“We want our students to be recognized leaders in the field of modern technology,” FNV Principal Mrs. Ingileif Oddsdóttir said. “We are certain the Haas machines will help us to achieve this."

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Few economies were hit as hard and as early during the recent banking crisis as that of Iceland. But, despite the resulting crippling interest rates, migration that has decimated the workforce, and high unemployment, the country still has a future worth investing in.

Iceland’s first HTEC opened on November 4th, 2011, at the Fjölbrautaskóli Norðurlands vestra (FNV - North-West Community College) in Sauðárkrókur. This most northern HTEC in the European network is equipped with two TL-1 Toolroom Lathes, and a VF-3 vertical machining centre with a TR160 Trunnion rotary table, for 5-axis cutting operations.

“The Icelandic economy depends heavily on fishing and fish processing technology,” says Hjörtur P. Jónsson, CEO of Haas Factory Outlet: A Division of Idnvélar ehf, “so as a nation, we need to invest in more diverse sectors. We have an abundance of metal ore, natural resources and energy. The opportunities for manufacturing in Iceland are virtually unlimited, so the challenge is about educating people and showing them what we are capable of.”

“The metal industry in Iceland needs development,” concurred Mr. Thorkell V. Thorsteinsson (Þorkell V. Þorsteinsson), FNV Vice Principal. “I believe that metal processing – that is, creating good quality stock material, is the starting point for technological innovation. I also believe that the metal processing industry will have a stablising effect on our economy, and CNC education will prove to be the future for our manufacturing sector.”

Like all, similar HTEC opening events around Europe, Iceland’s first was attended by dignitries and representatives from national government, including the head of upper secondary schools for the Ministry of Education, Mr. Thórir Ólafsson (Þórir Ólafsson): “Our country has 32 upper secondary schools,” he said, after the event, and amongst them, FNV is already known as a school that delivers high-skilled students ready for industry. In the Iceland Skills competition, students of this school won the gold and silver medals. The metal-cutting technology that is taught here, with the support of Haas Automation makes FNV the model for schools of this kind.”

Also at the event, Haas Automation Europe Managing Director, Mr. Alain Reynvoet commented: “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many of our local customers during this exciting Grand Opening. Every one of them has told me that Haas CNC machine tools and this new HTEC, supported by the local HFO and our HTEC industry partners, will help the country’s industrial sector to build a strong future.”

FNV Principal Mrs. Ingileif Oddsdóttir added that the school’s aim is to have the same technology as manufacturing companies have in their factories. “We want our students to be recognized leaders in the field of modern technology,” she said. “We are certain the Haas machines will help us to achieve this and we are confident that by being an affiliated and certified HTEC, we have the credentials to extend our technical and training services to local companies. To be successful, it’s vital we build relations with industry, and this is how it is done.”

Bogdan Dyjuk is Director of Augustowskie Centrum Edukacyjne: “Joining the growing group of schools with HTEC status is joining a network of modern institutions that all have the same mission. That is, to offer CNC education at the highest level. The benefits of this network will undoubtedly increase the chances of our graduates finding a good, well-paid job. At this HTEC, students and employees will learn the necessary skills to work with modern CNC equipment. There is no better start than Haas machines. We have found them to be very efficient and very intuitive to operate.”

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Zaventem, Brussels. September 15^th, 2011. Poland clearly has a lot to learn, in the best possible sense, of course. The country has more Haas Technical Education Centres (HTECs) than any other in Europe and has recently celebrated the inauguration of its ninth!

At its official opening on September 13^th, the Augustowskie Centrum Edukacyjne (Education Center of Augustów) joined the growing, European HTEC network, alongside existing HTECs in Krakow, Kalisz, Turek, Włocławek, Ząbkowice Śląskie, and Legnica. All Polish HTECs have been established under the guiding auspices of HFO Poland: A Division of Abplanalp Consulting.

Bogdan Dyjuk is Director of Augustowskie Centrum Edukacyjne: “Joining the growing group of schools with HTEC status is joining a network of modern institutions that all have the same mission. That is, to offer CNC education at the highest level. The benefits of this network will undoubtedly increase the chances of our graduates finding a good, well-paid job. At this HTEC, students and employees will learn the necessary skills to work with modern CNC equipment. There is no better start than Haas machines. We have found them to be very efficient and very intuitive to operate.”

There are few places on the Continent with as much industrial and business dynamism as Poland. In fact, of all the 27 EU nations, Poland was the only one that did not enter recession in 2008/09. Alain Reynvoet, Managing Director of Haas Automation Europe also attended the opening event in Augustów.

“Since 2009, Poland has been one of the fastest growing and best performing economies in Europe. Poland’s growth is driven by industry and construction and the country’s figures show the most rapid growth in the metal goods production industry: 15.5 percent up on 2010. It is interesting to see that in economic terms Poland is outperforming Germany, Italy and France, and also investing in more HTECs. Clearly, Polish people are keen to learn using the latest technology and are equally keen to invest in the future of their country.”

The event was also attended by a number of high-ranking, local and national officials, including member of Parliament Jan Kamiński; head of the region Augustów, Franciszek Wiśniewski; and representatives from the local and regional labour and union offices.

After the event, Vice President of Abplanalp Consulting, Mr. Wojciech Ratyński said his company is very pleased to welcome the Augustowskie Centrum Edukacyjne to the HTEC network.

“It is a very active and forward-thinking school,” he said, “that has the right people, and now the right tools too to train employees and future-employees of manufacturing companies in the province. It is educational institutions like this that will help the further growth of Augustów as an important industrial center in North Eastern Poland. We at Abplanalp intend to continue to support education in our country so that young people are prepared for opportunities and exciting careers and employers can find and hire well-trained individuals.”

We aim to be at the forefront of technological innovation to improve the competitiveness of our students,” says school principal, Mme Chantal Porte. “For that reason we have acquired a range of the latest production machines and ancillary equipment, 

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Zaventem, Brussels. October 31^st, 2011: The Haas Technical Education Centre programme has arrived in the most northern part of France.

Although the first in the region, this is the second HTEC for HFO Clermont en Argonne: A Division of Realmeca, and the first in a French, public high school: The Lycée Polyvalent Anguier, in the city Eu.

