Leading provider of CNCs, robotics, and automation FANUC America has started the construction of its new 800,000+ square foot West Campus facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan to meet rising need for automation training.

Particularly, the new facility will rise on a 67-acre land the company purchased along with the former Thomas M. Cooley Law School. The new and existing structures will total 803,100 square feet of floorspace. With the addition of West Campus, FANUC America will occupy nearly two million square feet of operational space in Oakland County, MI.

Largest Corporate Automation Training

A major highlight of the ceremony included a FANUC CRX Cobot, built to work alongside people, assist company executives and a group of VIPs break ground for the new facility. In addition, several state and local officials provided attended the groundbreaking ceremony. Among the attendees were Quentin Messer Jr., Chief Executive and Economic Competitiveness Officer at the MEDC; Congresswoman Haley Stevens from Michigan’s 11th District; Oakland County Executive David Coulter; and Kevin McDaniel, Mayor of Auburn Hills.

“This investment represents our commitment to the future of U.S. manufacturing,” said Mike Cicco, President and CEO, FANUC America. “Since opening our 460,000 square foot North Campus three years ago, our business has increased significantly, and further expansion enables us to help more customers – large and small – achieve their production goals.”

FANUC plans to move its Customer Training Academy to the former school once renovations are complete. Hence, making it the largest corporate automation training operation in the U.S. Furthermore, the redesigned facility will include more classrooms to provide better learner-to-instructor interactions, as well as increased lab space for hands-on training.

Commitment to Upskilling

“A recent Deloitte study found that there will be at least two million unfilled manufacturing jobs within the next eight years and that’s why automation is growing at such a rapid pace,” added Cicco. For that reason, Cicco said the new Training Academy will underscore FANUC’s commitment to helping companies upskill their employees and keep production running smoothly.

“This in turn will enable workers to enhance their career growth opportunities as they learn how to operate robotic and automation equipment,” Cicco added.

Wide range of industries, including automotive and EV, aerospace, consumer goods, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, among others, use FANUC’s products.

Since 1982, the company offers line of painting robots. Furthermore, its Michigan facility builds and designs variety of automation software products.

FANUC America’s new West Campus will open in the spring of 2024. In addition, besides the massive Training Academy, the new facility will also house manufacturing, engineering, and R&D.