Community Involvement is One of Precision Plus’s Pillars of Business Strength

January 23, 2014

Community Involvement is One of Precision Plus’s Pillars of Business Strength

4-H of Wlworth County, Beloit Memorial High School, community, Contributions, E-TECH, Elkhorn, Elkhorn Area High School, H Foundation, McGMO Golf Outing, Mike Reader, PLTW, Precision Plus, Project Lead The Way, Reader family, support, U.W. Carbone Cancer Center, Wisconsin, Workshops for Warriors

Michael Reader

By Barry Butters

As a company, Precision Plus maintains multiple metrics to measure our progress. These metrics are generally comparisons of where we are today compared to where we were last year, last month, and perhaps even yesterday. As anyone who sets goals knows, it’s the process of always chasing the elusive next level that leads us forward. However, when the dust settles and there is that moment of clarity for the big picture, one asks, “Is there more to life than business?” The Reader family, who has owned Precision Plus Inc. since 1988, keeps that big picture in focus and has generously supported the local community and organizations that serve, protect and care for us in times of need.

“Contributing positively to our community and environment” is one tenant of the pillar of Integrity that Precision Plus has built into its business vision. The company gifts monies to a number of organizations that serve and protect: Elkhorn Fire Departme nt, the National Fire Safety Council, and the Sharon American Legion. Adding to that list, Mike Reader is leading a campaign through the PMPA to support a group called “Workshop for Warriors,” which is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, certifying, and placing veterans in manufacturing careers.

Support from Precision Plus extends especially deep into the education community, adding financial support to its ongoing efforts to educate the area’s best and brightest students on careers in manufacturing. Among the organizations that have received this support:

The 4-H of Walworth County
The E-TECH Club of Elkhorn Area High School, a group of high school and middle school students who participate in First Robotics and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives in the younger grades.
Beloit Memorial High School’s group, similar to E-TECH that is involved in establishing a local FIRST Robotics Community in the Beloit School District
Wisconsin Project Lead the Way (PLTW) – Precision Plus was a lead sponsor for the PLTW State Teachers Conference held in Pewaukee on December 9th. At the conference, Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch addressed the state’s PLTW teachers who are working in conjunction with the PLTW program through the Milwaukee School of Engineering to stimulate interest in careers in engineering in Wisconsin’s youth.

The Readers have also supported organizations that advance the treatment, prevention and search for a cure to cancer related illness. They generously support U.W Carbone Cancer Center and the H Foundation, as well as the MCGMO Golf Outing for cancer prevention.

What is clear from these efforts is that Precision Plus pays attention to more than just its own bottom line. The Reader Family, the company, and its employees are committed to improving the metrics of the community.

Community Involvement

January 15, 2014

Precision Plus on the Move: Barry Butters Visits Area Schools

Michael Reader

As part of the continuing effort to bring attention to the manufacturing industry as a viable career option for today’s youth, Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training, and other representatives from Precision Plus Inc. have been traveling to Wisconsin area high schools and technical colleges.

On November 1^st, Butters spent the day at Burlington High School’s Career Day Fair. The event allowed students to gather information from the booths of various prospective employers from a wide array of industries.

“It was evident from the discussions with the students, that there are still a number of misconceptions about manufacturing,” said Butters.

Butters then traveled three and a half hours to Eleva Strum High School on November 7^th. Technology Education teacher Craig Cegielski, has developed an operational manufacturing company run by the students within the school. The Eleva Strum staff, students and community were filled with pride about what their program has accomplished to date. Cegielski’s outstanding efforts bring real-life manufacturing experiences into his classroom.

Butters and Production Supervisor Charles Lankford, traveled to Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville on November 19^th. They took a tour of the CNC Machine Program facility and met with CNC Technician Instructor Rich Grossen. The entire manufacturing program at Blackhawk will be moving to a new facility in nearby Milton in the near future. The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center at Milton will result in larger capabilities for the program.

On November 26^th, both Barry Butters and Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus, traveled to Richmond-Burton High School to speak to an “Introduction to Business” class about the manufacturing industry. Mike shared the challenges of running a manufacturing business in the current economy, and Barry focused his remarks on employability skills.