Opened on September 28th 2011, the new, fully equipped facility boasts no fewer than 13 Haas CNC machine tools, including 4 Haas Mini-Mills, a VF-3SS Super Speed and 5 examples of the tried-and-tested Haas CNC turning centre, the SL-10. The machines and the facility were part-financed by La Région Haute-Normandie.

 “We aim to be at the forefront of technological innovation to improve the competitiveness of our students,” says school principal, Mme Chantal Porte. “For that reason we have acquired a range of the latest production machines and ancillary equipment, and we have established important partnerships and collaborations with the wider, economic and industrial communities.”

Also present at the grand opening was M. Patrick Chesnel, project manager at Lycée Polyvalent Anguier: “Over the past three years we have completely transformed our teaching infrastructure,” he says. “We’ve added Haas machine tools to make sure our youngsters have the best possible skills in the field of CNC machining. With the support of Haas Automation and its local Haas Factory Outlet, Realmeca we have created an attractive and inspiring space with some of the most sophisticated and efficient machines available. We feel we are now perfectly set-up to meet the needs of our students and industry at large.”

Speaking from the Haas Automation Europe headquarters, in Zaventem, Brussels, Mr. Bert Maes explains why the Haute-Normandie region in particular will benefit from the new HTEC: “Normandy has the largest port complex in France,” he says, “and one of the largest in Europe, which has helped underpin the success of local automotive and aeronautics companies. We believe that for the region to remain an industrial powerhouse, strong educational institutions and well-trained students are also essential. I am convinced that the Lycée Polyvalent Anguier, with its Haas CNC machine tools and strategic, industrial partnerships will prove to be a catalyst for further industrial development in the region, particularly in the precision engineering sector.”

Note: The third HTEC in France will open on December 12^th 2011, at the Centre de formation des apprentis des Compagnons du Devoir de Colomiers, Toulouse, South West France. The organisation ‘Compagnons du Devoir’ has 84 training centres in France.

"It is clear that there is a serious shortage of machining professionals, both in this area and also across Germany. GIBA is perfectly set-up to support all those small businesses that need well-trained and productive employees.”

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Zaventem, Brussels. October 20, 2011: Haas Automation Europe is delighted to announce the opening of a Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The new facility was set-up under the auspices of Haas Factory Outlet (HFO) Baden Württemberg South: A Division of Dreher Werkzeugmaschinen GmbH. Opened officially on September 27th, 2011, it is the first HTEC in the region and the first for HFO Dreher.

The new HTEC is part of GIBA - Gesellschaft für Integration, Beschäftigung und Ausbildung GmbH, and boasts two of the latest generation Haas CNC machines tools: a VF-2 vertical machining centre and a TL-1 Toolroom Lathe.

GIBA is the Association for Integration Employment and Training, which works with adolescents and young adults who lack access to mainstream education or other vocational training. The school offers them the chance to train to a high level of competence in mechanical engineering and CNC machining, and to find well-paid employment in industry.

During the grand opening, Managing director of GIBA, Mr. Wolfgang Hesse told Haas: “We love to work with the Haas CNC machine tools. We acquired our first Haas machine more than 10 years ago and we are still very satisfied with it. We also appreciate the support provided by Haas Automation as a company. Being part of the HTEC programme brings access to an extensive network of industrial partners. Our apprentices have, therefore, the opportunity to train using the very best CNC and manufacturing technology, and the Haas control simulators means they can learn to programme in a risk-free, fear-free and stress-free way.”

Mr Martin Dreher from HFO: Dreher was also present at the grand opening: “GIBA has very good contacts with the surrounding industry,” he said. “After their training here, almost all students are employed by the companies in the neighbourhood. It is clear that there is a serious shortage of machining professionals, both in this area and also across Germany. GIBA is perfectly set-up to support all those small businesses that need well-trained and productive employees.”

Managing Director of Haas Automation, Mr. Alain Reynvoet was also present at the event, and reiterated the company’s commitment to the HTEC programme and its objectives. “Investment in education is an important factor for success in our industry,” he said. “Despite the world’s economic problems we will continue to seek partnerships with schools and colleges because we have a long term perspective and we have a higher aim: to support our customers in every possible way, including their quest to find the best, CNC-trained employees.”

The mayor of Rottenburg, members of the county council, and representatives of industry firms and financial institutions also attended the grand opening.

From left to right: Martin Dreher (Dreher Werkzeugmachinen), Wolfgang Hesse (GIBA), Alain Reynvoet (Haas Automation Europe)

“This HTEC is an important step to counter the skills shortage in the Harz district,” she said. “For both the school and the region, this opening is a milestone in the training of qualified specialists in the art of CNC.”

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Zaventem, Belgium. October 14, 2011: Haas Automation continues to widen its innovative HTEC (Haas Technical Education Centre) programme across Europe with the grand opening of the first Haas-equipped, state-of-the-art teaching facility in the northwestern German state of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony).

Opened on September 6^th, 2011, the new HTEC, equipped with a Haas ST-10 CNC Turning Centre and Haas Mini Mill, is located at the BBS Goslar-Baßgeige/Seesen Berufsbildende Schulen (Vocational Training Centre) in Goslar, some 60km southeast of Hanover.

“Those who want to predict the future should start by shaping the future themselves,” is how the principal at BBS Goslar, Mrs. Frauke Keck-Pergner, emphasised the importance of the new, industry-education partnership with Haas Automation and the local Haas Factory Outlet (HFO): ARO-tec. “This HTEC is an important step to counter the skills shortage in the Harz district,” she said. “For both the school and the region, this opening is a milestone in the training of qualified specialists in the art of CNC.”

Mr. Mark Otto Brinkmann, representing the BBS metal technology department, said the education establishment is on a mission to train young people to meet the demands of both their careers and also their lives.  “With an HTEC at our school we can better accomplish this mission,” he stated. “Our students and trainees are now getting the opportunity to experience all the steps of an engineering project, from initial concept to finished product."

Manufacturing is a large part of the regional economy in Niedersachsen. “Volkswagen, for example, has five production plants with the state’s borders, while aerospace, shipbuilding and steelmaking are also prominent,” ARO-tec’s managing director Mr. Roland Lebioda stated “This HTEC is the start of what we hope will be many fruitful connections between BBS and those Haas customers.”

