On Thursday evening, Catalyst Connection honored three local companies for their work connecting youth with opportunities to explore careers in manufacturing.
The awards, which were presented at the nonprofit's annual Manufacturing Reception, went to All-Clad Metalcrafters, Hammill Manufacturing Co. and Wojanis Supply Co.
Petra Mitchell, president and CEO of Catalyst Connection said that although manufacturing is strong in the region--supporting 17.2 million jobs in Pennsylvania--many companies still face challenges when it comes to finding a skilled workforce.
All-Clad was honored for its involvement in Catalyst Connection's "Adventures in Technology Program." For six years, the Canonsburg-based manufacturer has been working with students from South Fayette High School. Giving the students real-world issues the company is facing, ranging from handle redesign to envisioning the future of cookware, the students work to develop and engineer solutions. All-Clad has expanded the program to include students at Canon-McMillan High School, and is also expanding to North Allegheny High School.
Trafford-based Hammill Manufacturing was honored for bringing the BotsIQ program to the region. Since the program was started nine years ago, to date more than 4,000 students have participated. The program, in which high school students design and build their own battle bots, presents manufacturing to students in an unconventional and hands-on approach. The 2014 BotsIQ preliminaries will be held March 14-15 at Westmoreland County Community College.
Wojanis Supply Co., based in Coraopolis, was recognized for its Fluid Power Challenge, a competition that challenges middle school students to solve engineering problems through the use of fluid power. The competition, which is in its fourth year, offers students an introduction into the fluid power industry. This year's challenge will be held in conjunction with the BotsIQ finals on April 25 at California University of Pennsylvania.
In addition to the awards program, Catalyst Connection recognized eight other manufacturers for their success in continuous improvement, including:
- Plastikoil of Pennsylvania
- Environmental Tank & Container
- Jennison Corp.
- Gerome Manufacturing
- Advantech US Inc.
- AccuTrex Products
- All Water Systems
- Cleveland/Price