Subsequently, Butters traveled to East Troy High School on December 1^st to speak to Mark Beilman’s “Introduction to Engineering” class about the manufacturing industry and specifically what is manufactured at Precision Plus Inc. East Troy is a first-year Project Lead the Way (or PLTW) school with just one-course offering. Beilman shared that East Troy High School plans to add an additional PLTW course each year. Precision Plus Inc. is a big supporter of the PLTW Program, which follows the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Initiative to promote the field of engineering. The PLTW curriculum strives to provide experiences to stimulate interest in the manufacturing industry.

Reader and Butters attended the State Project Lead the Way Conference in Pewaukee on December 9^th, for which Precision Plus is a “Friend of STEM” donor. At the conference, Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor Rebecca Kleefisch addressed the state’s PLTW teachers, where she acknowledged the skills gap that companies, such as Precision Plus, are facing. It was encouraging to see the sheer number of high school educators working in conjunction with the PLTW program through the Milwaukee School of Engineering to stimulate interest in the youth of Wisconsin toward this field.

On January 7^th, Precision Plus representatives, President Mike Reader, Director of Sales and Engineering William Wells, Production Supervisor Tom Lankford, Director of Education, and Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training, traveled with Elkhorn’s District Administrator Jason Tadlock and Assistant Principal Dan Kiel to tour Beloit Memorial High School’s Technical Education facility. What has been accomplished at this facility in a short period of time is remarkable. Steve McNeal, Beloit’s District Administrator, said it was truly a partnership between the school and local industry leaders. Beloit Memorial High School has also hired Ryan Rewey to be the Technology Education Coordinator to ensure the program’s success.

Butters again traveled back to Beloit Memorial High School to speak to PLTW teacher Tammy Spoerk’s classes on January 10^th. Butters message centered on the potential for a great career in the manufacturing industry and specifically, what is manufactured at Precision Plus

Butters went back to East Troy High School to speak at their Career Day on January 14^th. He and fellow manufacturer Jerry Heckel from Heckel Tool & Manufacturing Corporation gave a presentation to 40 students on the skill-set needed to join the manufacturing industry, including problem-solving skills, a significant background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as experience in traditional metals classes.

Butters plans to visit Delavan-Darien High School and Woodstock High School in the near future. Mike Reader is committed to the cause of re-introducing the manufacturing industry to the next generation of professionals, dispelling the misconception that manufacturing is a dirty and dangerous profession. Precision Plus Inc. invites any individual or group interested in learning more about the manufacturing industry to their facility for an informational tour. Furthermore, Barry Butters and Mike Reader will travel to speak to any group interested in learning about the manufacturing industry. Feel free to contact them with any requests at 262.743.1700 or via email: Barry Butters – Mike Reader.

Employee Spotlights

January 12, 2014

Precision Plus Interns are Featured on Geneva Lake West News

2014, articles, Barry Butters, Brad Killen, Britt Campbell, Chris Schulz, education, Elkhorn, Eric Bain, Geneva Lake West News, internship, January 9, Markus Gudel, Martin Korsholm, Mike Reader, Precision Plus, programs, shortage of skilled workers, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Precision Plus interns Britt Campbell, Markus Gudel, Eric Bain, Martin Korsholm, and Brad Killen were featured on a recent issue of the Geneva Lake West News in two articles, which were published on January 9th.

On “Manufacturer confronts worker shortage,” LGWN’s Chris Schultz interviews Mike Reader and Barry Butters to report on the state of the manufacturing industry, and the shortage of skilled personnel to fill jobs, preventing companies such as Precision Plus from expanding. Precision Plus is taking a very active role in reversing the trend, and has established internship programs for high-school and college students, while expanding on educational and in-house training programs. The article features some of the interns from Precision Plus’ pilot summer program, and follows their progress within the industry.

On “Badger benefits from Precision internship,” Chris Schultz chats with Britt Campbell of Badger H.S., who also races a Mazda Miata race car.

In both instances, the emphasis is on educational proactivity to empower the manufacturing industry.

Community Involvement Company Updates

December 13, 2013

Precision Plus Spotlighted During the Project Lead The Way’s Wisconsin Professional Development Conference

Barry Butters, Ellkhorn, empowerment, Herman Viets, integrity, Internships, jobs, Lt. Governor Kleefisch, Manufacturing Day, manufacturing., Mike Reader, PLTW, Precision Plus, Project Lead The Way, promote, skills gap, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is much more than a slogan to companies involved in trying to find new talent. It exemplifies one of the premier programs in providing educational curricular programs to schools across the United States with over 5,000 schools nationwide participating in the movement.

