JCJC Machine Shop's Grand Opening

ELLISVILLE, MISS. - Jones County Junior College and HAAS Factory Outlet agreed on a partnership. HAAS agreed to provide support services and 300 thousand dollars in new machines to the college. "I want to put J.C. on the map for being the leading producer of machining students," JCJC's program instructor, Chase Elmore said. Elmore got a step closer to his goal on Wednesday, after cutting the ribbon to the school's new and improved machine lab. Symbolizing a big day for JCJC and HAAS Factory Outlet making a huge economic and educational impact by creating the first H-TEC in Mississippi. "This is a proud moment, this is our first H-TEC," HAAS Factory Outlet's, Patrick King said. "They have H-TECs all over the country in their respective state... so the fact that this is our first one, it's really exciting." An H-TEC is an organization for schools that use HAAS machines for training. Which ultimately helps students prepare for a bright career, and helps them make the transition into the workforce a lot easier. "You make it easier on the employer," Elmore said. "The employer does not have to bring you in and start you from the ground up. For an employer to hire somebody and they already know how to do must of the work they're doing... it's a win-win." "First off this is a showroom for us too," King said. "We are going to bring customers in we're going to show them the machines, but at the same time, they are going to start evaluating some students as well. So you know, it's a win-win for us all."