Educational Investments

Ozarks Technical Community College's Robert W. Plaster Center for Advanced Manufacturing has graduated almost 750 students since its opening three years ago. The $40 million facility houses nine technical training programs, including automation and robotics, cybersecurity, and manufacturing technology. The center has hosted over 3,000 student tours last year, boosting enrollment and graduations. Missouri University of Science and Technology is constructing the Missouri Protoplex, a 117,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Rolla, Missouri. The Protoplex will feature 40,000 square feet of high bay manufacturing space and seven corporate offices for companies to lease. The Boeing Co. and Caterpillar Inc. are among companies planning to lease space. The facility is set to open on April 15, with the university having already secured $23 million in funding for 16 active projects with companies.