Okuma America and York Technical College share a similar vision of the future. Both recognize the impact of technology and understand the importance of building partnerships in an effort to be more responsive to customer needs and expectations. This commitment to customer satisfaction is exemplified by the formation of a unique collaboration to develop the Institute for Manufacturing Productivity.

Located on the campus of York Technical College, the Institute represents a joint effort on the part of Okuma and the College to provide a competitive advantage for their customers by delivering quality education and training opportunities. Within the 20,000 square foot facility, instructors from the College, along with adjunct instructors from Okuma, will train machine tool technicians in the use of state-of-the-art machining centers and other high-tech machine tools. Also, the Institute will assist local industry in identifying in-house manufacturing, process and operational improvements.

The Institute features a new generation of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines and other tools that offer manufacturers greater productivity and precision machining. These include Okuma's MA 40HA 3-axis horizontal machining center, the GU 34T universal grinder, the LU15-2SC 4-axis Lathe, the LT-10M twin spindle lathe, the multi-function Mac-Turn 30 and Okuma America's Charlotte, NC built Captain L-370 two-axis CNC lathe.

In addition to Okuma, other types of builders and material-handling providers, like Sandvik Cutting Tools and Fanuc Robotics, will have a presence at the Institute. In the near future, additional suppliers and companies will take part in the collaborative effort.