PLTW’s focus is on science is on STEM–technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education is at the heart of today’s high-tech, high-skill global economy. In a typical year, over 3,000 high-school and middle-school teachers and counselors are trained through the PLTW programs, and PLTW-Wisconsin ranks second among all states, with over 60 new Wisconsin schools joining PLTW in 2013.

Precision Plus helped sponsor the 2013 PLTW – Wisconsin Professional Development Conference held at the Country Springs Hotel and Convention Center on December 9^th & 10^th . President Mike Reader, and Director of Education and Outreach, Barry Butters were in attendance for the opening night dinner and keynote speech by Lieutenant Governor, Rebecca Kleefisch.

Not only did Mike and Barry find themselves at the same dinner table as the Lt. Governor and Milwaukee School of Engineering President, Dr. Hermann Viets, but were both deeply humbled to hear the Precision Plus name prominently mentioned in the keynote address, with reference to setting the foundations for economic development in our State.

Specifically, Lt. Governor Kleefisch referred to the ongoing efforts of Precision Plus in helping with education and training efforts throughout the community. Internships, participation in the Wisconsin Aerospace Consortium, activities for Wisconsin Manufacturing Day, and an active role with local school programs have all helped to put the company at the forefront of developing the next generation of manufacturers.

Precision Plus supports PLTW Wisconsin and works with the organization to bring STEM to the front burner. The Lt. Governor’s comments reiterated the values for which Precision Plus stands. Two of our pillars of business are ‘Integrity and Empowerment.’ Being a valuable member of the community is one of the values of our ‘Pillar of Integrity.’ Providing training opportunities to our current and future employees, fuels our ‘Pillar of Empowerment.’

In as much as we are thankful for the recognition, we know that our efforts to bring manufacturing back to the United States are just at the beginning stages.

Company Updates

November 18, 2013

Precision Plus Recognized with the Walworth County Economic Development Association’s 2013 Workforce Investment Award

2013, award, Barry Butters, Joe Cardiff, Mike Reader, Precision Plus, presentation, Walworth County Economic Development Association, WCEDA, Workforce Investment Award

Michael Reader

Barry Butters and Mike Reader of Precision Plus Receive the Workforce Investment Award from
Joe Cardiff, Board Member
for the Walworth County Economic Development Association’s Workforce Development Committee

During this year’s Walworth County Economic Development Association’s (WCEDA) Annual Meeting, which took place on Tuesday, November 5^th at the Grand Geneva Resort, Precision Plus received the organization’s 2013 Workforce Investment Award.

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus and Barry Butters, its Director of Education and Outreach, were at hand to receive the award from Joe Cardiff, WCEDA’s Board Member representing the Workforce Development Committee.

Precision Plus was recognized for its initiatives in education by sponsoring several manufacturing programs, including plant tours, manufacturing panels and establishing an internship program while promoting the importance of careers in manufacturing.

Mike Reader credits the Precision Plus’ team of high skilled professionals for their continued support and active participation in making these initiatives possible.

Employee Spotlights

October 20, 2013

Britt Campbell, Brad Pearson and Don Newman Join Precision Plus’ 2013-2014 Internship Program

2013-2014, academic year, Brad Person, Britt Campbell, Don Newman, Elkhorn, high school seniors, Interns, internship, manufacturing., Mike Reader, paid internship, Precision Plus Inc., Wisconsin

Michael Reader

2013-2014 Precision Plus’s interns: Britt Campbell, Brad Pearson and Don Newman.

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus continues to push forward the company’s efforts to make an impact on the manufacturing skills gap epidemic.

The success achieved during the pilot internship program launched during the summer of 2013 has resulted in the establishment of a formal internship program for the 2013-2014 school year. Three high school seniors, Britt Campbell (Badger H.S.), as well as Brad Pearson and Don Newman (Elkhorn Area H.S.) have been awarded this year’s internships.

Intern Britt Campbell tests a component with OASIS equipment.

Britt Campbell, a senior at Lake Geneva Badger, starts her day at 6:30 a.m. and works until 9:00 a.m. Britt plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering or at Purdue University. Britt’s interest in the engineering field stems from her racing background. Britt began racing go-karts and now races a Mazda Miata.

Intern Britt Campbell Races a Mazda Miata at Road America in Elkhart Lake

She is a licensed novice wheel-to-wheel racer in the Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs (MCSCC) in the Sports Car Club of Rockford (SCCR), currently working towards her full competition license. You can read more about Britt’s racing on her Facebook page and contact her there to become a sponsor.

