NKU's new mechatronics degree prepares students for jobs in engineering, manufacturing

It is a problem that many manufacturing companies have been noticing for years: a growing gap between skilled workers and available jobs. I hear it from our alumni who own businesses who struggle to find the technical skills, said Diana McGill, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northern Kentucky University. About three years ago, NKU began talking with high-tech companies like Rockwell Automation and CBT Company about how to fill the gap in the region.
When I visited with Rockwell the first time, I'm thinking, This is what our students need to know, McGill said. Do we have this? The answer was no, they did not have the instruction and hands-on equipment students would need to be ready for the changing employment landscape. Today, they say they are ready with the opening of NKU's brand new Mechatronics Laboratory as part of the university's new four-year mechatronics degree.

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Comfort Systems USA Announces Acquisition

Business Wire | February 01, 2024

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. today announced that it has closed its previously announced transaction to acquire Summit Industrial Construction, LLC (“Summit”) headquartered in Houston, Texas. As previously disclosed, Summit is a specialty industrial mechanical contractor offering engineering, design-assist and turnkey, direct hire construction services of modular systems serving the advanced technology, power, and industrial sectors. Summit’s capabilities encompass a wide range of modular and site-based construction, including process piping, equipment setting, large pipe rack trestles, and related steel erection and specialty concrete work. Summit is a trusted supplier to some of the world’s largest advanced technology, power and industrial companies and is currently deployed on several major chip fabrication projects. Initially, Summit is expected to contribute annualized revenues of approximately $375 million to $400 million, and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of $35 million to $40 million. In light of the amortization expense, Summit is expected to make a neutral to slightly accretive contribution to earnings per share in 2024 and 2025. Brian Lane, Comfort Systems USA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are delighted to announce the closing of our agreement to acquire Summit, an extremely capable provider of modular and other complex mechanical services. Summit brings a stellar reputation as a modular technology leader in growing end markets, including multiple ongoing and large semiconductor projects. We are happy to welcome Summit’s wonderful leadership team and excellent production and craft workers across many states, and we are confident Summit will continue to innovate and grow as a part of our network of world-class contracting companies. We are grateful that Summit has chosen to become part of Comfort Systems USA.”

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