The heavy- and medium-duty truck dealer group Murphy-Hoffman Company has partnered with Ozark Technical Community College to expand its diesel training facility at its Springfield, Missouri campus.

The new 12,500 square foot facility is an addition to the schools current diesel training facility located in the Industry and Transportation Technology Center. The addition includes three truck bays and four classrooms with learning labs.

 The expansion was made possible through a $1 million grant from the Economic Development Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and $1 million in matching funds primarily raised from private donations, including MHC, the project’s naming sponsor.  

“MHC has a long history and deep roots in Springfield, Mo., which made this a meaningful partnership,” said Kyle Hoffman, MHC vice president and general manager. “We are proud to help OTC’s efforts in training the industry’s up-and-coming technicians. Offering state-of-the-art education will help keep well-trained employees in the area and the local economy healthy.”

Students in OTC’s diesel technology program can either earn a one-year certificate or a two-year associate of applied science. Currently, the college graduates about 40 diesel technicians per year. With the expansion, the college hopes to increase that number by 50%.

The MHC Diesel Technician Training Center opened for classes in January 2019. More than 100 OTC students are currently enrolled.