How Sandvik Coromant Centers are training the next generation of manufacturing experts

Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States, said: "An investment in knowledge always pays the highest return." This sentiment is shared in today's manufacturing industry, where the speed of technological progress makes the need to improve skills imperative. With this in mind, metal cutting specialist Sandivik Coromant has built a global network of collaborative centers, true hubs of innovation and training. In this article, Corey Schwenke, Training and Center Manager, explains the program.

The manufacturing industry is changing at an unprecedented pace. Advances in digitalization, automation, and sustainability are transforming the way products are designed, manufactured, and offered. These developments are also radically changing the way the industry operates. To remain competitive, manufacturers must rethink their strategies and work to build future-proof skills, in line with the increasingly rapid changes the industry is undergoing.

As a global leader in metal cutting and tooling solutions, Sandvik Coromant recognizes the importance of modern manufacturing. Its network of Sandvik Coromant Centers brings together academic education, research, and industry in spaces that reflect the realities of modern manufacturing.

Where Technology Meets Education

With facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, Sandvik Coromant Centers are immersive training environments where participants can experience advanced manufacturing technologies firsthand. Each center is equipped with high-performance cutting tools and industrial machines, offering students the opportunity to gain practical experience that will prove useful in the real world.

Digitalization is a key theme in the training: data-driven systems continuously monitor machine performance, helping users analyze results, optimize cutting conditions, and improve production efficiency. Visitors receive training not only in the use of these tools but also in understanding and applying the potential developments provided by real-time data, a highly sought-after skill in today's connected factories.

Many centers also feature automated systems, including robots and sensor technologies. These resources allow participants to discover the full potential of Industry 4.0, giving them the opportunity to practice using and programming automated workflows. The goal is to prepare them for the increasingly prominent role of automation in the workplace and to foster a greater understanding of its strategic value.

What sets the Sandvik Coromant Centers apart is their focus on collaboration: they are not simply training units, but true hubs for the exchange of knowledge and opinions. Through workshops, seminars, and networking events, the centers bring together students, apprentices, trainers, professionals, and industry partners, creating a multidisciplinary environment fostering open dialogue, creativity, and the importance of the connection between education and the broader manufacturing sector.

By bringing together different perspectives and building connections between different levels of expertise, participants can stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and contribute to far-reaching progress that extends beyond the production line.

Partnership with NAIT

In 2024, Sandvik Coromant received the Distinguished Partner Award from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), recognizing the success of its Sandvik Coromant Center on the Canadian institute's campus. The center aims to bridge the gap between academic education and practical application by providing access to specialized equipment and software to students, faculty, and professionals.

From CNC machines and precision tooling to data analytics platforms, the center offers hands-on experiences that enhance both technical and problem-solving skills. Interactive seminars and real-time problem-solving exercises support the development of these skills, ensuring not only the acquisition of theoretical knowledge but also the confidence to apply it in a real-world professional setting.

A Global Growth Model

The NAIT model represents a tangible example of what can be achieved through the synergy between academic education and industry. Based on this success, Sandvik Coromant invites educational institutions, industry partners, and organizations worldwide to consider opening a Sandvik Coromant Center at its headquarters.

The centers not only provide access to advanced manufacturing systems but also constitute a strategic platform for long-term growth.

For example, by accelerating workforce development, the centers help communities by providing them with the technical knowledge needed to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving industry. They also enhance research capabilities by creating collaborative environments where new ideas can be tested, refined, and brought to market. In this way, local economies benefit from the creation of highly specialized professionals, resulting in increased investment and a strengthening of the interdependence between education and industry.

Sandvik Coromant Centers represent a unique opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing, aligning training with industry needs. By fostering collaboration and innovation, they equip people and companies to navigate an increasingly complex environment with confidence. The more this global network expands, the greater the potential for sustainable progress within the manufacturing ecosystem.

For more information on Sandvik Coromant Centers and to discover events near you, visit the website.

Sandvik Coromant

Together with its customers and partners, Sandvik Coromant paves the way for a sustainable future and provides tooling solutions to mechanical engineering industries worldwide. Over eight decades of practical experience have allowed us to build a wealth of knowledge in metal cutting and machining. This expertise transforms every challenge into an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge solutions. Our goal is to drive positive change by promoting sustainability, efficiency, and growth to shape a future where innovation is at the forefront. Part of the global industrial engineering group Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant is committed to building the future, together with its customers. For more information, visit www.sandvik.coromant.com or follow us on social media.