McDowell Technical Community College has launched two major workforce development initiatives through the NC Edge Customized Training Program, partnering with local employers to deliver targeted training that strengthens operations, supports employees, and enhances economic growth across McDowell County.
The projects, developed in partnership with Baxter Healthcare and Greenheck Group, represent significant investments in workforce development and reflect the college’s ongoing commitment to supporting local business and industry through customized, solutions-focused training.
NC Edge is North Carolina’s customized workforce training program delivered through the North Carolina Community College System. The program works directly with employers to design and deliver training tailored to specific operational needs, helping companies upskill and reskill employees, increase productivity, and remain competitive. Serving all 100 counties, NC Edge strengthens businesses, supports workers, and drives economic growth statewide.
Baxter Healthcare Project
The Baxter Healthcare project, valued at approximately $282,990 over three years, is the largest and most extensive NC Edge initiative developed by the college to date. The project will provide training for approximately 125 employees at Baxter’s Marion facility, focusing on advanced technical and operational skills critical to maintaining productivity, reliability, and operational efficiency.
Training components include PLC troubleshooting and programming, robotics, maintenance upskilling, reliability practices, root cause analysis, safety, leadership development, and specialized equipment operation such as overhead crane training.
Baxter Healthcare currently employs approximately 2,650 people in McDowell County. The customized training initiative will help ensure the company’s workforce is prepared to support evolving technologies and production demands.
Greenheck Group Project
The second project supports Greenheck Group’s Marion manufacturing facility, formerly known as Metal Industries, which produces customized air terminal units and HVAC air distribution components critical to the company’s national operations. The 18-month initiative focuses on leadership development, expert on-the-job training, enhanced emergency response preparedness, and workplace Spanish instruction.
The facility, which employs approximately 75 workers, is preparing for growth supported by a planned $2 million investment in automation and process improvements expected to increase production volume by up to 50 percent. The training initiative is designed to reduce operational risk, support internal promotions, strengthen safety readiness, and maintain productivity during this period of transition and expansion.
Leadership and Industry Engagement
“These two projects represent targeted investments in the long-term strength of our local industries,” said Chris Walden, Director of Business and Industry Engagement at McDowell Technical Community College. “McDowell Technical Community College is proud to partner with these companies to deliver customized training aligned with real operational needs. When industry succeeds, our workforce and our community succeed.”
Walden, who transitioned into her current role about five months ago after previously serving the college in its College and Career Readiness program, brings both internal experience and an industry background to her work. Her solutions-focused approach and understanding of business operations enable her to work closely with local employers to identify workforce challenges and develop customized training projects that support long-term growth.
“Chris understands the needs of employers because she has worked in industry and speaks their language,” said Stacy Buff, Vice President of Workforce Development. “Her ability to build relationships, assess workforce challenges, and develop practical training solutions has already made a significant impact for our business partners and our community.”
Dr. J. W. Kelley, president of McDowell Technical Community College, said the projects reflect the college’s mission to support economic vitality in the region. “Strong businesses and a skilled workforce go hand-in-hand,” Kelley said. “These NC Edge projects demonstrate how McDowell Technical Community College works alongside local employers to develop talent, improve productivity, and create opportunities for workers and their families. This is exactly what it means to be Right Where You Belong, meeting the needs of our community and helping it grow.”
Together, the Baxter and Greenheck projects highlight the college’s expanding role as a workforce partner and its commitment to building a stronger, more resilient economy for McDowell County.
For more information about customized training and workforce development opportunities at McDowell Technical Community College, contact Chris Walden at 828-652-0652 or cdwalden07@go.mcdowelltech.edu, or visit https://www.mcdowelltech.edu/customized-industry-training.
