The Golden LEAF grant will allow Nash Community College (NCC) to develop an Advanced Flexible Integrated Manufacturing (AFIM) System to facilitate multidisciplinary training in high tech automation–‘mechatronics.’ The equipment will allow NCC to provide training in programmable logic controls, computer numerical controls, robotics, fluid power, and data communications and networking. The intent is not only to provide a workforce for existing manufacturers in the region that have demonstrated need for this training capacity, but also to assist in attracting high tech industries requiring a highly skilled workforce. This ‘advanced production’ training approach is also embraced by the local workforce development board in an effort to address the workforce issues present in this region. Golden LEAF dollars will be used to purchase and install the equipment and support training costs.