Isothermal Community College and Trelleborg Celebrate Innovative Partnership

SPINDALE (Nov. 14, 2025) — Isothermal Community College celebrated its strong partnership with Trelleborg Engineered Coated Fabrics during a special event held Friday, Nov. 14, in the Walter Dalton Engineering Technologies and Workforce Development Building. The celebration recognized a year of collaboration that has advanced innovation, workforce development, and community growth in Rutherford County.

For the past year, Trelleborg has operated an incubation, testing, and training facility in one of the college’s engineering bays, using the space to refine a new process and product ahead of the opening of its new facility on Daniel Road, located adjacent to the Isothermal campus. The partnership has allowed the company to test its innovations in real-world conditions, supported by the college’s technical resources and talent pipeline.

“This partnership with Trelleborg reflects the best of what can happen when education and industry collaborate with a shared vision,” said Michael Gavin, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications at Isothermal. “By combining the college’s resources with Trelleborg’s innovation and investment, we’re helping create opportunities that benefit not only our students and local workforce but the entire community.”

Trelleborg’s new facility is expected to bring additional high-skill manufacturing jobs to the area and strengthen the region’s growing reputation as a center for advanced materials and manufacturing excellence.

“Our partnership with Isothermal Community College demonstrates how innovation and community progress go hand in hand,” said Roger Obeysekare, Plant Manager, Trelleborg Forest City. “By leveraging the college’s resources and talent alongside Trelleborg’s advanced technologies, we’ve accelerated development while investing in Rutherford County’s future. This collaboration is a model for how industry and education can work together to create opportunities that strengthen both our company and the region.”

The event included remarks from college and company representatives, followed by a reception in Room 215 of the Walter Dalton Engineering Technologies and Workforce Development Building.