A date for the opening of a new facility at North Arkansas College is set.

The complete release from the college is below:

North Arkansas College is set to celebrate a major milestone with the grand opening of its brand-new Center for Robotics and Manufacturing Innovation (CRMI)—the first dedicated facility of its kind on a community college campus in Arkansas.

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, held in partnership with the Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 2 at 10:00 a.m. inside the CRMI at 1515 Pioneer Drive in Harrison. The public is invited to attend, tour the state-of-the-art facility, and learn more about how Northark is preparing students for the high-tech workforce of tomorrow.

Designed by Risley & Associates of Fort Smith and built by Clark Construction, the CRMI was completed just in time for the upcoming fall semester. The $10 million building is equipped with three laboratories for robotics, manufacturing, and electronics, as well as three classrooms and a collaborative “Maker Space” designed to spark innovation and hands-on learning.

“We’re proud to offer students access to modern training that aligns with the needs of today’s industry,” said President Dr. Rick Massengale. “This facility is a game-changer for both our region and the future workforce.”

The project was funded through a blend of public and institutional support, including:
• $3 million from the State of Arkansas
• $2 million in federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants
• $700,000 from the Boone County Economic Development Committee
• $100,000 from the City of Harrison for equipment
• $4.1 million in funding from North Arkansas College

With the launch of CRMI, Northark is taking a bold step forward in meeting the rising demand for skilled professionals in robotics and advanced manufacturing—key industries driving innovation across the country.