NOVEMBER 9, 2011

Michelin Donates Ten Robots to Greenville Technical College

Michelin North America has provided a gift of ten Adept robots to Greenville Technical College. The gift of the robots, originally valued at $3.22 million dollars, was recently made by Michelin US1 Plant Manager, Monty Rigsby.  The robots were previously used at the Michelin plant.

"Like many employers today, Michelin has a growing critical need for technical support professionals like the students at Greenville Technical College," said Monty Rigsby, plant manager for Michelin.  "The ability for students to use current technology like these robots creates a real world learning opportunity.  For Michelin, this gift helps us give back to an educational partner and its the right thing to do."

Bob Wright, Michelin Senior Project Engineer and John Davidson, Industrial Maintenance Technology instructor at Greenville Tech, worked together to make the gift a reality.  Davidson said, "This effort was well worth it.  We will now be able to do an even better job of preparing our graduates for real world opportunities right here in Greenville County.  Michelin is an excellent partner."

The robots will be used in industrial maintenance technology labs to give students the opportunity to learn how to design manufacturing systems.  They will also be used to train students on disassembly, trouble-shooting, repair and re-assembly of robots, which are becoming common in manufacturing environments throughout the upstate.

Pictured in the photo, left to right, are: Monty Rigsby, Michelin US1 Plant Manager, and John Davidson, Industrial Maintenance Technology instructor, Greenville Technical College.