The 49,000 square-foot facility, at the Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield, will help students learn about and train in robotics, automation, clean energy, and more

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

College administration, faculty,, local politicians, and business leaders joined one another in Ridgefield on Thursday to celebrate the future … starting right now.

“Advanced manufacturing isn’t yesterday’s industry. It’s tomorrow’s,” said Ridgefield Mayor Matt Cole. “We’re talking robotics, automation, clean energy, precision manufacturing. Those aren’t just abstract ideas. They’re jobs. They’re careers.”

That kind of passion led to the official grand opening of the Clark College Advanced Manufacturing Center at Boschma Farms in Ridgefield. 

“It is more than just a new building. It is a testament to Clark College’s ability to listen, to respond, and to lead,” said Dr. Karin Edwards, the president of Clark College.

The 49,000 square-foot facility has already held classes, but this was the day the college wanted to celebrate with the community. The center has flexible classroom space, industrial classrooms, a computer lab, and locker and shower facilities. 

The heart of the college’s manufacturing program is the Learning Lab, nicknamed The Shop. Equipment in the center of the center includes water jet cutters, robotic welders, press breaks, 3D printers, and mills and lathes.

Edwards provided some data, courtesy of JobsEQ. There are 230,000 people in Washington working in advanced manufacturing, including close to 13,000 in Clark County. She said right now, there are 3,800 job openings in the industry in the Vancouver-Portland area.

Tanisha Harris, aide to Senator Maria Cantwell, spoke on behalf of the senator.

“Clark College saw a need in the community and stepped up,” Harris said.

Marilee Scarbrough, Clark College Trustee, also shared her enthusiasm for the facility.

“This center represents when planning, persistence, and partnership come together for the benefit of students and our region,” Scarbrough said. “Moments like this remind us that community colleges matter. This facility is not just a building. It is a promise to our students that we are investing in their futures.

“What happens here will ripple outward, strengthening families, businesses, and the regional economy for years to come.”

After the literal ribbon cutting, guests were invited to take a tour of the Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Ridgefield’s mayor said this is a proud day for the city, welcoming all of Southwest Washington to the Boschma Farms campus. 

“Today is one of those moments where you can just kind of feel the momentum of the community moving forward together, and that’s kind of remarkable, isn’t it?” Cole said.