Marshall University’s Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center is moving closer to a new headquarters after receiving a $1 million donation from the Gene Haas Foundation. The contribution will support plans for a $20 million, 55,000-square-foot facility to be built on the former ACF Industries site on Third Avenue in Huntington, an initiative university officials have identified as a top fundraising priority.
In recognition of the gift, the center will name the new facility’s 8,000 square foot CNC machining training center the Gene Haas Advanced Machining Lab, according to MAMC Director Derek Scarbro. Gene Haas Foundation Executive Director Kathy Looman said the center was selected for the award for its staff’s dedication and the strength of its approach to training the next generation of machinists.
Marshall leaders framed the donation as a catalyst for both workforce and economic development in West Virginia’s manufacturing sector. Scarbro highlighted the foundation’s support for scholarships for nearly a decade and said the new capital funding will expand the center’s capacity within a modern, technology-forward training environment.
The announcement also pointed to sustained hiring demand across the state’s manufacturing base. A survey of 83 West Virginia manufacturers conducted for MAMC by the Marshall University Center for Business and Economic Research found companies expect to hire nearly 7,000 manufacturing workers over the next three years, including more than 500 machinists.
MAMC’s Machinist Technology/CNC Program began in Huntington in 1998 and expanded to South Charleston in 2024 to address growing demand. Students can earn industry credentials, one-year certificates, and two-year associate degrees through MAMC’s partnerships with Mountwest and BridgeValley community and technical colleges. The center’s labs and shared manufacturing spaces include more than a dozen Haas Automation CNC mills, lathes, and multi-axis machining centers, and MAMC also provides customized training for individuals and companies as a certified Haas Testing Center.
The Gene Haas Foundation, founded in 1999 by the owner of Haas Automation, has awarded more than $225 million to support machine tool trades education and community initiatives nationwide.
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“These exclusive capital grants endorse the best CNC training programs in North America and Europe. Candidate programs are teaching the most advanced manufacturing processes prior to their selection for this honor. Their exemplary programs are in high demand … and exhibit excellent relationships with and serve the needs of local industry.”
Kathy Looman, Executive Director, Gene Haas Foundation
“We are deeply grateful for this generous gift and proud to announce the Gene Haas Advanced Machining Lab. This gift strengthens our programs within the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center and serves as a catalyst for our community. The lab will equip students and community partners with the hands-on training that will open doors, build careers and fuel the growth of West Virginia’s manufacturing industry.”
Brad D. Smith, President, Marshall University
“For nearly a decade, the Gene Haas Foundation has funded scholarships for individuals in our Machinist Technology/CNC career skills program, many of whom are first-generation college students. This new $1 million donation will allow us to educate even more machinists in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology.”
“We’re not only educating individuals for good-paying careers as machinists but providing the skilled talent that manufacturers require to innovate and grow their businesses. The generosity of the Gene Haas Foundation is an economic boost to our entire state and region.”
Derek Scarbro, Director, Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center
“We appreciate the sincere generosity of the Gene Haas Foundation for this extraordinary gift. This machining lab will give learners access to the same advanced tools used in world-class manufacturing environments and prepare them to lead West Virginia’s workforce.”
Nico Karagosian, President and CEO, Marshall University Foundation
