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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Regents of The Texas A&M University System today approved building a $30 million advanced manufacturing training facility near the Port of Brownsville.

The South Texas Workforce Development Project is proposed for 22 acres owned by the Port of Brownsville and will be paid for with funding from the Permanent University Fund. It will have both classrooms and labs to provide hands-on instruction. The facility will provide training in manufacturing fundamentals and advanced skills, such as mechatronics, computer numeric control, robotics, 3D printing and more.

“The Rio Grande Valley has the fastest growing population in Texas,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “It is critical for the success of the region and the state that practical and affordable training is available, and that’s just what this Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service project will provide.”

The goal of the South Texas Workforce Development Project is to develop a technical workforce for in-demand jobs, while stimulating state-of-the-art sustainable practices and advancements in manufacturing through research and innovation initiatives.