October 28, 2025 | New Bern, NC
Chemac, Inc. Donates Classic Hydraulic Training Station to Craven Community College's VOLT Center
In a heartening display of corporate citizenship and commitment to local workforce development, Chemac, Inc., a longstanding pillar of New Bern's industrial community, has donated a classic Sperry Vickers Hydraulic Fluid Training Station to the Craven Community College VOLT Center. This contribution underscores Chemac's dedication to bridging the skills gap in high-pressure fluid systems and equipping aspiring technicians with hands-on tools for success in manufacturing, energy, and beyond.
A Legacy of Innovation in High-Pressure Solutions
Founded in 1966, Chemac, Inc. has grown into a global leader in industrial high-pressure pumps and equipment, serving diverse sectors from food processing and pharmaceuticals to oil and gas. Located at 121 Corporate Lane in New Bern's Industrial Park, the company specializes in sales, service, and support for premium brands like Uraca, Gather, Kempchen, and Bungartz. With a focus on quality and reliability—backed by ISO-certified factories—Chemac has built a reputation for keeping industrial systems running efficiently for decades.
However, Chemac's impact extends far beyond its blue building off Highway 70. As a proud member of the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce, the company actively invests in the various communities that supported it for nearly six decades. "We're not just suppliers of equipment; we're partners in progress," said Giuliana Coveli, a Chemac representative. "Donating this training station aligns perfectly with our belief that skilled workers are the heartbeat of any thriving industry. By empowering students at the VOLT Center, we're investing in the future of Craven County."
The Sperry Vickers Hydraulic Fluid Training Station represents the pinnacle of practical education in fluid power technology. This comprehensive system simulates real-world hydraulic operations, allowing users to explore pressure dynamics, fluid flow, valve configurations, and troubleshooting scenarios. Originally designed for professional training in aerospace and heavy machinery, the station includes interactive components like pumps, actuators, and monitoring interfaces—ideal for teaching safety protocols and efficiency in high-stakes environments.
Revitalizing a Historic Powerhouse for Modern Trades
The recipient of this donation, the VOLT Center (short for Vocational, Occupational, Learning, and Trades), is a beacon of transformation in downtown New Bern. Housed in a repurposed 1920s electric power plant at the corner of Broad and Pollock Streets, the facility was once a symbol of industrial might, generating electricity for a growing city. By the early 2000s, however, it had fallen into disrepair, serving merely as a storage space and eyesore.
Enter a visionary partnership in 2015: Craven Community College (CCC), the City of New Bern, Craven County, the Golden Leaf Foundation, the Harold H. Bate Foundation, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration collaborated to breathe new life into the structure. What emerged was a cutting-edge workforce development hub, offering hands-on programs in carpentry, HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, welding, forklift operation, and more. Today, the VOLT Center serves over 1,000 students annually, many from underserved backgrounds, preparing them for high-demand jobs at local employers like Bosch, Moen, and CarolinaEast Health System.
Recent expansions, including a new Heavy Equipment building (ribbon-cutting in January 2025) and the Small Business Center Generator incubator, highlight the center's evolution. Programs are certified by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), ensuring graduates enter the workforce with credentials that command median wages exceeding $44,000— a lifeline for economic mobility in Eastern North Carolina.
The addition of the Sperry Vickers station fills a critical need in the center's industrial training lineup. "Hydraulic systems are the backbone of modern manufacturing and maintenance roles, yet access to simulators has been limited," explained Chris Schneider VP from Chemac, Inc. "This donation will allow students to gain proficiency in a safe, controlled setting, reducing on-the-job risks and accelerating their path to employment."
Fostering Community Ties and Economic Growth
This donation is more than equipment—it's a testament to the symbiotic relationship between New Bern's businesses and its educational institutions. Chemac, like many local firms, collaborates closely with CCC to tailor training to industry demands. The VOLT Center's alumni have powered expansions at Fleet Readiness Center East on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, the region's largest employer east of Interstate 95.
In a time when skilled trades face a national shortage, initiatives like this are vital. According to a 2023 study by the North Carolina Community College System, workforce programs like those at VOLT generate $5.58 in economic benefits for every dollar invested. By donating the training station, Chemac is not only enhancing CCC's capabilities but also priming the pipeline for its own future hires and those of its partners.
A Call to Action: Building on Momentum
As New Bern continues its renaissance—fueled by young professionals, revitalized downtowns, and bear-themed sculptures nodding to its Swiss heritage—stories like Chemac's remind us of the power of collective investment. The Craven Community College Foundation, which has raised millions for scholarships and equipment since 1977, welcomes similar contributions to sustain this momentum.
For those inspired to get involved, visit cravencc.edu/volt to learn about program enrollment or the Foundation's "Ignite Potential, Invest in Dreams" campaign. And for businesses eyeing New Bern's fertile ground, Chemac's own words ring true: This riverside city, with its blend of history and hustle, is indeed a great place to do business—and give back.
Chemac, Inc. wishes to thank Jeff Schulze of the Volt Center and Dr. Raymond Staats of Craven Community College for their tireless work to improve educational experience for all students taking advantage of the available resources in Craven County.