Mr. Tobias Dahnke, director of the industrial/precision engineering teacher team, is also looking to the benefits of the growing network of HTECs. "We will now strive for future student exchanges with other HTECs around Europe, a strategy that will provide our students with extended technical and communication skills – the perfect platform for an international career.”

Alain Reynvoet, general manager at Haas Automation Europe pointed out that during the six-month HTEC certification process the BBS staff had clearly demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment towards the students and their career opportunities. “BBS Goslar-Baßgeige/Seesen is an excellent model for CNC manufacturing departments at other schools in Germany and beyond,” he concluded.

School principal Mr. José António Gomes feels that that investing in the Haas VF-2 isn’t just right, but is also risk-free. “First of all,” he says, “it’s risk free because of the quality of the Haas machines, but also because of the well-known service capabilities of After Sales. But, maybe more importantly, even when the economy is down, the best investment is in knowledge. With knowledge, there is no risk of devaluation or depreciation. Giving our young people the ability to make things with 5-axis technology will never be a waste of money.”

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As most readers know, Haas Automation’s European HTEC (Haas Technical Education Centre) programme continues to go from strength-to-strength, as more and more schools on the Continent invest in the latest Haas machine tool technology to create state-of-the-art CNC teaching facilities.

However, not every school that invests in Haas machines chooses to be an HTEC. Some have more specific requirements. In the case of two, recently opened teaching-workshops in Spain and Portugal, that requirement was for low-cost, high capability 5-axis machine tools.

The Centro de Formação Profissional of Águeda, Portugal, opened on July 7th, 2011, and the IES Politéchnico de Vigo, Spain, opened on July 8th. Each school has invested in a Haas VF-2 CNC machining centre equipped with a Haas TRT160 - a tilting 160 mm, 2-axis CNC rotary table, giving 5, simultaneous cutting axes. Both machines are supplied and supported by the local Haas Factory Outlet, a division of Portugal-based After Sales, SA.

Águeda’s economy has a strong, metal processing sector. “Two things are keeping this region healthy,” says mayor, Mr. Gil Nadais: “agriculture and metal manufacturing. We need to increase our turnover in these key export sectors and investing in innovative technology is essential for the future of this region.” School principal Mr. José António Gomes feels that that investing in the Haas VF-2 isn’t just right, but is also risk-free.

“First of all,” he says, “it’s risk free because of the quality of the Haas machines, but also because of the well-known service capabilities of After Sales. But, maybe more importantly, even when the economy is down, the best investment is in knowledge. With knowledge, there is no risk of devaluation or depreciation. Giving our young people the ability to make things with 5-axis technology will never be a waste of money.”

The economy in Vigo, Spain, Galicia's economic powerhouse, relies heavily on local automotive manufacturing.  Mr. Antonio Estévez is headmaster at IES Politéchnico de Vigo. “Our priority is ensuring the car industry can find people skilled in mechanical engineering and maintenance,” he says. “Each year we invest in the latest equipment to ensure our students have the most up to date and practical preparation possible. The five axis Haas VF-2 is the right investment to develop skills that Galician companies need.”

Several Haas industry partner companies - including Mastercam, Sandvik, Chick and Cimcool, also supported the grand openings of the two new teaching workshops. Managing Director of After Sales SA, Mr. Carlos Vilas-Boas feels that the role of his HFO is, in many instances, one of facilitator. “We take service and support very seriously,” he says, “and we believe it includes connecting students, teachers, employers, technology companies and politicians. These two events are good examples of how, when we all work together, the benefits are better training and, ultimately, greater productivity and stronger economies.”

Haas Europe HTEC coordinator Mr. Bert Maes also attended the grand openings. “These two schools have forward-looking managers and top-quality, industry-experienced teachers,” he says. “Combined with the easy-to-use Haas 5th axis technology, the result is highly skilled and motivated students with the technical ability to build complex projects like the ones I’ve seen today: from small wind-powered generators to fully-functioning customised, computer mice. I am convinced that many companies in Portugal and Galicia will benefit from the time and energy After Sales is investing in these important schools.”

"The HTEC programme is based around well-equipped CNC technology labs and improved relations between education and industry, locally, nationally and internationally. Companies can see that HTECs increase student motivation - by focusing on and improving learning processes, and give graduates the skills they need for a career as super-technicians in the exciting world of advanced manufacturing.”

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Zaventem, Belgium. June 9, 2011: Haas Automation Europe is delighted to announce the launch of its revised and redesigned Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) website: www.HTECnetwork.eu

The HTEC website has been created to offer improved communications for everyone involved with HTEC in Europe, including students, teachers, HTEC Industry Partner companies, government departments, manufacturing companies and potential employers.

The new site is current in English, German, Italian, French, Dutch and Swedish, and incorporates links to social media, such as Twitter, Youtube and the blog of Haas Europe’s HTEC coordinator, Mr. Bert Maes. All visitors to the site will have access to exciting, informative and regularly updated content such as videos, news reports and case studies, as well as the latest issues of the Haas e-bulletin and the Haas magazine, CNC Machining. Visitors can also access the HTEC manual and download the HTEC Concept pdf, which outlines the principles behind the programme and how a school or a teaching establishment can become an HTEC.

“We are always striving to improve communication amongst the many different HTEC stake-holders,” says Mr. Maes, “wherever they are and whatever part they play. This new site is easier to use than the previous one and it better reflects our vision to help more and more young people into exciting careers as CNC machinists. It has also been designed with business leaders in mind, and will help, we hope, to facilitate discourse and links between education and industry around the world.”

Rejecting the claims of some mainstream media, Haas Automation believes that Europe is not a ‘post-industrial’ continent, but is an economic region with the expertise, technology and incentive to lead the world in high-tech manufacturing. However, much of the Continent’s engineering know-how resides with professionals who are due to retire in the next decade, which could lead, unless addressed, to a severe shortage of highly skilled workers.

“Europe faces a crisis,” adds Mr. Maes; “one which many employers are already having to contend with.  We want to be part of the solution. The HTEC programme is based around well-equipped CNC technology labs and improved relations between education and industry, locally, nationally and internationally. Companies can see that HTECs increase student motivation - by focusing on and improving learning processes, and give graduates the skills they need for a career as super-technicians in the exciting world of advanced manufacturing.”

