary range: $60,000-$70,000

Join the MAMC team!

Be part of the dynamic team of individuals supporting manufacturers and entrepreneurs across the region.

Our new Quality Management Systems specialist will assist manufacturers in implementing quality systems and improving processes.

Details and application link at www.mfg.marshall.edu/jobs.

In case you missed it . . .MAMC in the News
Apprenticeship Works in West Virginia and Beyond – Manufacturing Engineering & Technology

UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS & TRAINING

July 7: Appalachian Manufacturing Action Plan

9 a.m. to noon, West Edge Factory, 1040 Vernon St., Huntington

A partnership of state and regional organizations will host an in-person gathering aimed at catalyzing West Virginia’s advanced manufacturing initiatives. ReImagine Appalachia, in partnership with the American Manufacturing Communities Collaborative, Coalfield Development, ACT-NOW and the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, invites local manufacturers, community members and labor leaders to discuss the build out of a robust manufacturing ecosystem across the Ohio River Valley of Appalachia that meets the needs of the 21st century. More information

July 8: 2026 Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference

8 a.m. to 5 p.m., West Edge Factory, 1040 Vernon St., Huntington

The Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference returns to Huntington July 8, bringing together community leaders, innovators and changemakers from across the state for a day centered on this year’s theme, “Powered by Purpose.” Hosted by the Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern West Virginia, Coalfield Development, The Community Development Hub and Generation West Virginia, the conference continues its mission of spotlighting the people, programs and partnerships creating positive change across West Virginia communities. More information

July 9: SMART Open House in Point Pleasant
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Marshall University Mid-Ohio Valley Center, 1 John Marshall Drive, Point Pleasant
Join Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center staff to learn about our Systems Maintenance, Automation & Robotics Technology career skills program offered in Point Pleasant. Now enrolling for fall term. Call 304-781-1678 for more information.

July 13-16: ACE Introduction to CNC Machining Camp
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, MAMC, 1050 4th Ave., Huntington
This free camp for individuals 16 and older provides an introduction to computer-numerical-control machining and includes instruction in computer-aided design, blueprint reading, precision measuring as well as machine setup and operation. No experience is necessary. More information

July 14: West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Monthly Meeting

2 p.m. to 3 p.m., online

Join the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem virtual meeting during which partners from across the state come together to share updates, highlight resources and collaborate on ways to support entrepreneurs. More information

July 14: Career Skills Open House in Huntington
1 p.m. to 7 p.m., MAMC, 1050 4th Ave., Huntington
Join Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center staff to learn about our career skills programs in machining, welding and enhanced industrial maintenance. Now enrolling for fall term. Call 304-781-1678 for more information.

July 15: Finding Federal Contract Opportunities – Before the Solicitation!

10 a.m. to 11 a.m., online

You can gain a competitive edge by tracking federal contract opportunities well in advance. This session will show you how to find them! U.S. Small Business representatives will provide a live demonstration of the Contract Data Reports section of sam.gov, previously the Federal Procurement Data System. This system is a historical record of all federal contracts, and small businesses can use this data to identify the right contracting opportunities for their businesses. More information

July 21: Business Fundamentals & The SBA Ecosystem

10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., online

Learn how to choose the right legal structure, map out a business plan and unlock free, confidential coaching from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) resource partners. This workshop will show you how to establish a rock-solid operational foundation for your business and understand how the SBA acts as a safety net and catalyst for growth for businesses. More information

July 23: Converged Skies Summit 2026

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Holiday Inn, 301 Foxcroft Ave., Martinsburg

This inaugural summit will focus on the evolving intersection of unmanned systems, aviation security, drone forensics, homeland security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure resilience. Presented by the Institute for Cyber Security at Marshall University, Marshall University Aviation and DroneTrace, Inc., this free, one-day conference will bring together government, public safety, aviation, cybersecurity, research, industry and education partners for a focused discussion about emerging technologies, security challenges and preparedness needs. More information

Submit details about your events and training to MAMC's Mike Friel at mike.friel@mfg.marshall.edu.

Salary range: $60,000-$70,000﻿﻿

Salary range: $60,000-$70,000