Precision Plus 2014 Summer Interns Headed Back to School

Community Involvement Educational Development

September 3, 2014

Precision Plus 2014 Summer Interns Headed Back to School

Elkhorn, field trips, Gateway Technical College, Haas Factory Outlet, Illinois, iMET Center, internship, Kurt Busch's Haas NASCAR #41, MacLean Fogg, Precision Plus, Scot Forge, students back to school, Summer Interns, tours, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

The second year of Precision Plus’ Summer Internship Programs comes to an end, as the 18 interns head back to their respective high schools (East Troy, Badger, Elkhorn Area, Richmond and Wilmot) and colleges (U.W. Madison, U.W. Platteville, Milwaukee School of Engineering).

Although the internship program includes classroom time, the students spent most of their time on the floor, observing and learning from seasoned professionals and putting their new knowledge to work—hands-on.

Featured below are a few of Precision Plus summer interns in action.

[pb_slideshow group=”7″]

The end of the summer internship program was highlighted by field trips to several area manufacturing facilities as well as to the new iMET Center.

On August 8, 2014, the students and Precision Plus’ Director of Education and Training Barry Butters toured the iMET (SC Johnson Integrated Manufacturing and Engineering Technology) Center– within Gateway Technical College– located in Sturtevant, WI . The iMET Center is a state of the art training facility. It also houses a FAB lab. “Fab labs are a global network of local labs, enabling invention by providing access for individuals to tools for digital fabrication, to make almost anything.” The students found the 3D scanner and 3D printers of particular interest.

On August 13, 2014, a trip was coordinated to visit the Haas Factory Outlet Open House, located in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

The students saw the latest generation of Haas machines. Of particular interest were the vertical mills, as Precision Plus does not use this type of machine. The students were amazed at how fast the mill could change tools. Haas has worldwide reputation as a technology leader in CNC machining.

The students also enjoyed seeing Kurt Busch’s Haas NASCAR #41 up close prior to performing in the Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway on September 14 following IMTS 2014.

On August 22, 2014, the interns were given a tour of MacLean-Fogg in Whitewater, WI by Randy Race, Director of Engineering. The company was founded in 2012 by merging two successful and complementary plastic injection molding businesses: Engineered Plastics Corp. in Menomonee Falls, WI and MacLean-Fogg’s Polymer Technologies in Whitewater. Their experience in practical plastics design, tooling, processing, and engineered materials is extensive and it is well known throughout the world.

The students learned all about plastic injection molding machines and about how automation has been a key player in the running of these machines.

But the field trip that left most interns awe-struck was the Spring Grove, IL tour of the Scot Forge facility. The tour was arranged through Zach Ford who is Scot Forge’s Technical Education Liaison. While at Precision Plus, we sometimes have to use tweezers to hold our parts to measure them, Scot Forge manufactures things that have to be crawled inside of to measure. The sheer size difference was amazing to the students, and it gave them a much wider understanding of the variables in manufacturing.

We wish all of our interns success in their studies, and look forward to keeping up with their achievements. In college, or college bound are:

Michael Reader MSOE (Jr.) and 4-year summer intern
Carson Filko MSOE (Fr) and 3-year summer intern
Britt Campbell MSOE (Fr.) 1-year Youth Apprentice/summer intern
Hunter Parks MSOE (Fr.), 1-year Youth Apprentice/summer intern
Riley Bruce MSOE (Fr.) 1-year summer intern
Kyle Poplar MSOE (Sr.) 1-year summer intern
Jon Stopple, UW-Platteville (So.) 2^nd year intern
Bob Dall, UW-Madison (So.) 2^nd year intern
Brad Killen, UW-Madison (So.) 2^nd year intern
Jake Ruemmele UW Platteville (Jr.) 1^st year intern

Community Involvement

August 29, 2014

Precision Plus Major Sponsor of Delavan’s New Avant Cycling Team/Club Team

Avant Bicycle Supply, Avant Cycling Team, community, competitive, cycling, Delavan, Precision Plus, racing teams, recreational, sponsor, Tony Valenti, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

One of the most important beliefs of the team at Precision Plus is that we must support the community in which we thrive.