The exciting new HTEC website is a key HTEC communication tool that reflects Haas’ objective to work ever-more-closely with principals, teachers and governments to address the skills challenge faced by the high-technology manufacturing sector.

“Every day we hear from top-managers of leading Ukrainian enterprises that our country does not have enough specialists who are trained to work with the latest CNC equipment. Our efforts and cooperation with KPI will allow us to provide companies with a larger pool of trained, CNC specialists. As a result, Ukraine will improve its productivity and will be better equipped to compete with other manufacturing nations.”

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Zaventem, Belgium. June, 2011: On May 26^th, 2011, the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) of the National Technical University of Ukraine held a grand opening event for its Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC). By creating a strategic partnership with the country’s sole Haas distributor (Haas Factory Outlet (HFO) – a division of Abplanalp Ukraine), teachers and students at KPI now have full-time and permanent access to the latest CNC precision-cutting technology, including a Haas ST-20 CNC turning centre and a Haas VF-3 CNC vertical machining centre.

The new KPI HTEC is also Abplanalp’s Kyiv HFO location, the first in the country’s capital, and means the company is able to demonstrate Haas machines to manufacturing customers in the city. The collaboration also has additional benefits for KPI, which is now seen as a key location for the latest CNC machine tool solutions, a high-technology CNC laboratory, and an excellent source of well-qualified CNC specialists trained for industry.

Government officials and representatives of local manufacturing companies attended the high-profile event, as well as senior managers from Abplanalp, Haas Automation Europe and the HTEC Industry Partners. Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Industrial Policy, Mr. Vitaliy Nemilostivy told guests, “Advanced manufacturing technology is vital for the modernisation of our industry and help us to integrate better in the world economy. This new center gives us the tools we need to improve our educational standards and Ukraine’s manufacturing productivity. It’s my hope that more Haas demonstration and training centers eventually open in Kharkiv, Zaporozhye, Donetsk, Luhansk and other leading industrial areas of the country.”

Mr. Michael Zgurovsky, rector of KPI called the creation of the new HTEC an important step for Ukrainian education and Ukrainian industry. “We now have connections to manufacturing industry leaders in the USA and Europe to train our students to the very highest standards,” he said.

According to news reports, Ukraine’s economy is growing fast, with high-tech, engineering and scientific sectors making the most significant contributions. However, some commentators claim that workers with the latest manufacturing skills are in short supply, which could adversely affect future growth.  General Director of Abplanalp Ukraine, Nikolay Skripnik explains: “Every day we hear from top-managers of leading Ukrainian enterprises that our country does not have enough specialists who are trained to work with the latest CNC equipment. Our efforts and cooperation with KPI will allow us to provide companies with a larger pool of trained, CNC specialists. As a result, Ukraine will improve its productivity and will be better equipped to compete with other manufacturing nations.”

The HTEC ribbon-cutting ceremony was jointly performed by Mr. Peter Zierhut, Managing Director at Haas Automation Europe: “This latest grand-opening is just as important for Haas as for all the many other companies and individuals who made it possible,” he said. “For the future of manufacturing everywhere, our aim is to facilitate relationships and communication between industry and education around the world.”

Haas Automation and Abplanalp Ukraine opened a similar facility in 2008 at the Dnepropetrovsk National Metallurgical Academy and also plan to open another at an educational institution in Kirovograd, together with the company Hydrosila, one of the leading manufacturers of hydraulic machines in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): More details to follow.

“The Swedish companies were so impressed by the skills and competence of the students. This shows the value of the HTEC program to build the skills necessary for modern factories,” said Birgitta Dahlén Wilhelmson, international coordinator at the Swedish host HTEC-Bäckadalsgymnasiet.

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Zaventem, Belgium. May 26, 2011:  Between March 27th and April 9th, ten students from the Belgian HTEC VTI St-Lucas Oudenaarde traveled to HTEC-Bäckadalsgymnasiet, in Jönköping Sweden, to refine their skills in innovative manufacturing technologies.

This exciting exchange was staged and managed by Haas Automation Europe and twelve partner organisations, including the 2 HTECs, the Swedish Haas Factory Outlet (a division of Edströms) and Swedish manufacturing companies, SEMCON, TANSO, Kongsberg, Mansarps Mekaniska, Bubs Godis, and Prototal. The Swedish firms agreed to mentor students during the ten days, with either one or two students from the group attending a host company. Other local manufacturers, Linto and IKV-Tools also gave the students the opportunity to see how their Haas CNC machines are employed and optimised in demanding production environments.

Arnoud Vanderbauwede, one of the Belgian students, had the opportunity to follow the footsteps of a service engineer of Edströms during installing and monitoring Haas machines in the field. “The variety in the work schedule and the diversity in working environments made it a positive and exciting experience.”

Lode Poelman, one of the Belgian teachers who accompanied the students on their trip to Sweden, was equally enthusiastic: “Compared to domestic internships and domestic knowledge exchange programs, overseas experiences like this have greater value. The trip has been a unique and instructive experience for all of us. We’ve learnt a lot about innovative manufacturing techniques such as CAD/CAM, automatic welding, industrial design, 3D scanning and vacuum modeling, as well as new approaches to teaching and the different working attitudes of companies in a foreign country.”

“The Swedish companies were so impressed by the skills and competence of the students. This shows the value of the HTEC program to build the skills necessary for modern factories,” said Birgitta Dahlén Wilhelmson, international coordinator at the Swedish host HTEC-Bäckadalsgymnasiet.

Mr. Bert Maes, Haas Europe HTEC coordinator, concludes: “This exchange with the backing of the European Commission was not only about technical skills, but also about creative thinking, problem solving and skills in global collaboration. The HTEC network is a growing platform for inspiring and advanced CNC training and skills. We believe that companies who eventually hire HTEC students will benefit tremendously from their experience and international outlook.”

In autumn 2011 students and teachers from the Swedish HTEC will visit their Belgian colleagues. As well as visiting the Haas Automation Europe headquarters in Brussels, the Swedish students will also spend time working at local companies, so they too can experience living abroad and working in a foreign factory.

