Northeast State Community College receives $75,000 in manufacturing equipment in donation from Tennessee Instrumentation Co.

Tennessee Instrumentation Co., based out of Kingsport, recently donated a collection of specialized instrumentation equipment valued at $75,000 to Northeast State Community College. This donation is set to improve the quality of hands-on learning for the students enrolled in the school’s advanced manufacturing program.

Michael Price, who owns Tennessee Instrumentation Co., made the donation to the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (or RCAM) as well as representatives of Northeast State’s Foundation. 

According to Price, his company started in 1946, and was founded by Charles Palmer who later passed it on down to Eddie Palmer, his son. Tennessee Instrumentation Co. has long supplied control equipment and valves to the Eastman Chemical Company, among others.

Kenneth Price, Michael’s father, became the owner of the company at the turn of the century. Michael became the owner last year, after his father’s death. 

Michael Price is also one of the community planners for the City of Kingsport. 

Recently, Price transitioned Tennessee Instrumentation Co. into a home based operation, largely adjusting its focus to that of direct manufacturer-to-end-user sales. As such, he no longer needed the equipment used for display and demonstration functions, and as such decided to donate it to Northeast State and RCAM.

In an article posted on Northeast State Community College’s website, Price was quoted as saying, “We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to support educational programs with this donation. By providing these resources, we’re ensuring that students have access to practical, hands-on equipment typically only available in industrial settings.”

Northeast State’s Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing, located in downtown Kingsport, plans to use its equipment as part of its associate degrees in Welding/Fabrication technologies, Machine Tool, Electrical, and General programs.

Megan Davidson, who serves as the Director of Development at Northeast State Community College, shared her reaction to the donation by saying, “We much appreciate Mr. Price’s generosity. It’s a wonderful way to support the college’s educational efforts and honor the legacy of such a long-standing Kingsport business.”

Among the donated equipment are flow meters, radar level detectors, and other specialized materials that assist in the automation and regulation of manufacturing. Price noted that he hopes the equipment will allow students to better learn about how modern control and instrumentation technologies function so that they can be as prepared as possible for their careers in the industry. 

Northeast State’s executive director for Workforce and Economic Development, Blake Montgomery, also weighed in, saying “We are extremely grateful for this gift. The equipment is in perfect condition and will be a great resource for our programs.”

“It’s great to be able to give back to Kingsport, the community that has supported us for so many years. This donation not only honors the legacy of Charles Palmer and my father but also helps to foster the next generation of industry professionals right here in our hometown,” said Price.

He also expressed pride in being able to continue the company’s long standing history of supporting the community.

More information about Northeast State Community College can be found at the school’s website.