Construction took about one year. Bioprocess Technician classes began April 3 in the Biotechnology Lab to train workers for chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing. The first morning, afternoon and evening classes are filled, and more than 100 people are on the waiting list for future classes, college officials said. In addition to the Biotechnology lab and classroom, the building houses a community service classroom, in which personal enrichment art classes are being held. The Multipurpose Addition is designed for businesses and community organizations to hold meetings, workshops, training events and dinners for up to 100 people.
Plans are to enlarge the building in the future to accommodate larger groups.
Chairman John K. Nelms of the VGCC Board of Trustees welcomed guests to the dedication and thanked area legislators for passing a bill to provide funds for the buildings. He also thanked the Franklin County Board of Commissioners for their continuing support of the rapidly expanding Franklin County Campus. He also thanked Novozymes employees for helping develop the Bioprocess Technician curriculum. Vance-Granville has proven again and again its willingness and ability to design the training necessary to provide those people. In the top photo above, Vance-Granville Community College President Robert A. Miller, left, and Lee Yarbrough, president of Novozymes North America Inc., admire a plaque that will hang in the new Biotechnology Lab and classroom building dedicated at VGCC s Franklin County Campus April 10.