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Zaventem, Belgium. May 3, 2011:  Haas Automation Europe is celebrating the opening of two more Haas Technical Education Centres (HTECs) in Poland, bringing the total in the country to eight. These new facilities will enable local engineering students to develop their CNC programming and machining skills using a range of state-of-the-art Haas CNC machine tools.

The two new HTECs are based at technical schools in the Lower Silesia region of south-west Poland. Both were established with valuable support from the Warsaw-based Haas Factory Outlet (HFO), a division of Abplanalp Consulting Sp. z o.o., as well as a number of other HTEC industry partners.

As Abplanalp Marketing Manager Jolanta Kowalska explains: “Lower Silesia is an important centre for automotive, pharmaceutical, electronics, and metallurgy industries and home to many multinational companies, such as Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen, Bosch, and Shell. It also has a well-developed agriculture technology sector. The students who train at the HTEC will have much better prospects for interesting, challenging and lucrative careers in leading companies like these, which will make very good use of their skills.”

The first of the two new HTECs, Poland’s 7^th, opened on 28 March at the Practical Training Centre (CKP) in Legnica, which is the regional academic centre. As Zbigniew Kałuża, Director of CKP Legnica, says: “Joining the HTEC network gives us great satisfaction and prestige, because we now belong to a group of educational institutions that are fully equipped with Haas CNC machines and related equipment. This means we can teach students and workers who want to develop their skills on modern CNC machines and we can encourage young people to see this as an attractive profession for the future.”

The HTEC at CKP Legnica is equipped with a Haas VF-1 mill and two Haas SL-20 lathes. As Jolanta Kowalska points out: “The lathes were supplied by Winkelmann, a German engineering company with a major manufacturing complex in Legnica. We are very happy that other companies are also investing in the future of students, who may one day be their employees.”

“These are the first CNC machines we have ever had in our facility,” says Zbigniew Kałuża.  “At first we thought that operating and programming them might be difficult but it’s not: you just need to master some basic skills and then with a bit of practice you can start work. Now we are preparing to offer our training to more people from outside the school.”

The students also appreciate how easy it is to get started. “I thought Haas machines would be difficult to operate,” says Andrzej Leszczyński, a student at CKP Legnica, “but quickly found that some tasks are easy and many are enjoyable. We are also studying how the Haas machines are made, so that we understand them better and can use that knowledge in our work in the future.”

“Operating them is very easy, “says fellow student Dominik Langier, “however, I find programming more interesting – it is very satisfying to write a program and then watch the CNC machine produce the work with no errors.”

Poland’s 8^th HTEC opened on 29 March at The Group of Secondary Schools No 2 (ZSP) in Ząbkowice Śląskie. It is equipped with a Haas TM-1P and a Haas TL-1. As ZSP’s Director Ryszard Pawłowski is happy to confirm:  “These Haas CNC machines have encouraged our students to become more interested in professional machining. Now, demand is so high that the students have organised extra lessons on Saturdays – they are so keen to learn! Their CNC teacher also confirms that the students have no problems with using Haas machines.”

He also sees the importance of the HTEC for both the school and its students. “Joining the HTEC network and acquiring the newest Haas CNC machines raises the profile of our school and helps us expand our educational offering. This will improve our students’ job prospect with local manufactures. It is also excellent preparation for those who want to continue their education at the Wroclaw University of Technology, which is also part of the HTEC network.”

As Jolanta Kowalska concludes: “We are delighted that two more technical schools have joined the HTEC network. It confirms to us that Polish colleges are very willing to modernise their facilities so they can train students to the highest standards.”

During our very first meetings with Haas and HFO Bergsli, we realised we shared a vision: to give students and company employees the best opportunity for professional development. Being part of the HTEC network is the start of a new era in high-tech training at our school.

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Zaventem, Belgium. April 8, 2011:On March 30^th, 2011, Haas Automation Europe and its HTEC (Haas Technical Education Centre) industry partners celebrated the grand opening of the latest Haas-equipped, state-of-the-art teaching facility.

The new HTEC – located at Glemmen Upper Secondary School (Glemmen Videregående Skole) in Fredrikstad, is the very first HTEC in Norway, the sixth in Scandinavia and the 50^th in Europe. Equipped with a Haas Mini Mill and a Haas SL-10 CNC Turning Centre, the HTEC was established with the help and support of the local Haas Factory Outlet (HFO): Bergsli Metallmaskiner AS.

“We are very proud of being the first school in Norway to partner so closely with Haas Automation,” said Principal, John R. Kristiansen. “During our very first meetings with Haas and HFO Bergsli, we realised we shared a vision: to give students and company employees the best opportunity for professional development. Being part of the HTEC network is the start of a new era in high-tech training at our school.”

Mr. John T. Andresen, secretary of the 150-strong Fredrikstad Industry Association also endorsed the new HTEC, saying: “This new educational facility will have a very positive effect on our community. A well trained, manufacturing workforce is vital if we are to grow our economy. Having access to this modern equipment here, at the largest school in our province, Østfold, means we can also develop courses to upgrade the skills of employees at our local companies.”

As well as the regional and national media, the grand opening event was attended by representatives from several, other schools, which were keen to learn more about becoming an HTEC.

“We believe that the HTEC programme will bring real and significant benefits to the school and this region,” said Per Bergsli, CEO of Bergsli Metallmaskiner AS, the exclusive representative for Haas Automation in Norway. “The school here in Glemmen now has access to an international network of HTECs, students and teachers, plus of course it has CNC machine tools exactly like those used by the world’s best manufacturing companies.”

One particular student at Glemmen intends to make the most of the opportunities presented by the international HTEC network.  When her studies in Norway are complete, Victoria Johansen plans to embark on advanced training with an HTEC overseas. “Studying here at the Glemmen HTEC is the best possible start to my career,” she says. “There are so many options and I’ll be able to use the skills I’m learning anywhere in the world. Eventually, I’d like to work in a Haas-equipped machine shop in Canada. ”

Haas Automation Europe’s HTEC coordinator Mr. Bert Maes was delighted with the event and was inspired by the enthusiasm of students, teachers and all those involved in creating the facility. “Reaching 50 HTECs in Europe is a major achievement, of which everyone at Haas is very proud,” he said. “The HTEC network supports innovation in education and also helps schools to connect with one another and to connect with business. Of course, it won’t stop here. The programme is gathering pace and we’re looking forward to opening the next 50!”

