BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – It may not look like it now, but this was once the oldest building on SUNY Broome's campus.

Originally built in 1956, the mechanical building saw almost no repairs, until now.

What's now known as the advanced manufacturing center will train the next generation for jobs in the manufacturing field.

"This is a transformative day in the history of the college, bringing our advanced manufacturing labs up to date with a clean room, which we've never had, but also the addition of food science,” said Kevin Drumm, SUNY Broome President.

On top of that, the $12.7 million project brings a high-tech soldering lab and even a computer control room.

SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson views it as the next generation of campuses across the state.

"Being able to make things is what drives our research and development. It is about the key to innovation and global competitiveness is being able to make stuff. This is where stuff is going to get made," said Kristina Johnson, SUNY Chancellor.

There are currently more than 4,000 available jobs in Broome County with a large portion of those coming from the manufacturing industry. Dr. Kevin Drumm says this building really couldn't have opened at a better time.

"You can’t just walk out of high school anymore and walk into any of those jobs. You have to have some form of training to do those jobs that pay a good wage today and that's what we're all about," said Drumm.

Many are now hoping this 42,000 square foot facility draws even more students to the campus.

"It's exciting and hopefully it’ll be exciting to potential students who are thinking about staying in the area hopefully and looking to move into the area and to move into the high tech jobs,” said Drumm.

The building is said to be 90% complete with the remaining classrooms opening by next semester.