Johnston Community College Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility

Designed as a landmark for workforce innovation, bringing together flexible, industry-focused learning environments that prepare the next generation of skilled manufacturing professionals while advancing economic growth

LOCATION Four Oaks, NC

COMPLETED 2025

SIZE 67,000 SF

PHOTOGRAPHER Jordan Powers

AWARDS Triangle Business Journal 2026 SPACE Award | ABC Carolinas Construction 2026 Excellence Award

A Catalyst for Workforce Development

Positioned at the crossroads of Interstates 95 and 40, the Advanced Manufacturing Training Facility serves as the cornerstone of Johnston Community College’s new Four Oaks campus and a visible investment in the future of regional industry. Developed in partnership with the I‑95/I‑40 Crossroads of America Economic Development Alliance, the facility supports workforce readiness through adaptable, technology-rich learning environments designed to evolve alongside the manufacturing sector. Programs in Welding, Applied Engineering, Machining, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing are organized within a clear, efficient framework that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning.

Design Details

Transparency and connectivity are central to the design, with open labs, interior balconies, and shared collaboration zones showcasing the learning process and strengthening engagement among students, faculty, and industry partners. Daylight-filled interiors, access to outdoor spaces, and visual connections to the surrounding landscape promote well-being and informal interaction throughout the campus experience. Along the I‑95 corridor, expressive massing and illuminated glazing establish the facility as a civic landmark—celebrating advanced manufacturing while signaling the region’s commitment to education, innovation, and long-term economic vitality.