Students at the North Karelia College will get the best opportunities and companies will get the skills they need thanks to the professional training and the Haas CNC machine tools the college is now providing.

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Zaventem, Belgium. March 25, 2011:  Just two weeks after Haas Automation Europe celebrated the grand opening of the most westerly Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) in Europe (on the island of Madeira, Portugal), the company is very pleased to announce the grand opening of the most northerly.

Students at the North Karelia College of Technology and Culture, Joensuu, Finland (Pohjois-Karjalan Ammattiopisto), will be instructed on three Haas CNC machine tools (a TL-1 Toolroom Lathe, a TM-1 Toolroom Mill, and an SL-20 CNC turning centre) and a range of state-of-the-art production equipment supplied by the HTEC industry partners. The new HTEC was established in partnership with the Finnish Haas Factory Outlet – a division of Oy Grönblom Ab.

“As well as being the most northerly, this is also the first HTEC in Finland,” says Bert Maes, HTEC coordinator for Haas Automation Europe. “The OECD acknowledges that the country is one of the world’s strongest nations for manufacturing and the quality of its education. We’re delighted to support the next phase of excellence: building long-term collaboration between technical schools and CNC firms."

The grand opening attracted a number of journalists from both the mainstream and also the trade press, some of whom had traveled 500km to see the facility and hear the views and opinions of the various dignitaries.

"Our guests know this HTEC is important for Finland,” said Kari Karjalainen, Mayor of Joensuu. “Our city is a growing economic center in Finland, and engineering is one of the most important sectors.”

Jyrki Turunen, school principal said: “Our vision for the students and for industry in North Karelia is focused on one, very important goal: to create a modern learning environment that will enable us to encourage and nurture super technicians who will go farther in their education and careers than they or anyone else can currently imagine. We want to make CNC so interesting that it absorbs them during the daytime, and so fascinating that when they go home they dream about it at night.

In 2004 and 2008 North Karelia College earned the Quality Award for Vocational Education and Training from the Ministry of Education. Last year it came second. Ara Hayrabedian, international coordinator at the college believes that being part of the HTEC programme will help the school secure the number one spot again. “The partnership with Haas Automation and its Finnish representative Grönblom brings a new way of thinking. Their support is helping us to develop new methods of teaching, to increase the motivation and to improve the skills of the young people who study here. We will also benefit from the international connections that the HTEC programme brings, when we establish links with other HTECs across Europe.”

Representing HFO - Oy Grönblom Ab, Petteri Heinonen voiced the view of all those actively engaged in supplying and using manufacturing technology. “Technical education should closely follow industry's development and needs,” he said. “In the future manufacturing will be more and more technology-driven. Students at the North Karelia College will get the best opportunities and companies will get the skills they need thanks to the professional training and the Haas CNC machine tools the college is now providing.”

The high-tech Haas CNC machine tools, the clean learning environment and belonging to our network of international HTEC centers will greatly contribute to the motivation, satisfaction and international career possibilities of these students.

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Zaventem, Belgium. March 14, 2011:  Haas Automation Europe (HAE) is delighted to announce the Grand Opening of the first Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) on Madeira, Portugal.

The new facility was opened in Funchal on March 7^th and forms part of the city’s Professional Skills Qualification Centre (Direcção Regional de Qualificação Profissional - DRQP). The Madeira archipelago is off the coast of North Africa, in the Atlantic Ocean, which makes this the most westerly of Europe’s 46 HTECs; almost 5000km by air from the most easterly facility.

As well as being covered by state TV, the HTEC Grand Opening event was attended by senior government official Sr. Francisco Fernandes, Regional Secretary of Education and Culture, and directors of DRQP Sra. Sara Relvas and Sra. Elda Pedro. After speeches and the presentation of the HTEC plaque, Sr. Fernandes told press and visitors why he thought the new workshop is important. “The DRQP now belongs to a network of engineering excellence,” he said, “giving students on the island access to strong international resources.” Sr. Relvas reiterated his comments, and added: “Because Haas Automation CNC machine tools are present at so many of the best international manufacturing companies, this HTEC will help our youth prepare themselves for opportunities in the rest of the European and international labour markets”.

The Funchal HTEC is in collaboration with the Portugal Haas Factory Outlet (HFO) – a division of After Sales, S. A. The director and owner of After Sales, Carlos Vilas-Boas, was instrumental in setting-up the new facility, and the other 4 on the Portugal mainland. “As with all HTECs,” he said, “this new laboratory and workshop houses the latest CNC metal cutting and precision engineering technology. We see that having access to these facilities inspires and engages the students and their teachers, which makes us very proud and committed to continue working with the DRQP.”

Madeira is the second richest Portuguese region after Lisbon and boasts a per capita GDP higher than the EU average. However, the island generates much of its income from tourism, and food and wine production, which means youngsters who want to pursue a career in manufacturing have, traditionally, had few options but to travel.

“Many of Madeira’s young people will leave the island and work on mainland Portugal, in Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands,” says Haas Europe HTEC coordinator, Mr. Bert Maes. “We’re sure that the high-tech Haas CNC machine tools, the clean learning environment and belonging to our network of international HTEC centers will greatly contribute to the motivation, satisfaction and international career possibilities of these students.”

Haas machines are being used to train the CNC professionals that local, national and international manufacturing companies will need if they are to remain competitive in the future.

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Zaventem, Belgium. January 14, 2011:  Haas Automation’s innovative and groundbreaking HTEC (Haas Technical Education Centre) program continues its growth in Europe, despite widespread reductions in public spending budgets.

“We’ve had another very positive year,” says Haas Automation Europe’s HTEC coordinator, Mr. Bert Maes. “We ended 2010 with 10 new, fully-equipped HTECs, bringing the total number of HTECs in Europe to 45. Growth this year slowed compared to 2009,” he adds, “but given the economic problems of the past 18-months, we couldn’t be more pleased with what we have achieved. Prospects for 2011 are already looking good.”