Intern Don Newman using the Earth-Chain spinner micro-deburring station

Interns Brad Pearson and Don Newman are seniors at Elkhorn High School. They are part of an apprenticeship program, which is overseen by Joanne Pella, Career and Technical Education Instructor/Coordinator at the school. The program is run in conjunction with Blackhawk Technical College.

The students start at 6:30 a.m. at Precision Plus Inc. and then head to school at 10:00 a.m., earning credit from school as well as being paid by Precision Plus for the work performed. Brad and Don are considering attending a technical college or a four-year college to pursue a degree in CNC machining or engineering.

The Internship Program at Precision Plus begins with classroom time, where interns receive instruction on blueprint reading, how to use measuring tools and general procedures. The interns then are rotated through the various operations and machining platforms.

The goal of the internship program is to immerse the students in the precision manufacturing industry so they can gain an initial understanding of the entire manufacturing process.

Precision Plus is looking to hire interns for the summer of 2014 as well as for the 2014-2015 academic year. For more information, please contact Barry Butters, Director of Education & Training at (262) 743-1700, or email him at buttersb@preplus.com.

Employee Spotlights

October 16, 2013

Brian White’s Manufacturing Story is An Inspiration for New Generations Coming Up Through the Ranks

Brian White, dream it do it, Elkhorn, employer, GE Energy's Waukesha Gas Engines, Manufacturing Alliance, manufacturing., Mike Reader, plant your, Precision Plus Inc., video, Waukesha County Business Alliance, WCBA, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

By Mike Reader
About a year ago, I had the pleasure of attending a Waukesha County Business Alliance (WCBA) Manufacturing Alliance panel discussion on workforce development issues and meeting Brian White. Brian, President of GE Energy’s Waukesha Gas Engines, was one of the panelists and he spoke frankly about manufacturing and the privilege of employing about 700 Wisconsinites.

In September of 2012, and under Brian’s leadership, GE Energy’s Waukesha Gas Engines had announced the hiring of 115 employees, following a $3.1 million investment into its engineering center.

Brian is a brilliant leader, but his story is not your typical rise-to-the-top story, because Brian didn’t go to college after graduating from high school. As a matter of fact, he didn’t know what to do with his life, until he found the opportunities that manufacturing presented to him—opportunities which he did not hesitate to pursue.
In May 2013, Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin, featured Brian in a video titled “Upward Bound – Wisconsin Manufacturing Careers.” In just a few statements, Brian tells us about his early life, and gives anyone looking into a career in manufacturing the assurance that anything is possible.

Last night, I attended another WCBA meeting, hosted by GE Energy’s Waukesha Gas Engines, which included tours of the engine assembly area and featured the Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin video featuring Brian. I was pleased to connect with Brian again. We had a very good discussion about what each was doing to address the skills gap and looked forward to collaborating in the future.

Community Involvement

September 30, 2013

Precision Plus of Elkhorn Wisconsin Sponsors the Elkhorn Technology and Engineering Club (E-TECH)

Michael Reader

A group of students from Elkhorn High School has established a club called the Elkhorn Technology and Engineering Club (E-TECH). The group’s officers include President Hunter Parks, Vice President Allan Russell, Director of Technology Alex Roberts, Secretary Maria Vigueras, and Treasurer Jessica Flock.

Officers of Elkhorn Area High School’s E-TECH Club visit Precision Plus

The mission of the club is to introduce Elkhorn Area School District youth–from kindergarten through high school–to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Their initial goal was to start a program within their school district where kids could learn about topics such as electronics, motion, and the engineering process through hands-on experiences, such as building robots and electronic devices and participating in competitions.

Their second emphasis was to empower the younger generation to invent and innovate in order to make a path towards a brighter future. Participation in the E-TECH Club fosters an interest in the math and science disciplines and promotes successful strategies for teamwork, problem solving, and sportsmanship.

The group competes in the First Lego League, First Tech Challenge, Gateway College’s Sumo Bot Competition, West Point Bridge Building Competition, and the Future City Project. The club is seeking sponsorship to expand the number of students able to participate in competitions and to expand their involvement to include elementary school students.

Members of the E-TECH Club meet with Mike Reader of Precision Plus and Gary Huss of Hudapack to discuss sponsorship.

