Introduction
N1 Critical Technologies (N1C) played a pivotal role in the grand opening of the Wayne H. Bushman Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA™) Center at Mid-State Technical College. This 48,000 square-foot state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in Stevens Point Industrial Park on July 22, 2024, marking a significant milestone in technical education and workforce development in central Wisconsin.
Technological Contributions
Powering the AMETA™ Center’s modern data center are two N1C 3PL-Series 20kVA 3-phase UPS systems, generously donated by N1C and its platinum-level reseller partner, Heartland Business Systems. Heartland meticulously designed and built the facility's main MDF (Main Distribution Frame), where the 3PL series UPS units are showcased through a glass wall, emphasizing the facility’s commitment to cutting-edge technology.
N1C co-founder and CFO David Farrell remarked, "It’s great to see our products showcased in the heart of this amazing new facility. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors get to see firsthand our commitment to quality as they pass by the datacenter’s full glass windows and doors."
Unique Features of the 3PL-Series UPS Units:
- Industry’s first 3-phase, online UPS units with internal lithium-ion batteries.
- Provide about an hour of runtime on a single UPS.
- A second UPS attached in parallel provides N+1 redundancy and additional battery backup time during prolonged power outages.
Additionally, several N1C L-Series 2kVA units ensure clean, uninterrupted power in the IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame) closets throughout the expansive facility.
AMETA™ Center: A Hub for Innovation
The AMETA™ Center represents a significant investment in the future of Wisconsin’s workforce. With four main labs and eight classrooms featuring state-of-the-art manufacturing and engineering equipment, the facility serves as a training ground for highly skilled workers.
Reflecting on the importance of this development, Dr. Shelly Mondeik, Mid-State’s president, remarked, "Mid-State is a special place where our exceptional staff and faculty transform lives through the power of teaching and learning every single day, and AMETA will only help us further that mission. AMETA is critical to workforce and economic development and will give us another valuable tool in our toolbox in graduating students who are skilled and ready to be employed."
The center supports 16 programs, various industry credentialing opportunities, apprenticeship programs, and a dedicated space for the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.
Community and Business Support
N1C and Heartland were among 300 business partners and individual donors who collectively contributed over $5 million to make the AMETA™ Center a reality. The $23 million campaign, launched in 2019, received investments from 131 businesses, 187 individuals, and eight governmental bodies. Notably, 18 businesses contributed substantially, earning permanent naming rights within the building, prominently displayed through signage and a large video wall.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 23 featured remarks from Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, whose Workforce Innovation Grant program contributed $9 million to the project. Gov. Evers highlighted the significance of the center, noting that "There are exciting projects happening all over the state in the field of manufacturing, and this new center is going to help us meet the rising demand for highly skilled workers needed to move us forward and continue Wisconsin’s place as a leader in manufacturing."
Future Opportunities
According to David Farrell, potential customers considering N1C products could tour the AMETA™ Center to see the UPS units in action. He stated, "We have strong connections with Mid-State Technical College and would consider any opportunity to showcase our innovative products in a real-world setting. Visitors will be impressed not only by our gear but also the AMETA Center."
Conclusion
The AMETA™ Center at Mid-State Technical College stands as a beacon of innovation, technical education, and workforce development. N1C's contributions ensure that this facility operates with the most reliable and advanced power solutions, reflecting a commitment to quality and forward-thinking technology.
Learn more about the AMETA Center: mstc.edu/AMETA
By partnering with N1 Critical Technologies, you ensure your facilities are powered by the most reliable and advanced solutions. Curious about how N1C can elevate your technical infrastructure? Contact us today to learn more about our innovative products and how they can benefit your organization.
