TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Jason Hatter, a 1998 graduate of The University of Alabama, has been named the manufacturing outreach coordinator for the Alabama Productivity Center at UA.

Hatter, who earned a degree in industrial engineering, worked with Mercedes-Benz USI of Tuscaloosa as a process engineer, acting assistant manager and group leader. He has also worked as a manufacturing/project engineer and site quality manager.

In addition to his on-the-job experience, Hatter has a wide range of expertise in areas including lean, management and engineering.

Hatter will be a field engineer for ongoing ventures with organizations across the state.

“We are excited to gain someone with Jason’s experience and skill sets,” said Dr. David Miller, director of the Alabama Productivity Center. “He will be a valuable asset to our team.”

The Alabama Productivity Center is an Alabama Technology Network center and a nonprofit outreach component of The University of Alabama. The Center’s mission is to find ways to use University research and educational resources to enhance the competitiveness of Alabama business and industry.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state's economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.