At a meeting held at Precision Plus on July 19, 2013, the group met with Mike Reader of Precision Plus Inc. and Gary Huss from Hudapack to inform them of their mission and goals as well as to request sponsorship. Precision Plus and Hudapack both committed $500 as “Gold Sponsors” of the club. The students then took a tour of the Precision Plus facility.

Mike Reader resonated with the goals and aspirations of the students in the E-TECH Club. He added, “The students display great problem-solving skills combined with strong math and science backgrounds. These are the type of young individuals manufacturing needs. Exposing these great minds to the possibilities of manufacturing will certainly contribute to closing the gap.”

Elkhorn Area High School’s E-TECH Club tours
Precision Plus led by Mike Reader.

Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at Precision Plus, has also committed to help supervise some of the club’s activities. Butters is a former teacher at Elkhorn High School, having taught advanced placement math courses including statistics and calculus, as well as Introduction to Engineering Design, a “Project Lead the Way” course.

Industry News

April 26, 2013

PMPA and Production Machining Magazine Feature Precision Plus in Recent Publications

2013, April, Career Council, Elkhorn Area High School, February, Lt. Governor Kleefisch, magazine, Mike Reader, Miles Free, PMPA, Precision Plus, Production Manufacturing, publication, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

In an article published in the PMPA Magazine on April 18 2013, Miles Free, its Director of Technology Services, describes the events of February 2013 that took place at Precision Plus and surrounding schools following a manufacturing education initiative. The article was also reprinted by Production Machining Magazine.

“A career in precision machining can be part of a dual path of work and education. A dual track leads to a lifetime of career success.”

PMPA Member Company Precision Plus, and CEO Mike Reader, in Elkhorn, Wis., is showing manufacturers how to engage effectively to get the word out about skills needed in manufacturing.

On February 22, Precision Plus hosted an open house attended by Wisconsin Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Reed Hall, staff members and local press. The shop tour allowed the attendees to see how manufacturing is an important part of the Wisconsin economy, and the critical role Precision Plus and their machinists play in making high-technology, precision-engineered components—components that are used by many companies in the state, as well as across North America and around the world.

On February 27, Precision Plus hosted the Elkhorn Area High School Manufacturing Career Panel. “The skills gap that we hear about is real, and we opened our shop to show the attendees that there are great career opportunities right here in their own back yard,” Mr. Reader says. “Earn while you learn through tuition reimbursement programs is something many families haven’t considered.”

To help students understand the nature of the opportunities available, speakers from across the industry were brought in to share their experiences. Olaf Tessarzyk, managing partner and president at ZPS America LLC, discussed the wages earned in the trade across the country and around the world. He also discussed the opportunities available nationally and internationally for skilled people in manufacturing.

“Bring your math, engineering and problem solving skills, and you can have a great career in manufacturing,” Mr. Tessarzyk says. “Our service techs earn great pay, have great careers, have good quality of life and get to travel. They are also highly respected as the people who can get your equipment back into operation when no one else can. It is a great feeling to be the ‘go-to guy or gal’ today when so many people remain unemployed.”

John Murphy of Morris Midwest discussed the companies in Wisconsin that purchased precision machined products from companies like Precision Plus “It is a veritable ‘Who’s Who of Wisconsin manufacturers,’” he says. “While the job and opportunity is local, the fact is that the products made are vital to other companies and jobs all across the state.”

Dan Murphy, regional sales manager and product expert with REM Sales, spoke to the 180 students in attendance and described the technologies and how they are used. “A lot of orthopedic and surgical implant components are made using Swiss machining technologies like those here at Precision Plus,” he says. “I was really impressed when about eight of the students attending, all of whom were in the highest ranking of their graduating class, came up to me to tell me two of them were considering a career in biomedical engineering. The visibility and importance of precision machining in their future field was easily seen by these students.”

Darlene Miller, CEO of Permac Industries in Burnsville, Minn., had a message for the female students in attendance. “We actually have an advantage in this industry. We think differently. Critically. Our asking ‘why?’ leads to improvements and efficiencies in processes. Our attention to detail helps minimize mistakes. But our passion helps keep everyone motivated and working toward the same goal.

“After working in manufacturing, I moved into sales, and bought an interest in the company. I grew my share and grew my company. Today, we supply leading companies around the world. I was recently honored as one of 122 Women in Manufacturing by the Manufacturing Institute,” Ms. Miller continues. “Another honoree was a young woman who operates a CNC machine and designed an assembly process for her employer. I don’t know of any place with so many opportunities for a career, recognition and to make a difference as precision machining and advanced manufacturing.”

