Cellular manufacturing is a process of manufacturing which is a subsection of just-in-time manufacturing and lean manufacturing. The goal of cellular manufacturing is to move as quickly as possible, and to make a wide variety of similar products, while making as little waste as possible. Students learn best by doing, especially if they learn in environments similar to those found in industry. Anoka Technical College (ATC) engaged the team of Hay Dobbs Architects and Stanley Consultants to renovate existing space to create a technical training facility that emulates a real-world manufacturing environment. A modern and contemporary environment was designed by Hay Dobbs to support active immersive teaching and learning.
Key design components include:
– Highly durable epoxy flooring
– Diamond plate wainscoting
– Low energy use LED lighting
– Flexible furnishings
– Branded full wall graphics
Lathes, CNC Milling Machines, Drill Presses and other machines are supported by a CAD/CAM computer lab, Precision Metrology Lab and Flexible Classrooms as well as a 3-D and 2-D printing lab.
In addition to the design of the machine trades manufacturing training facility at ATC, Hay Dobbs designed a renovation of the Automotive Technician training facility. The renovation was designed to support the use of sophisticated diagnostic and repair equipment where students actively diagnosis, repair, and undertake preventive maintenance of automobiles and light trucks, including the repair or replacement of various components in engines, transmissions, differentials, air conditioners, fuel systems, emission controls, ignition and electrical systems, and brakes and suspensions.
