Constructed in 1942
With wood products and manufacturing industries in high need for skilled workers, machining was one of the first training and education programs designed and offered by Adult Education through Williamsport Area School District.
This precision machining lab equips students with foundational and advanced skills using state-of-the-art, hands-on technology education for in-demand industries.
Innovation
Larry A. Ward is a 1966 Williamsport Area Community College engineering drafting technology alumnus and founder of Packaging Progressions, Inc., an original equipment manufacturing company that designs and builds packaging machines for the food industry. The company – established in the early 1990s with five employees and first-year sales of $250,000 – grew into a $30-million-a-year business with a reputation as the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of high-speed interleaving and stacking machinery, before merging with MiddleBuy.
Continuing the theme of innovation and creativity, a design contest was opened to the Penn College student body for descriptive artwork that recognizes Mr. Ward for his generous support, tells the story of what happens inside the building, and provides a visual of precision machining technology. Students from the Building Science and Sustainable Design program developed the concept that ultimately led to the fixture seen today.
Foundational and advanced skills on mills
Foundational and advanced skills on lathes
Advanced skills/technology using electrical discharge machine
Williamsport Technical Institute: Originally named Unit 4 - The Machine Shop, this building was built with help from students, who volunteered their time to help rush the completion in 1942.
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Williamsport Area Community College: Technology evolves while foundational skills remain the keystone of a skilled workforce.
Pennsylvania College of Technology: The generous philanthropic leadership gift enabled the renovation of the Precision Machining Lab. Formerly known as simply the Machining Technologies Center, the building was renamed the Larry A. Ward Machining Technologies Center in 2019.