STLCC Breaks Ground on Advanced Manufacturing Center at Florissant Valley Campus

Bulldozers, construction trucks and earth movers are busy, because St. Louis Community College broke ground on the Advanced Manufacturing Center Friday.

Approximately 100 people, including government officials, business leaders, community members, STLCC stakeholders and even two robots—courtesy of Rolla High School Robotics teams 4964, 5893, 6168 and 13132—gathered for the event at STLCC-Florissant Valley, located at 3400 Pershall Road in Ferguson.

The AMC is one of six construction projects planned as part of the STLCC Transformed initiative that aims to bring the College into a more modern standing by providing facilities and programming for the growth and competitiveness of the region. 

Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer of STLCC-Florissant Valley, welcomed guests.

“The Advanced Manufacturing Center will do just what its name suggests. The center will enable STLCC to advance manufacturing workforce training,” she said. 

“It features spaces that will galvanize workers interested in mastering engineering technology, biomedical electronic technology, precision machining, and other programs on specialized equipment and machinery. We are especially excited for our new geospatial technology courses, including drone flight, which will be housed in this new building.”

The center is not the only thing new that is coming. 

St. Louis Community College will purchase $3 million worth of new advanced manufacturing equipment for the center’s classrooms and lab spaces. The College was awarded the funds as part of a winning regional coalition announced in the Federal "Build Back Better Regional Challenge" grant.

All this is good news to Eyen Hoffman, who is taking classes this fall and working toward an associate degree in engineering science.

“Seeing how it could be set up to organize workflow and have different storage compartments, cabinets, stuff like that, various tools. Being able to navigate through the shop floor without having to duck around different parts of the machinery would be nice,” Hoffman said.   

For Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Dean Tom McGovern, the best is yet to come. 

“STLCC-Florissant Valley has been involved in manufacturing and industry training since its beginning in the

 late 60s. I had students who hung the wires on the Musial bridge; placed the steel animals out front at the zoo; cut parts for the Georgia Dome; programmed rides at Six Flags; and so many other places,” he said.

“STLCC has continued to supply employees to Boeing, its parts suppliers and other industries. Now more than ever, the skills we will provide are in demand, and the opportunity is now. These careers are open to everyone no matter your current skill set. I encourage people to embrace the new technology and take advantage of the opportunities around them.” 

Watch a video of the groundbreaking.

Florissant Valley Advanced Manufacturing Center Highlights

Name: Advanced Manufacturing Center

Anticipated Completion: December 2024

Size: 96,000 square feet

Architect: JEMA

Construction Manager: NAVIGATE Building Solutions

Contractor: Kadean Construction

Estimated Cost: $61.1 million

Key Offerings

• Hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs to prepare students for high-demand careers in manufacturing, engineering, technology, and technical trades.
• An expanded Boeing pre-employment training program with dedicated sheet metal and fabrication classrooms.
•  An area for Early College students (high schoolers) to take classes and study. 
• Program visibility through large picture windows and glass walls to encourage safe and engaging tours for prospective students and the community.