NEW POINT, Ind. – Area high school students celebrated Manufacturing Day 2014 at Wood-Mizer, observing the daily procedures of the company.
The wood processing equipment manufacturer hosted students from Batesville High School, Greensburg High School and North and South Decatur on Tuesday.
Students had a chance to hear about the history and current operations of the global company, through tours and presentations conducted by Wood-Mizer associates.
Manufacturing Day is a nationwide initiative designed to expand knowledge about manufacturing careers and its value to the U.S. economy. It also allows students an opportunity to see firsthand the practices of a manufacturing company.
“Kids that are looking for a career in manufacturing, it gives them an opportunity to come out and see what is available, as well as what kind of training they need to get those jobs,” said Jeff Heidlage, director of manufacturing at Wood-Mizer.
“They can come in and learn, and we are willing to teach them those jobs. But they need basic skills, reading a ruler, basic math, the hardest thing is they have to show up every day,” Heidlage explained.
Established in 1979, Wood-Mizer has grown to be known as the world’s largest manufacturer of portable bandsaw mills, with machines in 200 countries and approximately 60,000 units worldwide. The company produces approximately 2,000 machines annually.
The Manufacturing Day event was coordinated through Decatur County EcO15 and Ripley County EcO15.
