Doug Dunworth, Chief Operating Officer of SMS group Inc., met with then Arkansas Northeastern College President Dr. James Shemwell and his staff to finalize an agreement creating the Arkansas Steelmaking Academy (ASA) on January 31, 2018.

SMS group prides itself on being a leading partner in the world of metals not only in North America but throughout the world.  Headquartered in Germany, SMS group's largest market is steel production.  The company provides world-class new equipment and actively supports operations by devising solutions throughout the process from melting and casting to rolling and finishing.  SMS group serves clients such as Nucor Steel and Big River Steel located in Mississippi County, Arkansas, as well as many other manufacturers across the country.  Because of this, a North American-based training operation centrally located in Arkansas should benefit both the company and many of the clients it serves.

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"By partnering with SMS, the Arkansas Northeastern College can become a satellite training hub for North America as a cost effective way to gain knowledge of cutting edge techniques in steelmaking and processing," said former President Dr. James Shemwell.  The agreement between ANC and SMS group will allow companies to save the costs of overseas travel by providing a local option for the renowned TECademy training.