All the marbles
A robotics project designed by Wrightstown teacher Scott Hanneman and built entirely by Wrightstown students has become a permanent, interactive educational exhibit aimed attea ching kids about industrial automation and building excitement for manufacturing careers. Students who participated in the effortalso earned credits and cert ificates from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
The project challenged high school students to build and automate an interactive marble sorting machine to be displayed in the middle school. As students activate the machine, they can see colored plastic balls being moved, sorted and taking distinct paths through the system. Just like a science museum exhibit, the project is designed with hands-on engagement.
The project took about two academic years to complete, with an official ribbon cutting ceremony held at Wrightstown Middle School in May. Last school year students designed the system, selected parts, completed layout of the automation enclosure and began conduit work to provide power to the project. This year, they finished conduit installation, wiring and implementation of the project’s core mechanical elements, programming and troubleshooting to bring the system to life.
“Projects of this nature give students experience with real life technology,” said Craig Wiedemeier, president of Werner Electric Supply, which donated $13,000 to the project. “Automation touches every element of business and manufacturing today, and hopefully these young people will learn and be inspired to launch careers in modern manufacturing.”
In addition to the lead gift from Werner Electric Supply, the project also received contributions from Precision Paper Converters and Suburban Enterprises. Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley, a partner company of Werner Electric Supply, donated several of the supplies, including HMI and PLC units, cables, sensors and pilot lights.
“It’s significant that the kids are using real components,” Hanneman said. “Starting with a rough idea and real parts, they had to make a durable, interactive automated system that showcased their abilities to troubleshoot and implement sophisticated technology.”
— Kate Bruns
Out of the gate
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College has been awarded $579,181 from the U.S. Department of the Navy to create “Welding Rodeo” events aimed at bridging the workforce gap in our region’s shipbuilding sector. The Welding Rodeos are projected to begin this fall, with annual events taking place in both Marinette and Sturgeon Bay — homes to Fincantieri Marine Group shipyards. NWTC officials say the events will include STEM career fairs, hands-on welding workshops, welding competitions for every skill level and a metal sculpture contest with proceeds funding scholarships.
175 years of giving back
In May, Menasha Corporation marked its 175th anniversary by donating $3.75 million to Fox Valley area organizations including Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services of Oshkosh, Trout Museum of Art in Appleton, Jefferson Park in Menasha and the Elisha D. Smith Library in Menasha, which is named for the company’s founder. “Elisha D. Smith believed in building the best products in the industry, but not only building the best products but also making sure the company was a responsible business supportive of the community and the citizens,” CEO Christopher Drees said. The company plans to celebrate its anniversary all year long with a total of $6 million in philanthropic gifts.
MPTC expands in West Bend to support manufacturing
Moraine Park Technical College broke ground on its Advanced Manufacturing Center in West Bend May 30. The project has two phases: Phase one will add a manufacturing, automation and robotics lab to support advanced manufacturing, welding, metal fabrication and robotics for apprenticeship degree programs and job training. The expected completion date is December 2024. Phase two of the West Bend campus expansion, which includes the reconfiguration of the main campus entrance, will begin in spring 2025.
