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MOCKSVILLE, N.C. -- Workers at a Davie County industrial plant are signing up to get some specialized training. Tuesday, Ingersoll-Rand announced a partnership with Davidson County Community College that will offer advanced manufacturing courses.

Nearly 400 employees keep production flowing at the Ingersoll-Rand plant in Davie County. It's one of the area's largest employers and with a steady stream of new positions, the company is making advanced training a top priority.

"The partners in the community came together and recognized a need to enhance the training to take this business and this community to the next step," said plant manager, Phil Wekenmann.

Workers manufacture air compressors and service parts at the company's Mocksville plant. Now they will get specialized training in hopes of taking the company to new heights. It's part of a community effort between Ingersoll-Rand and Davidson County Community College.

"Once the equipment arrives and we get it installed, we're ready to help this company advance their mission which is what the community college system is all about," said Dr. Mary Rittling, president of the college.

About 30 employees have already signed up for the first round of courses where they will get both on-site and off-site training specific to their workforce needs. At the end of the month, the students will begin the first training class: lean manufacturing. It's optional for people wanting to work and learn.

"It will fit into their work life and it will give them the practical presence of being at work," said Wekenmann.

A total of $350,000 in grant monies from Duke Energy and the North Carolina Division of Commerce will provide hands-on training specific to industry standards.

"We're going to be able to help them with their manufacturing excellence program and we're going to be able to bring machinery to the Davie campus that will provide for educational opportunities for their employees," said Dr. Rittling.

Leaders say the partnership will create more training at Ingersoll-Rand and more training for students at the college who are interested in a manufacturing background.

Ingersoll-Rand has been a part of the Davie County community since 1965. The company employs more than 60,000 people around the world.