Facility Tour – Forging Futures: How Advance Welding and WNE Are Training the Next Generation of Welders Using Robotic Technology

On April 17th, FORGE brought together state leaders, industry, and educators for a factory tour at Advance Welding in Springfield, Massachusetts to spotlight regional innovation and workforce development in advanced manufacturing. The event also highlighted a strong partnership between Advance Welding and Western New England University (WNE), a collaboration equipping students with hands-on experience in robotic welding to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.

We were honored to welcome State Representatives Orlando Ramos and Carlos González, both of whom joined the tour to show their support for regional manufacturing, workforce development, and the critical role that partnerships like this play in keeping Massachusetts at the forefront of innovation.

About Advance Welding

Advance Welding is a family-owned and operated specialty welding and metal fabrication company based in Springfield, Massachusetts. Chris Kielb, who now runs the business alongside his sister and business partner Melinda Martin, has continued the legacy started in 1978 by their mother and father, Kasmer and Caroline Kielb. This was when the company first began providing high-quality welding services for critical applications across aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial manufacturing.

But as the future of manufacturing shifts toward automation and robotics, Advance Welding has increasingly embraced robotic technology as a key part of preparing for what’s next.

A partnership with purpose

To address the growing need for talent, Advance Welding partnered with WNE’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems (CAMS), supported by MassTech’s Industry-Academia Collaboration grants. WNE’s robotic welding equipment is housed on-site at Advance Welding, giving students a rare opportunity to gain real-world experience using industrial-grade systems.

“Every Friday, we have students come over,” said Chris Kielb. “They get real experience, they see it, breathe it, look at it.” WNE-owned robotic welding equipment is housed directly at Advance Welding’s facilities, enabling students to train on the same systems used in cutting-edge industrial applications. “We’ve opened our doors to them,” Chris continued. “A lot of young engineers graduate knowing theory, but they’ve never put their knowledge in practice.” 

Luke, Gabe, and Tyler, who spent the year building a microturbine alongside their peers, shared how the program reshaped their perspective: “We’re learning how the components fit together, how to bring our designs to life, and how everything works at a systems level,” they said. “It’s a step beyond the classroom.” 

FORGE is proud to help amplify these efforts, and the support of Representatives González and Ramos at the factory tour underscores the importance of continued public support for programs that drive innovation, education, and regional economic growth. Together, these institutions are not only welding metal, they’re forging futures!