With a focus on putting veterans to work, Profile Composites North America (PCNA) has embarked on an innovative strategy to develop advanced composites manufacturing in Kitsap County. The company is particularly committed to adapting the manufacturing process for those returning to civilian life with physical disabilities. The inaugural two-quarter, 30-credit certificate course conducted by PCNA began July 27th at Olympic College; and all but two are veterans. Concurrently, Profile Composites North America is in the process of selecting its initial work site and will choose its first manufacturing team from the class. The training and development program with Olympic College is consistent with the curriculum necessary for aerospace composite workers, allowing a broad opportunity for the participants within this growing industry.
“There has been an exceptionally strong and committed team to assist this in coming to fruition, especially through WorkSource Kitsap and Olympic College” said Geoff Wood, CEO of Profile Composites North America. “We also have a growing list of officials and organizations that are excited about what we’re doing and helping to make this successful. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) and the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), in particular, were critical in helping us take the first steps. And the ongoing support of Governor Gregoire, Bremerton Mayor Lent, Congressman Dicks and Senator Murray have really helped pave the way for this effort.”
“WorkSource Kitsap – who is administering the grant, the Veterans’ Administration, and the Wounded Warriors program helped us put together our initial class of students, who are also potential employees,” Wood continued. “Clover Park Technical College and Peninsula College generously provided resources from their programs to get us started. And finally, Olympic College has been our training partner in this unique public-private collaboration that will be the foundation for the advanced composites industry in Kitsap County.”
This new company is an independent, not-for-profit spinoff of British Columbia-based Profile Composites (www.profilecomposites.com), a successful research, development, and manufacturing organization that has won the industry’s top international awards for innovation in advanced composites development projects. PCNA’s first products will focus on assistive devices, such as high-tech sport crutches that are of special interest in the disabled community and expects to diversify its manufacturing operations to serve aerospace and other markets. The company’s goals include the development of “adaptive manufacturing cells” for accommodation of various levels of worker abilities, which can be replicated in any advanced composites manufacturing setting.
Profile Composites North America is a non-profit corporation with a pending 501(c)3 status. Founded in January, 2011, the company’s mission is to develop a thriving advanced composites industry in Kitsap County, with a focus on veterans helping veterans. [PDF]