Jax State's Center for Manufacturing Support Partners with Alabama Auto Plant to Upskill Honda Workforce
Jacksonville, AL (10/30/2025) — The Jacksonville State University Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS) partnered with the Alabama Auto Plant (AAP) to deliver hands-on FANUC Certified Handling Tool Operations and Programming training for Honda production equipment associates. The pilot program was delivered to the Weld Department for one assembly line and focused on shop-floor-relevant instruction in robot operation, programming, and safe troubleshooting. To date, CMS has trained 13 Honda associates through this pilot, bringing the Center's total number of trained individuals to more than 90, all of whom received industry-recognized certificates upon course completion.
"This partnership was an easy connection to make, and we are already seeing positive results," said Bill Waley, workforce partnership lead-south. "The JSU Center for Manufacturing Support is a local resource with exceptional robotic training and additive manufacturing capabilities."
"The training was an eye-opening experience that broadened my understanding of the field and highlighted the vast possibilities within advanced manufacturing," said Josh Smith, AAP equipment operator and the first associate to complete the training.
"It was extremely beneficial," said Rusty Evans, AAP production staff, who completed the training earlier this year after joining the Weld Department in September 2024.
"We needed additional training to better prepare our associates for advanced manufacturing," said Paul Cunningham, Weld-2 robot workforce lead, AAP. "This CMS facility and course are just what we needed."
"This partnership demonstrates the tangible impact that our certifications can have for companies," said Matt Rosser, Director of the Center for Manufacturing Support. "We are hoping to expand the partnership to support all departments across both of Honda's Alabama assembly lines and the nearby engine plant."
Jax State's CMS stands ready to offer flexible delivery schedules for credentialing tied to industry standards designed to strengthen the regional manufacturing talent pipeline.
About Jacksonville State University - Center for Manufacturing Support: The Center for Manufacturing Support (CMS) is a regional resource dedicated to equipping manufacturers, students, and community partners with the tools, training, and technical support they need to compete in today's global manufacturing environment. The CMS offers several industry certified courses and collaborates with companies on engineering projects while providing practical learning experience for students.
CMS has invested more than $5.6 million in advanced manufacturing infrastructure, including over 150 individual pieces of equipment housed across five dedicated labs. The Center's capabilities include more than $150,000 in 3D-scanning equipment, more than $3 million in metal and polymer additive-manufacturing systems, and over $1 million in robotics assets. Together these resources provide a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for regional manufacturers and prepare the next generation of manufacturing professionals
For more information about the CMS visit: www.jsu.edu/cms
About Jacksonville State University: Founded in 1883 as a state teachers' college, Jacksonville State University has grown from humble beginnings into the Alabama regional university with the highest percentage of accredited programs. Located in the Appalachian foothills midway between Birmingham and Atlanta, Jax State offers more than 150 courses of study, including over 40 online programs, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. To learn more, visit www.jsu.edu, call 1-800-231-JAX1, or e-mail jaxfacts@jsu.edu.
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