Recently, we heard of Tony Valenti, an avid cyclist and member of several racing teams in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Taking his passion to the next level, Tony opened Avant Bicycle Supply in historic downtown Delavan, Wisconsin in April of 2014, while simultaneously launching an online and eBay business. Next in his set of dreams, he founded the Avant Cycling/Club Team to support local athletes in multiple disciplines, race and club. Valenti wishes for community involvement, and invites cyclists of all ages to join and “be willing to help grow a more positive and friendly Wisconsin cycling scene,” with options to cycle recreationally, or race competitively.

Based on this community spirit, Precision Plus has become a proud sponsor of the Avant Team and commends Tony’s efforts in this initiative.

Click here for more information about the Avant Bicycle Supply.

Community Involvement

August 29, 2014

Precision Plus is a Proud Member of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc.

2014-2015, Elkhorn, members, membership, Precision Plus, progressive organization, Walworth County, Walworth County Economic Development Association, WCEDA, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin is a proud member of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (WCEDA), a dynamic, progressive organization that “is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Walworth County residents by working with public and private sector partners to advance efforts that create jobs and build private sector investment in our communities.”

The communities included in Walworth County are Delavan, East Troy, Elkhorn, Lake Geneva and Whitewater. With a population of 102,000, Walworth County is regarded as a strategic business location nestled in between Milwaukee to the north, Chicago to the south, and Madison to the west.

According to the WCEDA, “Walworth County has 14 tax incremental finance (TIF) districts targeted for business development, as well as nine business parks, including several located along Interstate 43. World class facilities completed in 2011 include the Mercy Walworth Medical Center, and the LEED Gold certified Whitewater Innovation Center at the award-winning 125-acre Whitewater University Technology Park.”

The WCEDA is also actively involved in initiatives to find and develop the next generation of manufacturing employees. On October 30^th, the Walworth County Job Center is offering a Manufacturing Job Fair at Lake Lawn Resort at which Precision Plus plans to participate.

Community Involvement

August 23, 2014

Precision Plus’ Barry Butters Asked to Be a Judge at the Wisconsin Project Lead The Way 2014 EDD Competition

2014, Active Radiation Shielding for Manned Interplanetary Space Flight, Barry Butters, Competition, courses, EDD, Engineering Design and Development, judge, Onocomowoc High School, PLTW, Precision Plus, Project Lead The Way, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Barry Butters, Director of Training and Education at Precision Plus was asked to participate as a judge in the Wisconsin Project Lead The Way 2014 Engineering Design and Development (EDD) Competition. There were a total of 24 judges assessing the projects of 19 teams.

Being that Butters is a certified EDD instructor, he knew the process well. Each judge was assigned five teams to listen to and observe, and score based on predetermined scoring rubric, after which an average score was compiled. The caliber of the teams was outstanding. “I was truly impressed with the quality of the students’ work,” said Butters, “It seemed as though some of the groups were already degreed engineers.”

The winning entry was from Oconomowoc, and Butters had the privilege to judge that team. The results of your work are as follows: The entry, “Active Radiation Shielding for Manned Interplanetary Space Flight” received the average high score. This team will receive a $5,000 cash award.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) supports young men and women by making available Engineering and Biomedical Sciences classes that lead to exciting new careers. For more information about Wisconsin Project Lead The Way EDD Competition, click here.

Butters looks forward to being a judge at the 2015 EDD Competition.

Community Involvement Industry News

August 5, 2014

PMPA’s Wisconsin Chapter Tees Offs Their 2014-2015 Program Year With Their Annual Golf Outing at Lake Lawn Resort on September 24, 2014

$125 per person includes golf and dinner, 2014, 262-743-1700, event, golf outing, Lake Lawn Lodge, Lake Lawn Resort, PMPA, Precision Machined Products Association, precision manufacturers, Precision Plus, registration, September 24, suppliers, Wiscosin Chapter

Michael Reader

The Wisconsin Chapter of PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association) is hosting its annual golf outing on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 at Lake Lawn Resort on Delavan Lake. This annual event brings together precision manufacturers and suppliers for a great day of golf, friendly competition, dinner, door prizes and networking.

