Local Schools Celebrate Manufacturing Month

In-Depth Tours Provide Over 680 Students with an Inside Look at
Our Region’s Largest Industry

Celina, Ohio – The Mercer County Educational Service Center (ESC) Business Advisory Council recently facilitated tours in honor of Manufacturing Month, showcasing the importance of this field and career opportunities in one of the largest industries in the Mercer County region.

Over 680 sixth and seventh graders from Celina, Coldwater, Fort Recovery, Marion Local, Parkway, St. Henry and Versailles participated, each visiting three sites and bringing 16 buses to 9 companies in two days. Students learned how to relate precision machining to math classes and how scientific theories such as electrostatic principles are applied in powder-coating processes. In addition, traditional production methods were demonstrated, along with state-of-the-art technology such as robotics and automation. Many tour guides shared with the students how to be trained as operators, machinists, engineers, production associates and more, describing the value of career-connected classroom learning, Tri Star Career Compact programs, on-the-job training, apprenticeships and traditional college pathways.

Many companies started with a brief presentation about their history and products or services, then rotated the students through tours and hands-on activities. This format helped the students see how companies in our region work together to supply and produce materials, and illustrated how we are connected globally to the U.S Military, Ford, Whirlpool and Kitchen Aid, Honda and many others. Students heard awe-inspiring stories about pride in workmanship, how family-owned businesses grew to the global stage and how companies create an employee-friendly culture.

In a post-tour survey, student comments were overwhelmingly positive, including statements like:

• “I did not know that it was world wide and I thought it was only in Celina.”

• “Thank you, I didn't know that a lot of the items we use daily came from this company.”

• “I didn't know what they did before we went there. Now I know what and saw how they make stuff.”

• “I want to work at all of them.”

“These annual tours are a signature event for our Business Advisory Council,” said Sandi Holdheide, Workforce and Career Navigator with the Mercer County ESC. “Many students see these buildings every day and are really excited to learn what is made inside. And, this awareness helps prepare these students for the decisions they will make soon about pursuing career tech programs and which high school classes best fit their strengths and interests.”

Companies opening their doors to host student tours included: CELINA (Celina Tent, Inc.), Crown Equipment (New Bremen and Celina), Fort Recovery Industries Inc., JR Manufacturing Inc., Lincoln Electric, Nidec Minster Corporation, Pax Machine Works, Inc., Reynolds & Reynolds, and VTF Excavation, LLC. In addition, Jared Ebbing, Mercer County Economic and Community Development Director, assisted with the coordination of the event.