Mr. Reader summarizes his take on the career panel, “I think this year’s Manufacturing Career Panel was a success. Despite our lovely Wisconsin weather, we engaged almost 200 students, including a valedictorian and several others at the top of their class. The best and brightest showed up. While many of them still plan on attending college, and we hope they do, they now are aware that they have another choice besides going deep into debt. They now know that they can earn while they learn, gain a skill as they get an education and integrate their manufacturing experiences into their engineering studies.”

“Learn your skills locally, but understand they are needed globally,” he concludes. “Your highest and best use may just be becoming a skilled craftsman in high-demand globally. Even the Swiss, who are known for their culture of manufacturing expertise and quality, are trying to find more manufacturing talent. A career in precision machining can be part of a dual path of work and education. A dual track leads to a lifetime of career success.”

Community Involvement Educational Development

March 11, 2013

180 High School Students Attend the First Manufacturing Career Panel Discussion at Elkhorn Area High School in Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Despite an 8” snow fall, on February 27, 2013 180 high school students from Elkhorn, Lake Geneva and William’s Bay gathered at Elkhorn Area High School’s Wehner Auditorium to listen to a panel of manufacturing professionals discuss the vast possibilities available today in the world of hi-tech manufacturing. The program was entitled “Elkhorn Area High School – Manufacturing Career Panel.”

This manufacturing awareness initiative began in late July of 2012, when 40 business representatives from Walworth County—most of them manufacturers—met to discuss the skills gap and the increasing demand for skilled manufacturing professionals. The vision was clear: to strive for the collaboration of businesses, the academic world and legislators in order to validate the impact that the manufacturing sector (or its absence) has on the overall economy of the state and the country. Additionally, the group agreed to foster initiatives aimed to bring up a new crop of world-class manufacturers through relevant education. The mission was also clear: to make the vision happen, and to dispel the current stigma hovering over the notion of pursuing a career in manufacturing.

“The real world of 21^st Century manufacturing is totally different than its mid-century predecessor,” comments Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus “Today, manufacturing is the engine behind every “Top-Gun” pilot’s aircraft, the tools behind every surgeon’s life or death decision, the technique behind every tractor reaping the best of the crop, and even the reality that made the Mars Rover Mission possible. “

“Today’s manufacturing industry is not looking for unskilled workers, but instead, is looking for the cream of the crop,” adds Mike Reader, “Only 3 out of 100 candidates makes the cut. The manufacturing industry needs people who will make James Bond succeed and we’re willing to train them on the job and pay them a salary comparable or even greater than any college graduate. But they have to have the drive and the will.”

Late in 2012, Precision Plus invited twenty-four area educators to tour its facilities in Elkhorn, WI and to discuss the manufacturing possibilities available for high school graduates in the area. The exchange resulted in the implementation of a program aimed to educate high school students about the reality of a future in manufacturing. Under the diligent leadership of EAHS’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator JoAnne Pella and the support and endorsement of Principal Tina Bosworth, a Manufacturing Career Panel was organized for February 27, 2013.

The event was formatted as a panel discussion. The manufacturing professionals panelists were Dan Murphy, Regional Sales Manager at Rem Sales, LLC; Darlene Miller, President and CEO of Permac Industries; John Murphy, President of Morris Midwest, LLC; Olaf Tessarzyk, Managing Partner of ZPS America, LLC, and Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus For one and a half hours, the panelists and students engaged in a genuine discussion about the state of the industry and the possibilities manufacturing has available for young people finishing high school.

It was pointed out by the panelists, that the marked difference between a regular college education vs. a technical college education and/or on-the-the-job training was the opportunity to have real-work experience rather than strictly classroom instruction. A person learning and experiencing the art and science of machining, may continue on as business owner, as a program developer, design engineer, quality control engineer, management leader or sales professional, to name a few, and have the real-life experience to understand how to transform ideas into reality. The machining industry opens the doors to limitless possibilities, offering rewarding careers to “Top Gun” candidates, both men and women.

Following the panel discussion, several tours have been scheduled for students to visit area manufacturers. The next phase in the manufacturing awareness program is to develop internships for high school and college students, to coordinate learning opportunities with local technical colleges and to seek increased support of local, state and national legislators.

1 … 4 5 6 7

Tag : Mike Reader