idX Corporation Adding 150 New Jobs in Spotsylvania County
ECPI University Mechatronics/EET Grads Good Fit for New Jobs
A Missouri-based company has announced it will acquire a former General Motors Powertrain plant in Fredericksburg, Virginia, near ECPI University's Northern Virginia campus, and convert it into a new production facility. idX Corporation has announced it will invest $7.2 million to establish a new manufacturing operation and expects to hire about 150 new employees.
The company uses a variety of materials – including glass, laminates, metal, upholstery, veneers, and wood – to create millwork, fixtures, décor, and graphics for retail clients. “This investment in Spotsylvania County will help idX strengthen our East Coast manufacturing and distribution network and position us for continued growth and success,” Terry Schultz, CEO of idX, said in a statement.
One way manufacturers position themselves for this kind of growth and success involves the use of robotics and advanced automation. This allows them to use fewer people and gain a competitive edge over competitors overseas who employ cheap labor. While there are fewer jobs in these highly automated facilities, the people who do work there possess advanced skills.
To compete for these kind of jobs, applicants typically begin with an education focused on the three key areas that power today’s advanced manufacturing operations – electronics, mechanical engineering technology, and computer and information science. That’s exactly what’s taught at ECPI University and its Northern Virginia campus. Our Mechatronics program covers such areas as:
- Programmable Controllers
- Hydraulics and Pneumatics
- Testing and measuring instruments
- Applied Mechanics
- Computer Hardware and Software
- Analog/Digital Electronics and Communications
- Automation and Control Systems
- Computer Programming and Networks
- Microcontrollers
- Materials Science
While education could prepare graduates to work in a broad capacity, manufacturers also need specialists in areas like electronics. For those looking to pursue this path, ECPI University offers a degree program in Electronics Engineering Technology (EET). Engineering technologists play an important role, serving as a vital link between engineers and technicians. From conception to design, development, testing, and production, they are indispensable to the production process.
ECPI University’s EET program can help you learn how to:
- Use testing and measuring instruments to acquire data, analyze problems, and design a system or process
- Demonstrate an ability to manage engineering technology projects
- Analyze and implement systems containing hardware and software components
- Identify, analyze and solve technical problems
Like all of ECPI University’s programs, Mechatronics and Electronics Engineering Technology are offered in a year-round, accelerated environment. That means you could earn your Bachelor of Science degree in just 2.5 years or an Associate’s in just 1.5 years.
Are you looking for a fresh start and fascinated by advanced manufacturing technology? If you are curious about where an EET or Mechatronics program could take you, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.