PORT ANGELES — A $10,000 grant from Lockheed Martin will fund training programs at Peninsula College to help Angeles Composite Technologies Inc. to expand.
Grant funds were given by the Air Force to Lockheed Martin through its mentor-protégé program. The funds were in turn given to ACTI for the programs.
They were presented to Peninsula College on Thursday, said Mike Rauch, CEO of ACTI at 2138 W. 18th St. in Port Angeles.
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and ACTI are involved in the Air Force’s mentor-protégé program.
ACTI is in the third year of a three-year partnership with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in making parts for airplanes. The partnership was recently extended by five to 10 years.
The training classes will focus on both leadership and classes for those who want to break into the composites industry in anticipation of the company’s expansion, Rauch said.
ACTI expects to more than double its current work force of 100 employees during the next three to five years.
“We want to make sure to build the leadership within the company as we begin to expand,” Rauch said.
“Our partnership with Peninsula College and Lockheed will establish and offer training opportunities to those individuals who wish to pursue a career in Advance Composite Manufacturing, training that ranges from manufacturing technicians to leadership development.”
To accommodate the expansion, the company expects to need a larger facility. The building would be between 60,000 square feet and 100,000 square feet.
Both the Port of Port Angeles and city of Port Angeles last month said they would support such an endeavor, with the facility built by the Port of Port Angeles on its land and the city adding utility services.
The building would be expected to be finished within two years of beginning construction.
The port is awaiting information before beginning the process.
Economic development
The classes, which will begin this summer, will be only for ACTI employees.
That fits the college’s mission, said Tom Keegan, college president.
“The college works very hard to do some things for economic development,” he said.
“Part of that process is working with individual businesses like ACTI to help their efforts for training.”
The classes will be under the supervision of Bob Lawrence. An additional person could be hired for training employees, Keegan said.
Lockheed, using parts from ACTI, constructs Air Force F-22 Raptor planes and recently gained certification for the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
“As we look to the future, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and ACTI recognize the importance of a highly skilled and well-trained work force,” said Sam Evans, director of small business and non-production procurement for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.
“As we consider the steps necessary to build on the gains that have been made, we can think of no better partner to provide the education and training that the ACTI work force requires than Peninsula College. “
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
