Area manufacturers on display at VUJC today

“I think the students will be surprised by what the manufacturers are capable of now,” Ray Niehaus, director of the Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing at Vincennes University Jasper Campus.

In celebration of National Manufacturing Day, students from seven area schools will be visiting the Vincennes University Jasper Campus to view products and processes used by local manufacturers. Students involved with Project Lead the Way will be bused to the university’s Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing to meet with manufacturers and view their products and processes.

“Many students still view manufacturing as dirty, gluey. That machining will be all nasty and dirty,” Niehaus said. “This demonstrates to those students the reality of CNC and lathe cutting and other modern manufacturing processes.”

The event is beneficial for manufacturers seeking to change that view as they get to demonstrate how their manufacturing processes have changed dramatically in recent years. “I think it is a big surprise to students how important IT (information technology) is for these companies,” Niehaus said. “Everybody is looking for IT people right now.”

Well known companies like MasterBrand, Jasper Engines and Kimball will be at the center, but smaller companies like Advanced Furniture Testing will be demonstrating their testing processes. “Advanced is in need of young people to learn how to use electronics, PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and robotics,” Niehaus said. “What a great opportunity. It’s something they [students] don’t think about.”

For Niehaus, who was a Project Lead the Way instructor, introducing these students to the modern manufacturing processes is important to connect them back to the area. “I hope this lets them know that they have an opportunity in this area,” Niehaus said. “I won’t be surprised if a percentage of the students coming in here don’t change their view of local manufacturing processes and those opportunities.”

The event is put on in recognition of National Manufacturers Day in conjunction with the Purdue Technical Assistance Program and the local economic development organization, Dubois Strong.