Haas CNC machine tools are sold and supported the world over by independently owned Haas Factory Outlets (HFO). The HFO network allows Haas Automation to ensure that all of its customers receive the very highest level of care and support, wherever they are located. Members of the HFO network are also equipped and trained to help educational facilities to become fully-fledged HTECs. From the moment a school or college joins the HTEC network it is supported by its local HFO and some or all of the 12 HTEC Industry Partners. Of the ten new facilities opened in 2010, 5 were set-up in Russia, 2 in Poland, and one apiece in Austria, France and Azerbaijan.

“Our extensive HFO network gives us a great deal of reach,” says Mr. Maes, “and helps us to bring state-of-the-art CNC technology to schools all over east and west Europe. In 2010, our HFOs installed almost 100 of the very latest Haas CNC machine tools in schools and colleges around Europe. These machines are being used to train the CNC professionals that local, national and international manufacturing companies will need if they are to remain competitive in the future.”

Students at some HTECs can also look forward in 2011 to exciting opportunities for international exchanges with other facilities. For example, between March 27^th and April 9^th, ten students and two teachers from the Belgian HTEC VTI St-Lucas Oudenaarde will travel to Sweden where they will work and study at host facility HTEC-Bäckadalsgymnasiet, in Jönköping. This exciting exchange is being staged and managed by Haas Automation Europe and five partner organisations, including the 2 HTECs, the Swedish Haas Factory Outlet (a division of Edströms) and two Swedish manufacturing companies, Linto and Fagerhult.

“We are very excited about this first, European Commission supported exchange. We already have several similar projects lined-up, including exchanges between Turkey and Romania, Russia and Denmark and Sweden and the USA.”

Mr. Maes says that one of the keys to the success of the HTEC program is consistency and continuity of communication between Haas Automation, its HFOs, the staff of the schools and colleges, and, of course, the students. “Just like HFOs, HTECs are set-up along the same, well-established guidelines whether they are in France or Russia,” he says. “They share the same Haas technology and support, and they also use the same communication materials, such as posters, teaching materials, etc., translated into multiple languages. All-in-all, we’ve spent a lot of time on creating motivating and inspiring collateral material both for the teachers and also for the students.”

Members of HTECs are made to feel like they are part of something bigger than just their own school. “Social media is very important,” adds Mr. Maes. “We have a dedicated website keeping HTECs up-to-date, a Twitter account and a blog with over 1000 followers where we post business news, information and videos, and regularly profile personal success stories from individual HTECs.”

The HTEC network is the ideal platform for connecting schools, CNC teachers and students at an international level. HTEC students have wonderful opportunities to travel and learn.

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Zaventem, Belgium. October 25, 2010:  The groundbreaking Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) CNC training programme recently received a resounding endorsement from the European Commission, which has agreed to sponsor and support the first international HTEC student exchange, in Spring 2011.

Between March 27^th and April 9^th, ten students and two teachers from the Belgian HTEC VTI St-Lucas Oudenaarde will travel to Sweden where they will work and study at host facility HTEC-Bäckadalsgymnasiet, in Jönköping. This exciting exchange is being staged and managed by Haas Automation Europe and five partner organisations, including the 2 HTECs, the Swedish Haas Factory Outlet (a division of Edströms) and two Swedish manufacturing companies, Linto and Fagerhult.

“This is a very exciting development for the two pioneer schools and its students,” says Haas Europe HTEC coordinator, Mr. Bert Maes. “The HTEC network is the ideal platform for connecting schools, CNC teachers and students at an international level. Any school that commits to the HTEC program can benefit from international exchanges, and with the backing of the European Commission, HTEC students have wonderful opportunities to travel and learn.”

This exchange program will allow teachers from the Belgian HTEC to cooperate with their Swedish colleagues and exchange ideas and best-practice for training young people as CNC machine tool specialists. At the state-of-the-art Swedish HTEC, the Belgian students will be further familiarised with the latest Haas CNC machine tools, as well as with new techniques in CAD/CAM, automatic welding, industrial design, 3D scanning and vacuum modeling.

The Swedish companies Linto and Fagerhult have agreed to mentor students during the ten days, with each student spending five days at each company. During their time at tool manufacturer Linto, the students will experience how the company’s 14 Haas CNC machines are employed and optimised in a demanding production environment. At Fagerhult, the students will study the manufacture of lighting systems, from raw material through to finished product, with a special focus on energy saving solutions and techniques.

Mr. Maes concludes: “From its investigation, the European Commission has ascertained that this HTEC student exchange is significant for European industry. The students will not only be exposed to innovative technologies, but they will also practice their skills in problem solving and working in teams, as well as learning how to adapt to different work cultures. We believe that companies who eventually hire these young specialists will benefit tremendously from their experience and international outlook.”

The Haas machines and the new HTEC facility have created a great deal of excitement amongst students and staff at CKP. Young people do not want to work in dirty, old-fashioned industries. Now they can see for themselves just how high-tech and exciting CNC can be.

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Haas Automation Europe (HAE) and Haas Factory Outlet (HFO) Poland – A Division of Abplanalp Consulting, are delighted to announce the opening of two Haas Technical Education Centres (HTECs).

The first of the two, new facilities was opened in Kalisz, approximately 170 miles west of Warsaw, at the technical school Centrum Ksztalcenia Praktycznego (CKP Kalisz) on January 21^st, 2010. The second facility was opened the next day at Zespol Szkol Technicznych (ZST), in Turek, central Poland.

Like all HTEC grand openings, the Kalisz event attracted a great deal of attention and was attended by several-dozen people from the local and regional educational authorities, local government as well as representatives from engineering and manufacturing businesses in the area. The ribbon cutting was performed simultaneously by Mr. Peter Hall, former Managing Director at HAE, Mr. Tadeusz Krawczykowski, the Vice-president of the Town, and Mr. Zdzislaw Piotrowski, Director of the Practical Education Centre in Kalisz.

The new facility in Kalisz is a bright, clean and inspiring learning space where students can get their hands on the latest Haas CNC machine tools. As well as a Haas GT20 lathe and a Haas Toolroom Mill, the new HTEC includes Haas CNC control simulators.