Shotgun start and the scramble event begin at 12pm, with lunch courtesy of Corey Steel Company. Following the game, the event continues with 5pm cocktails and 6pm dinner. $125 per person includes 18 holes, cart, and dinner. A dinner only option is avaukabke $55 per person. Download a registration form here.

If you would like to become a sponsor, please email or call Bill Wells, Precision Plus, at 262-743-1700.

PMPA’s Wisconsin Chapter Annual Golf Outing is an event not to be missed.

Community Involvement

June 4, 2014

Precision Plus Participates in Delavan-Darien High School’s Technical Education Open House

Barry Butters, Delavan Darien, Delavan-Darien H.S., machining, Micro Precision Inc., Mode Industries, Precision Plus, Projects, School District, SPX, students, Technical Open House, Wisconsin, Youth Apprenticeship Program

Michael Reader

On May 29, 2014, Delavan Darien High School conducted a Technical Education Open House to showcase the projects developed and worked on by students throughout the year.

Butters engaging several of the Delavan Darien H.S. students about machining processes.

As part of the Career Technical Education (CTE) Committee, Precision Plus’s Barry Butters, as well as other committee members representing SPX, Mode Industries and Micro Precision, were on hand to provide support and talk to the students about the opportunities in manufacturing.

Students, parents, school administration, and board members attended the event. The CTE Committee is helping to build a strong cooperative effort, to provide meaningful opportunities for all of the students in the Delavan-Darien School District.

The Delavan-Darien School District is also proactively working “to revive challenging and rewarding learning options” for high school students who want to explore career paths. On April 16, 2014, it announced the return of the “Youth Apprenticeship Program.” Through this program, students will be able to get involved in industry apprenticeships (before, during, after school, or summer), as well as take targeted academic courses which are in line with their apprenticeship , and which will be available at the high school or at technical institutions or colleges.

The program, which is expected to begin with the 2014-2015 Fall Semester, will include a variety of career paths, such as agricultural science, food science, natural resources, architecture and construction, arts, audio/video technology, communications, finance, health science, hospitality/tourism, information technology, manufacturing, engineering, transportation and logistics.

Precision Plus commends the Delavan-Darien School District on its initiatives.

Community Involvement

May 19, 2014

Elkhorn Area High School Students and Precision Plus Visit Wisconsin’s SkillsUSA Competition at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin

2014, 50th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Champioship, April 30, Barry Butters, Competition, Dirty Jobs, Elkhorn Area H.S., Fred Ganter, June 23-27, keynote speaker, Mike Rowe, Precision Plus, SkillsUSA, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Students from Elkhorn Area High School, advisor Fred Ganter (pictured on the far right), and Barry Butters of Precision Plus visited the Wisconsin SkillsUSA competition, which was held at the Alliant Energy Center on April 30, 2014. Precision Plus sponsored the transportation of the group. This was an important event for the students, as they are looking into participating in the robotics competition next year.

Butters also had the opportunity to go to Madison Area Technical College where the SkillsUSA Machining Competition took place.

One June 23-27, 2014, the 50^th Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Championships will take place in Kansas City, Missouri. Last year, the keynote speaker at the conference was Mike Rowe of Dirty Jobs. Click here to watch the keynote address on YouTube.

The SkillsUSA promotional video below, summarizes the essence of the conference and the movement.

