Wednesday, June 18, 2014

It’s HOT Behind These G.R.I.L.L.s

This mentoring-to-manufacturing story is hot off the presses.

Project G.R.I.L.L. (Growing Readiness in Learning & Leading) teams high school students with local manufacturers to learn about career opportunities. But they also learn even more important manufacturing skills, including project management, design, fabricating, finishing, assembly and quality control.

Oh, and they build incredible, working, backyard grills, too!

Click here for more, including the 7 manufacturers and their partner schools - plus a VIDEO of the truly amazing grills built by the students.

Monday, June 16, 2014

...And It'll Get Hotter Indoors

Providing a safe, cool work environment is almost an impossible challenge at many plants during the ‘dog days’ of summer.

As the hot months approach, Industrial Maintenance and Plant Operations magazine posts some suggestions on planning now to avoid employee discomfort and loss of productivity this summer.

Strategies covered in more detail include:

  • Efficiencies and placement of fan systems
  • Better use of plant air conditioning systems, and
  • New technology in evaporative coolers

If you’re in charge of workplace environment, it’s a great read.

Check out the complete article here.

Friday, June 13, 2014

How a State Markets Manufacturing

We have customers and friends all around the Midwest, but wanted to share this video, produced by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, that promotes the benefits of manufacturing in the state. Several of the state's larger manufacturers appear (including Oshkosh Corp, Lindquist Machine and Marinette Marine), and they're talking up the ‘community of smaller manufacturers’ that make up their supply chain. Even if you’re outside Wisconsin, you’ll definitely want to check out this short, 5-minute video. Just click on the image above.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Now THIS is how to Develop New Welders

Leave it to manufacturers…and innovative thinking…to really make a dent in the shortage of skilled welders.

Fabricating & Metalworking Magazine reports on a collaborative job training initiative in Wisconsin It kicks off this summer in four regions around Wisconsin, backed by forward thinking manufacturers and welding industry leaders.

Miller Electric of Appleton is the newest member of the collaboration, which also includes manufacturing alliances, technical colleges, and state workforce development boards. Their goal is to accredit as many as 120 skilled and job-ready welders before the end of the year.

Check out the details from the magazine’s website.