FABTECH held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 12,800-sq.-ft. (1,189 sq m) facility Feb. 16, at the S.J. Spanbauer & Industrial Center campus, located on 3601 Oregon Street in Oshkosh, Wis.

FABCO Equipment Inc., a Caterpillar equipment, engine and generator dealer with 23 locations throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, has entered into a new partnership with Appleton, Wis.-based Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). The two organizations have teamed-up to create FABTECH, a service technician education center. The FVTC Foundation will own the building, which is scheduled for completion in August 2007.

FABTECH will offer a certificate series of courses focused on developing Caterpillar engines, construction equipment, electric power generation and marine engine service technicians. The partnership features hands-on training from experienced FVTC instructors supplemented with expert FABCO Caterpillar technical trainers. Students will work on current model Caterpillar equipment, engines and generators using the latest tools and advanced diagnostic technology. Certificate series credits can be applied toward an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“Product Support is the cornerstone of our business and employing qualified service technicians is critical to our continued growth and success,” Jeré Fabick, president and chief executive officer, said. “Partnering with FVTC on this proactive approach to meeting our technician needs is a solid business decision that will help FABCO and Caterpillar maintain our leadership position in the marketplace.”

“Our goal is to attract students from communities throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan,” Bob Bailey, FABCO’s manager of human resources, said. “Earning certification in the program will prepare students to return home and pursue career opportunities at FABCO locations throughout the region in as little as 12 months.”

Uniforms, tools and course materials are provided for students as part of the training. Dormitory housing and meal program options are available through the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Fox Valley Technical college offers more than 80 associate degree and diploma programs, nearly 120 specialized certificates and instruction related to 20 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry.

For more information, visit www.fabco.com or www.fvtc.edu.

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