How Sandvik Coromant Centers are empowering the next generation of manufacturing leaders
Founding father of the United States, Benjamin Franklin, famously said: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. This sentiment resonates in today’s manufacturing landscape, where the pace of technological change makes upskilling more essential than ever. Recognising this, metal cutting expert Sandvik Coromant has established a global network of collaborative Centers, bringing innovation and education together. Here, Training and Center Manager Corey Schwenke explores this programme.
Manufacturing is shifting at an unprecedented speed. Developments in digitalisation, automation and sustainability are changing how products are designed, produced and delivered. These advancements are also prompting a fundamental shift in how the industry operates. To remain competitive, manufacturers must adopt new ways of thinking and develop future-focused skills that align with an evolving industrial landscape.
As a global leader in metal cutting and tooling, Sandvik Coromant recognises the importance of preparing for the future of manufacturing. Its network of Sandvik Coromant Centers bring together academia, research and industry in spaces that reflect the realities of modern production.
Where technology meets training
With facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, Sandvik Coromant Centers serve as immersive training environments where participants engage directly with advanced manufacturing technologies. Each Center is equipped with high-performance cutting tools and industrial machinery, offering learners the opportunity to build hands-on experience that translates into real-world settings.
Digitalisation is a core component of the training. Data-driven systems continuously monitor machine performance, helping users analyse results, optimise cutting conditions and improve production efficiency. Visitors are trained not only to use these tools but also to understand and apply insights derived from real-time data — a vital skill in today’s connected factories.
Many of the Centers also feature automated systems, including robotics and sensor-based technologies. These resources expose participants to the full capabilities of Industry 4.0, offering practical experience in operating and programming automated workflows. The goal is to prepare learners for automation’s increasing role in the workplace and encourage a deeper understanding of its strategic value.
What sets Sandvik Coromant Centers apart is their focus on collaboration. These are not simply training facilities but hubs for knowledge exchange and industry insight. Through workshops, seminars and networking events, the Centers bring together students, apprentices, educators, professionals and industry partners. This cross-disciplinary environment supports open dialogue, fosters new ideas and strengthens ties between education and the wider manufacturing sector.
By exchanging perspectives and building relationships across levels of experience, participants can stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to long-term progress that extends beyond the production line.
The NAIT partnership
In 2024, Sandvik Coromant received the Distinguished Partner Award from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), recognising the success of its on-campus Sandvik Coromant Center in Alberta, Canada. This facility bridges the gap between academic learning and practical application by providing students, faculty and professionals access to industry-standard equipment and software.
From CNC machines and precision tooling to data analytics platforms, the Center provides hands-on experience that enhances both technical and problem-solving capabilities. Interactive seminars and real-time problem-solving exercises reinforce these skills, ensuring participants are equipped not only with theoretical knowledge but also the confidence to apply it in manufacturing environments.
A model for global growth
The NAIT model serves as a blueprint for what can be acheived when academia and industry work together. Building on this success, Sandvik Coromant invites educational institutions, industry partners and organisations around the world to consider establishing a Sandvik Coromant Center onsite.
These Centers offer more than access to advanced manufacturing systems; they provide a strategic platform for long-term growth.
For example, by accelerating wrokforce development, the Centers help equip communities with the technical expertise needed to meet the demands of a fast-changing industry. Furthermore, they expand research capabilities by creating collaborative environments where new ideas are tested, refined and brought to market. As a result, regional economies benefit from the creation of highly skilled jobs, increased investment and stronger ties between education and industry.
Sandvik Coromant Centers offer a unique opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing by aligning education with industry needs. By fostering collaboration and innovation, they empower individuals and organisations to lead with confidence in an increasingly complex landscape. As this global network expands, so too does its potential to influence lasting progress across the manufacturing ecosystem.
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