Chattanooga State Community College has received a newly-manufactured and technologically-advanced welding machine donated by The Roueche Company (TRC), a local business that designs and fabricates sophisticated, automated welding systems.  Valued at more than $25,000, this significant contribution will be used by students enrolled in Chattanooga State’s engineering technology program.

Specifically, TRC donated a single gun spot welding instrument, a machine that is integral to the automotive, aerospace, and communications industries.  Tim McGhee, dean of the college’s Engineering Technology Division, underscores the impact this particular type of welding device will have on students.  “Our students will now have the opportunity to operate a state-of-the-art welding system,” says McGhee.  “They will gain valuable hands-on experience that is relevant to local and regional workforce demands, enhancing their marketability when they begin their search for employment.  Chattanooga State is deeply grateful to Jerry Roueche and his partners at The Roueche Company for their exceptionally generous support.”

Jerry Roueche, president of The Roueche Company, highlights the need for business to interact with and provide support for higher education.  “Our decision to partner with Chattanooga State was easy because we know our active participation in the college’s technically-based programs benefits our company, the students, and ultimately, the larger community,” state Roueche.  “TRC conceives and builds complex, highly-developed welding equipment for a global market; so we are aware of the training issues industry faces with new employees.  Donating one of our signature welding machines to Chattanooga State provides an opportunity to train students on equipment that is already in the workplace.”

An international competitor, The Roueche Company is a design and manufacturing firm that has grown into a primary supplier of welding systems to the automotive industry.  Established in 1998, TRC shares its expertise with a diverse base of customers, which includes the military and the aerospace and communications industries.

For more information about The Roueche Company, visit the company’s Web site at www.trcwelding.com or call 423.622.6694 or call toll free (888) WELD USA.

For more information about Chattanooga State’s engineering technology program, contact Tim McGhee by email at tim.mcghee@chattanoogastate.edu or by telephone at 423.697.3174.

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.