Poland is the only EU country that weathered the recent economic downturn without going into recession. Part of the reason for this, according to analysts, is a long-term surge in the creation of small manufacturing businesses that began in the 1990’s, and their investment in the best-available technology.  ‘Haas Automation has many customers in Poland,’ said Mr. Peter Hall, speaking after the event, ‘and as this HTEC shows, we are committed to supporting the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs.’

Head of department at CKP Mr. Piotrowski was effusive in his praise for the HTEC concept and the work of those who had made it possible. ‘I would like to thank Haas Automation and Polish HFO Abplanalp Consulting for their vision and their investment,’ he said. ‘The Haas machines and the new HTEC facility have created a great deal of excitement amongst students and staff here at CKP. Young people do not want to work in dirty, old-fashioned industries. Now they can see for themselves just how high-tech and exciting CNC can be. The HTEC will, of course, also benefit local companies. They can look forward to employing better-motivated young people with skills acquired on the latest equipment.’

At the official opening of the second Polish HTEC on Friday January 22^nd, Mr. Hall presented the official HTEC certification to the Director of ZST Turek, Mr. Mariusz Senko. Also present at the event was Mr. Andrzej Knap representing the Military University of Technology in Warsaw (a school particularly well-known for its use of the latest technology and its exemplary teaching) and Mr. Michal Styp-Rekowski, from the University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz. Like many similar official HTECs around Europe, the ZST facility now has a number of Haas CNC simulators and two Haas CNC machine tools: a TL-1 Toolroom Lathe and a Mini Mill vertical machining centre.

We are very excited about the grand opening of the ÜAZ Metall HTEC, not only because of the number of Haas machines it will employ, but also because it is such a good example how industry and education can work together to change the lives of young people for the better.

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On May 7th, 2010, the Überbetriebliches Ausbildungszentrum (ÜAZ) technical training establishment, in Vorarlberg, in the western-most region of Austria officially opened an HTEC with 28 Haas machines. The new, benchmark facility is part of the ÜAZ Metall department and is located in Rankweil, in the beautiful Rhine Valley. It is one of the top three biggest HTECs in the world, is the 4th HTEC in Austria and the 40th in Europe.

“We are very excited about the grand opening of the ÜAZ Metall HTEC,” says Mr. Bert Maes, HTEC coordinator at Haas Europe, “not only because of the number of Haas machines it employs, but also because it is such a good example of how industry and education can work together to change the lives of young people for the better.”

ÜAZ Metall offers practical training to youths who are socially or economically disadvantaged. The HTEC will give 100 students a year the hands-on experience they need to make better lives and successful careers as CNC technologists.

In economic terms, Vorarlberg is one of the best-performing regions of Western Europe, with flourishing textile, clothing, electronics, machinery and packaging sectors. Those who follow courses at HTEC ÜAZ Metall will be very well trained and well-prepared for careers in Austrian metal working companies or others further afield.

“Our goal is to provide a top-quality technical education for youngsters who have fewer opportunities than others,” says general manager of ÜAZ Metall, Mr. Manfred Gollob. “We try to give the best possible, real-industry know-how to students otherwise unfamiliar with the metalworking sector. Being part of the HTEC network with its support, technology and public relations benefits will help tremendously; I think we have definitely found the right partner in Haas.”

The HTEC program was launched in Europe to counter what Haas Automation regards as one of the greatest threats to sustainable economic development on the continent: the shortage of talented and motivated young people entering precision manufacturing industries with CNC machining skills.

“ÜAZ Metall is a highly dedicated partner,” concludes Mr. Maes,  “and we are committed to offering our full support to the teachers and staff; to inspire young people to study manufacturing technology, to help build their confidence and to start long and successful careers as CNC specialists.”

This is an inspiring school with dedicated teachers always searching for innovative technology and the most effective way to teach; it’s the perfect place for our first French HTEC.

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On June 10th, managers from Haas Automation Europe (HAE) joined the staff and students at L'Institut Universitaire de Technologie A de Lille in the city of Villeneuve d’Ascq, to celebrate the opening of the very first Haas Technical Education Centre (HTEC) in France.

The new HTEC consists of a Haas VF-1 vertical machining centre with full 4th axis capability, and an SL-20 Haas turning centre. The state-of-the-art facility is part of the university’s Génie Mécanique et Productique department where, over a 2-year period, graduates (of all ages) will utilise the Haas machines to become experts in production techniques, quality control, purchase, production organization and R&D. Other students at the school will use the HTEC in their studies for a master’s degree in engineering.

“It is an honour for Haas Europe to join forces with IUT-A de Lille,” said Mr. Bert Maes, HTEC coordinator at HAE. “This is an inspiring school with dedicated teachers always searching for innovative technology and the most effective way to teach; it’s the perfect place for our first French HTEC!”

Outlining his plans for the HTEC, Mr. Moulay-Driss Benchiboun, director of IUT-A de Lille said: “We have two objectives: We have to make young people in France more aware of the central role that technology takes in our modern way of life. We are also doing everything possible to make sure our students are qualified for a successful professional development throughout their careers. Our university aims to be a  showcase for modern industry and our new HTEC will make a valuable contribution towards doing so.”

The IUT-A de Lille HTEC was realized with the help and support of local Haas Factory Outlet – A Division of Realmeca.

“We have worked with Realmeca for many years,” says Jean-Marc Gardin, IUT-A de Lille’s coordinator for the new HTEC and professor in the GMP department, “and we have seen over the years that we have made the right choice. We are very happy with the support we have received and with the Haas machines.

“The number of people studying CNC in France is declining, but our student registrations in the GMP department are stabilising. As a member of the European HTEC network we can now profit fully from the programme’s technologies and teaching materials.”

Realmeca sales director Mr. Jean-Baptiste Médot, was equally enthusiastic about the new HTEC, adding. “Today is the start of a dynamic, sustainable partnership with the aim of improving the quality of CNC training available and to attract more students to the exciting world of manufacturing.”

HAE director of marketing, Katja Mader was also present during the grand opening of the Lille HTEC.  “We expect the HTEC programme to be just as successful in France as it is in the other European countries,” she said. “We started small in Germany, Austria and elsewhere, and now we have some of the world’s biggest HTECs in those countries. We feel confident that France will follow suit and that French students will enjoy the tremendous benefits. As they say, from small acorns great oaks grow.”