Students manufacture experimental parts to aid relief workers around U.S., world
G&C Avanti Trucking LLC in Edinburg is partnering with South Texas College on an experimental project that calls for students in the Precision Manufacturing Technology Program to help fabricate prototypes of several automotive parts that will enable vehicles, such as this GMC 5500 truck, to travel in up to five feet of water. Pictured are (front row, l-r): Chente Aguilar from G&C Avanti Trucking LLC; Leticia Reyes from the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation; Mario Reyna, STC division dean of business and technology; Efrain Garcia Jr., Efrain Garcia Sr. and Rodolfo Sanchez from G&C Avanti Trucking LLC; Alberto Diaz from Santos International and G&C Avanti technician Marcelo Cantu. STC Precision Manufacturing Technology instructor Harold Bernard and PMT students Zeke Saenz, Erick Vega, Ricardo Garcia and Rene Vera are pictured on top of truck.
When a disaster involving flooding strikes, relief vehicles often have a difficult time getting to those in need because water deeper than three feet can get into engines and render them useless. G&C Avanti Trucking LLC in Edinburg is partnering with South Texas College on an experimental project for students in the college’s Precision Manufacturing Technology Program to help fabricate several parts that will enable these vehicles to travel with out problem in up to five feet of water.
“The parts can be installed in large commercial trucks, allowing vehicles to tread through deeper water levels. The innovation can be used on any large vehicle, and will benefit a number of U.S. industries, as well as relief workers around the world,” says G&C Avanti Trucking LLC spokesperson Chente Aguilar. “We have seen the recovery work in our own backyard after a hurricane and how high water levels slow the process. We firmly believe that the retrofit engine parts package we are working to develop with make it much easier for workers to get to a scene much faster.”
G&C Avanti Trucking LLC came up with the new innovation and STC students will be responsible for cutting and fabricating prototypes of the parts. This collaboration will help prepare students for careers in a variety of manufacturing occupations, including machining, precision measurement, tool and die machining, industrial maintenance and quality assurance.
“This project offers students real world experience in problem solving and creativity, and in using advanced skills, which will help them tremendously once they get into the workforce,” said Mario Reyna, STC division dean of business and technology. “At STC, we believe in providing students with hands-on training and skills to help them thrive in their chosen career field. And we hope that participation in this project significantly contributes to their professional success and to the local economy.”
Students in STC’s Precision Manufacturing Technology Program are trained to specialize in the machining, precision measurement, tool and die and manufacturing processes. Upon earning an Associate of Applied Science Degree from the program, students are prepared to secure positions in a variety of industries around the world.
For more information about STC’s PMT Program, visit http://bt.southtexascollege.edu/manufacturing/index.html or contact Pedro Garza at 956-872-6610.