Training programs for battery-manufacturing jobs that European firm fortu is bringing to Muskegon are already being planned by local colleges.
With the news that 734 manufacturing jobs are coming to Muskegon Township in about a year, Muskegon Community College is looking at developing a specific program for training employees in battery technology.
And Baker College of Muskegon is already examining ways to incorporate the chemistry needed to produce the lithium ion rechargeable batteries into its existing electronics technology program.
Another 1,000-plus jobs are expected to be created by two other battery plants locating in the Holland area.
The West Michigan plants are among 15 around the state that will produce the new generation of car batteries for hybrid and electric cars. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has said that 40,000 jobs could be created in the automotive battery industry by 2020.
To get Muskegon ready for the Swiss-German fortu PowerCell plant, which plans to begin production of batteries for electric vehicles by 2012, MCC is on a fast track to develop training programs for those fortu hires, as well as those who are hoping to be hired there.
“They need the work force and we are interested in training the workers,” said Dan Rinsema-Sybenga, public information manager for the college. “The training definitely will be applicable for any of the companies that are coming to the West Michigan area.”
The process of manufacturing the batteries involves chemistry, which Baker College is looking to incorporate into its existing programs, said Mary Ann Herbst, president of the college.
“We’re not creating a program that’s for battery technicians,” Herbst said. “What we realize is our electronics technology program is preparing our students for similar type skills.”
In addition to production workers, Herbst said the college is in the position to train such support workers as accountants and administrative assistants.
The fortu PowerCell development will be the company’s first high-volume manufacturing plant. About a half dozen American team members will spend six months to a year in Germany learning the company’s culture and processes.
Plant construction and hiring are about a year away.
An LG Chem plant planned for the south side of Holland will be operating in about 18 months and is expected to employ 400 to 500 workers. It will supply batteries for the planned electric Chevrolet Volt.
A joint venture of Johnson Controls and French manufacturer Saft also is locating in the Holland area and is expected to generate 550 jobs by 2014. It will produce lithium-ion batteries for hybrid and electric cars.
In addition, thousands of spinoff positions could be added by local firms supplying those plants.
