Schoolcraft College Unveils 48,000‑sq‑ft Manufacturing Engineering Center to Boost Michigan’s Plastics Workforce

Schoolcraft College has finished a comprehensive renovation and relocation of its manufacturing occupational programs to a new 48,000‑square‑foot facility at 13001 Merriman Road, just minutes from the main Livonia campus. The new space more than doubles the capacity previously available on the main campus.

Designed with local industry partners in mind—especially the plastics sector—the center offers a full suite of programs that align with today’s workforce demands. Students can pursue certificates (16‑ or 33‑credit) or an associate degree in plastic technology, alongside comparable offerings in CAD, advanced metal finishing (CNC), electronics/mechatronics, robotics, occupational safety, welding, metallurgy, and automation.

The plastic technology program’s state‑of‑the‑art processing lab now supports injection molding and thermoforming, with plans to add extrusion and blow‑molding equipment. The testing lab, equipped with a universal tester, drop‑impact tester, MFI unit, and aging oven, is expanding to include an Izod/Charpy impact tester and dual lab hoods for chemical and flame testing.

The expanded facility can serve 300–400 students daily and supports a range of learning pathways: dual enrollment for high‑school students, industry‑tailored apprenticeship training, and workforce development bootcamps in CNC machining, welding, and robotics.

By investing in the Manufacturing Engineering Center, Schoolcraft College demonstrates its commitment to providing transformational, hands‑on education that meets the evolving needs of Michigan’s manufacturing community.