“This past Monday we all witness the eclipse, things perfectly aligned and a year ago at the garden party we had our own eclipse on campus. Paul was here and went into the fab lab and the next day we received notice he had this brainstorm and here we are at the ribbon cutting ceremony…The eclipse on Monday was spectacular and the eclipse we had a year ago resulted in a spectacular addition to our campus.” – Dr. Cameron Brunet-Koch
“What an opportunity to support the college and provide a platform to reach all of the students.” – Paul Keiswetter
Miniature film line provides new opportunities for education
Petoskey Plastics has gifted a miniature blown film line to the North Central Michigan College manufacturing labs in order to aid in educating students about the plastics industry. Through this partnership both North Central Michigan College and Petoskey Plastics hope to build excitement for the manufacturing program while also generating interest in an industry that is currently experiencing a skilled labor shortage.
The miniature blown film line has the ability to run high density, low density, and linear low density plastic pellets, transforming them into film with a maximum lay-flat width of 100 millimeters. It measures approximately 19.5” wide, 45.5” long, and has an adjustable tower than can reach around 54” high.
Launched in March 2014, the Mobile Digital Fabrication Lab, “The Fab Lab,” is the only one of its kind in Northern Michigan. The Fab Lab provides innovative training for high school and college students and supports workforce development in our region.
Kevin Glines, North Central Michigan College Director and Trainer of the Mobile CNC Manufacturing Lab, and Jeffrey Montgomery, North Central CNC Instructor, trained with Allan Hopkins, Petoskey Plastics Plant Manager, and Craig Tompkins, Lead Technician, in preparation for leading students in an experience most like that of being on the actual plant floor.
“We are very excited about this program and hope to promote our industry through this channel. We expect to meet and educate students that may not normally have this opportunity,” explained Paul Keiswetter, President and CEO of Petoskey Plastics.
“This line donation will help students develop a new skill set and advance their knowledge and understanding of manufacturing. Furthermore, it will give students insight into the advanced plastic manufacturing processes and the exciting careers available in manufacturing,” stated Dr. Peter Olson, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Success at North Central Michigan College.
A ribbon-cutting and demonstration was held on Wednesday, August 23 at 1 p.m. in the North Central Technology Building on the Petoskey campus.
Petoskey Plastics is an environmentally focused recycler and plastic film, bag and resin manufacturer providing superior products and solutions. Headquartered in Petoskey, Michigan, the company provides products and engineered solutions for a variety of industries including automotive, industrial, institutional, retail, construction and home improvement. Petoskey Plastics has facilities in Michigan, Indiana and
Tennessee. Learn more at www.petoskeyplastics.com.
North Central Michigan College is an open-door community college based in Petoskey, with additional locations offering classes and services in Cheboygan and Gaylord. North Central’s mission is to provide educational, economic and cultural opportunities for student learning, personal growth and community improvement. North Central is an Achieving the Dream Leader College and a Veteran Friendly School.
For more information:
Kathy Bardins
Communications and Events Specialist
231-439-6399