Community Involvement Company Updates

April 17, 2014

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin Receives Business Friends of Education Award from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

2014, Business Friends of Education Award, Countryview Veterinary Clinic, Cummins Emissions Solutions, Deputy State Superintendent Mike Thompson, education, GenMet, Lakeshore Health Care Alliance, Mike Reader, New Manufacturing Alliance, Precision Plus, Project SEARCH, Superintendent Tony Evers, WESTconsin Credit Union, Wisconsin, Wisconsin Departmet of Public Instruction

Michael Reader

On April 11, 2014, Mike Reader of Precision Plus , Inc. along with Amy Robinson of Country View Veterinary Clinic in Oregon, Denny Horn and Lisa Thompson of Cummins Emissions Solutions in Mineral Point, Eric Isbister of GenMet in Mequon, Lakeshore Health Care Alliance in Sheboygan, Mark Kaiser of NEW Manufacturing Alliance in Green Bay, Dr. Eileen Ahearn, Mary Mussey, and Richard Murphy of Project SEARCH in Madison, and Chuck Jerrick of WESTconsin Credit Union in Hudson, received the Business Friends of Education Award from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This award recognizes the power of businesses that go beyond the call to help students graduate and be well prepared for future educational and career endeavors.

The awards were announced by Tony Evers, State Superintendent and were presented by Deputy State Superintendent Mike Thompson, during the annual Wisconsin Association for Career and Technical Education Professional Development Conference in Middleton. Mike Reader and other award recipients also participated in a panel discussion following the celebratory breakfast.

[pb_slideshow group=”5″]

“The collaborative partnerships fostered between industry and education play a key role in preparing Wisconsin students for the future,” said Evers. “These supportive relationships make a difference in student’s lives and strengthen our communities for years to come.”

Precision Plus is humbled to have received such honorable award.

Click here for a PDF of the official news release.

Community Involvement Educational Development

April 4, 2014

Precision Plus Actively Supports Local Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) Committees

Michael Reader

Precision Plus is now serving on four local Wisconsin high schools ‘Career & Technical Education’ (CTE) committees: Delavan Memorial High School, Elkhorn Area High School, Whitewater High School, and Beloit Memorial High School.

We are also serving on the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Advisory committees for Elkhorn and Whitewater. Both Mike Reader, President and Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training share these responsibilities. Mike and Barry also are serving on the Wisconsin State PLTW Leadership Committee.

Beloit Memorial High School’s CTE Committee met on April 2, 2014, to discuss goals and share real-life industry experience with educators and students. Pictured from left to right: Chris Klatt (BMHS), Brandon James (ScotForge, James Ekman (ScotForge), Mike Reader (Precision Plus), Matt Baker (Versa Tool and Die), Jim Hoyt (North American Tool), Zach Ford (ScotForge), and Curt Clansbery (North American Tool).

Community Involvement

March 22, 2014

Precision Plus Supports DECA and Participates in Wisconsin’s Competition’s Judging

2014, Barry Butters, Competition, DECA, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Elkhorn, future leaders, Grand Geneva Resort, judge, March 18-19, Precision Plus, Wisconsi, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) is a great organization, which provides a comprehensive learning program that enhances students’ future options preparing them for college and careers. By offering them co-curricular programs that integrate into classroom instruction, students are able to apply learning in the context of business, connect with business and the community, and participate in real-world competition. Student members leverage their DECA experience to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders. DECA’s mission is “To prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.”

The DECA Wisconsin State Competition was held at the Grand Geneva Resort on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18-19, 2014. Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training, represented Precision Plus by serving as a judge for the competition. “Seeing the students present a solution to a problem given to them minutes before their presentations was amazing. They showed creativity and resourcefulness in these presentations,” said Butters. It was my first time judging and we will certainly continue to support this organization.”

1 … 5 6 7 8 9

Community Involvement

Precision Plus 2014 Summer Interns Headed Back to School

Precision Plus is a Proud Member of the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc.

Precision Plus’ Barry Butters Asked to Be a Judge at the Wisconsin Project Lead The Way 2014 EDD Competition

PMPA’s Wisconsin Chapter Tees Offs Their 2014-2015 Program Year With Their Annual Golf Outing at Lake Lawn Resort on September 24, 2014

Precision Plus Participates in Delavan-Darien High School’s Technical Education Open House

Elkhorn Area High School Students and Precision Plus Visit Wisconsin’s SkillsUSA Competition at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin Receives Business Friends of Education Award from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Precision Plus Actively Supports Local Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) Committees

Precision Plus Supports DECA and Participates in Wisconsin’s Competition’s Judging

From the Plus

Jobs & Internships

Social