Contact: Laura Smith, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Center Will Feature Clean Vehicle Training, Nation’s First Auto and Truck Diagnostic Training
KENOSHA – Governor Jim Doyle today celebrated the grand opening of the new Gateway Technical College and Snap-on Tools National Training Center for Advanced Propulsion Technology in Kenosha. The Governor was joined at the opening by representatives from Gateway Tech and the Wisconsin Technical College System, U.S. Department of Labor Assistant Secretary Jane Oates, and Snap-on Tools President and CEO Nicholas Pinchuk.
“This partnership demonstrates that Gateway and Snap-on recognize where the world is heading,” Governor Doyle said. “Their leaders know we have an enormous opportunity in clean energy, and this new state-of-the-art facility will be an important tool for building a vibrant, clean energy economy.”
The Advanced Propulsion facility, which is attached to the Gateway Technical College Horizon Center for Transportation Technology, houses the nation’s first postsecondary electric vehicle charging system as well as the nation’s first wind torque certification center. The new center will feature wind, solar, clean diesel and hybrid vehicle training, as well as the first auto and truck diagnostic training in the United States. The Horizon Center is the national training center for Snap-on, Inc., whose donation helped fund the 14,000 square foot expansion.
Snap-on Tools is a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools, diagnostics, equipment, software and service solutions for professional users. Products and services include hand and power tools, tool storage, diagnostics software, information and management systems, shop equipment and other solutions for vehicle dealerships and repair centers, as well as customers in industry, government, agriculture, aviation and natural resources. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2.8 billion S&P 500 company, with 650 employees at its headquarters in Kenosha.
Since taking office, Governor Doyle has advanced an aggressive agenda to position Wisconsin as a leader in a growing clean energy economy. Wisconsin has adopted renewable portfolio standards, invested in clean energy job creation, led the advancement of research in cellulosic ethanol and biomass, and made great strides to increase energy efficiency in homes, businesses and government buildings. As a result, Wisconsin has seen a rapid expansion in alternative energy production and real growth in clean energy jobs.
