Academic partnership will help North Carolina prepare a highly-skilled workforce necessary to take advantage of manufacturing resurgence in America

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 24, 2014 — Today, from its Charlotte Energy Hub, Siemens announced it will be making a $32 million in-kind software grant to Central Piedmont Community College(CPCC) for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Division, which serves thousands of students and commercial companies annually. CPCC will use the software to enhance existing courses and develop new courses related to advanced manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, electronics engineering, mechatronics, robotics, and information technology. It will also be used in an apprenticeship program with Siemens, building on the current partnership between the two organizations. By enabling students to learn and train on the same product lifecycle management (PLM) software used throughout the global manufacturing industry, Siemens and CPCC are helping North Carolina prepare the highly-skilled workforce necessary to meet the demands of America’s resurgent manufacturing industry.

“The resurgence in the American manufacturing industry, driven by an ongoing software revolution, has created a critical demand for qualified technology-trained professionals in manufacturing,” said Chuck Grindstaff, president and CEO, Siemens PLM Software. “By partnering with Siemens PLM Software to integrate world-class PLM technology into its curriculum, Central Piedmont Community College will help ensure its students have the training in advanced manufacturing technologies and practices they need to be successful in a highly competitive job market.”

With Siemens’ PLM software technology in the classroom, students can develop the advanced manufacturing and design skills sought after by the more than 77,000 companies worldwide. These companies utilize Siemens’ software solutions to design, develop and manufacture some of the world’s most sophisticated products in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical devices, machinery, shipbuilding, and high-tech electronics.

“In North Carolina we understand the importance of cooperation between industry, education and government to maximize workforce development," said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory. "The partnership announced by Siemens today with Central Piedmont College demonstrates how we are working together to build a highly-skilled workforce that will meet the needs of our employers and strengthen North Carolina’s economy."

Local advanced manufacturing companies have partnered with CPCC to help train this next generation work force. The aim is to fill talent pipelines with people who are well-equipped to utilize the latest automation, production, and design software.

“Through this expanded partnership between Siemens and Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte continues to enhance its reputation as a center for energy-related commerce and educational opportunities,” said Charlotte Mayor, Dan Clodfelter. “Working together, these partners are strengthening a relationship that reinforces our local economy and will help to provide good-paying career opportunities for Charlotte-area residents.”

More than 120 businesses throughout the state of North Carolina and in the Charlotte region rely on Siemens’ PLM software, including employers such as Hendrick Motorsports, Norfolk Southern Corporation, Joe Gibbs Racing, Textron Inc. and Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corporation.

“CPCC is grateful for the generous support of Siemens in donating PLM software to the college,” said Dr. Tony Zeiss, CPCC president. “With this gift, CPCC will be able to deliver PLM training to degree-seeking students and incumbent workers, giving them the advanced technical skills desired by employers, particularly in the area of advanced manufacturing. CPCC and our students are fortunate to have such a great partnership with Siemens.”

“Manufacturing is one of the most sophisticated, highly skilled and innovative areas of business in the world today because software has radically transformed the industry. We need to let students, parents and administrators know what these jobs look like and what students need to learn in order to get them,” said Eric Spiegel, president and CEO, Siemens USA. “Our enhanced partnership with CPCC offers students valuable academic and workforce opportunities to start careers in this high-tech industry.”

Note: Photos and video available at http://inr.synapticdigital.com/siemens/softwarerevolution/charlotte/

About Siemens in Charlotte

Siemens Energy in Charlotte is one of the lead facilities in the company’s global manufacturing network and serves as the worldwide hub for Siemens 60 Hz power generating equipment. Opened in 1969, the facility has manufactured and serviced generators and steam turbines for the power generation market for decades. In November 2011, the facility celebrated the opening of a new expansion, adding gas turbine production and service capabilities. The new Gas Turbine facility was designed based on LEAN manufacturing principles and is certified to U.S. LEED Gold green building standards. With its current workforce of 1,550 and more than one million square feet of space under roof, Siemens Energy in Charlotte has become the largest manufacturer in the city and the third largest among the 250+ Energy companies based in Charlotte. Further information is available at: http://www.siemens.com/energy/charlotte.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a world-leading provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software, systems and services with nine million licensed seats and 77,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software helps thousands of companies make great products by optimizing their lifecycle processes, from planning and development through manufacturing and support. Our HD-PLM vision is to give everyone involved in making a product the information they need, when they need it, to make the smartest decision. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm .