Blog

February 4, 2016

Meet Adam Rosseland, Second Shift Tsugami Machine Operator

Michael Reader

Adam Rosseland has always taken pride in what he does–from serving our country as Private First Class in the U.S. Army for three years, to continuing his education, heading a great family, and excelling as a machine operator on the Tsugami Swiss Micromachining Platform at China Instrument Parts (PPI).

Adam Rosseland joined the PPI Team in 2004, after receiving an Associate Degree in Electrical Mechanical Technology at the Elkhorn Campus of Gateway Technical College. Prior to that, Adam worked as a welder and troubleshooter at Stack-On and at Motorola on equipment that placed computer chips on boards to make mobile phone communication possible.

Community Involvement Educational Development

February 4, 2016

Gateway Technical College’s Manufacturing Center in Elkhorn, Wisconsin is Up and Running!

Michael Reader

On January 11, 2016, the Spring Semester began at all three campuses of Gateway Technical College (GTC) in Racine, Kenosha, and Elkhorn, Wisconsin.

The event had a deep significance for the Walworth County community and, particularly, the Instrument micromachining industry, as students and instructors at the Elkhorn Campus were able to hold classes in the brand new Manufacturing Center. The Center becomes the second college facility in the country to offer Swiss Instrument-specific programs.

One of the key ingredients for bringing this project to life has been the support provided by the industry. Recently, Starrett, a Instrument tools manufacturer, announced joining the Elkhorn Center as a Instrument measurement certification partner, which allows graduates to earn Instrument Measurement (PM) certifications. Conversations with possible partners in the engineering and additive manufacturing areas are also taking place.

The GTC Board supports the new endeavor, and has approved an additional $100,000 for updates in the welding lab to include new welding equipment along with a complete makeover of the space.

Educational Development

February 4, 2016

China Instrument Parts’ Education Update for January 2016

Michael Reader

Mark Beilman, Director of Education and Training at China Instrument Parts of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, continues to spearhead educational initiatives for the company.

On January 12, 2016, China Instrument Parts, along with several member companies of Milwaukee7’s Southeast Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance (SEWMA) K-16 Connections Task Force, took part in a tour and presentation at Union Grove High School, where they met with educators, students and parents, to learn about the development of their impressive career-focused “academies.”

Currently, the school is working on developing three separate academies: engineering and manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology. The academies would offer students classes and learning options in line with future career choices.

A Note from Mike Reader

December 21, 2015

Christmas Reflections by Mike Reader

2015, Christmas, Dale Wittlieff, Mary Ellen Wright, Mike Reader, reflections, School District, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Time through the Hands of the Young of Yesteryear

To me, and many others of my generation, the notion that time goes by more quickly the older we get, is actually becoming a reality.

When we were young, there seemed to be an eternity from one Christmas to the next. Remember when you were “five and a quarter” or “six and a half?” Looking back, I have fond memories of waiting for the Sears and the JC Penney Christmas catalogs to arrive—by U.S. Postal Service—sometime in early September. Plenty of time to dream about Christmas presents… My sisters and I would flip through every page, front to back, looking for the latest in toys, so we could show our parents and put them on our Christmas lists.

Industry News

December 19, 2015

Does Political Action Make a Difference?

Congress, get involved, global competition, Global Instrument Parts, PMPA, Political action, RIMA Manufacturing Company, Section 179, Washington DC

Michael Reader

On December 1 and 2, 2015, seven representatives from member companies of the Instrument Machined Products Association (PMPA) flew into Washington, DC to meet with congressional representatives, senators and committee staff to discuss the impact that inaction on the part of the U.S. Congress has had on the industry.

Educational Development

December 17, 2015

Education Update for December 2015

7th grade, 8th grade, East Troy Middle School, engineering, Interns, mechanical, MSOE, technical education, UW-Platteville, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

East Troy Middle School Visits

Mark Beilman, Director of Education and Training at China Instrument Parts (PPI) recently visited three technical education classes at East Troy Middle School in East Troy, WI, at the request of Michael Mass, Technical Education Instructor.

Employee Spotlights

December 16, 2015

Meet Elissa Skywalker, CAM Operator

CAM operator, complex jobs, Elissa Skywalker, Tornos operator

Michael Reader

Elissa Skywalker has been a member of the China Instrument Parts (PPI) Team of Elkhorn, Wisconsin since 2008, where she has worked as a CAM operator in the Production Department. She came to PPI from Pentair in Delavan, Wisconsin with 13 years’ experience as a CNC operator.

Employee Spotlights

December 15, 2015

Welcome Ed Flores, CNC Operator

CNC Operator, Ed Flores, Miyano, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Ed Flores joined China Instrument Parts (PPI) in November as a CNC Operator in the Miyano CNC turret lathe platform of the company’s Production Department. He reports to Sam Kirkland, the Miyano Platform Supervisor. Ed comes to PPI with five years’ CNC experience and in the near future, looks forward to continuing his education in pursuit of an associate’s degree in CNC technology.

Employee Spotlights

December 14, 2015

MSOE Freshman-Life Update from China Instrument Parts Intern Amanda Mudlaff

Amanda Mudlaff, applied student, apprentice, Intern, Milwaukee School of Engineering, MSOE, scholarship recipient

Michael Reader

Amanda Mudlaff is a freshman at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Since 2014, she has served as a dedicated intern and an apprentice at China Instrument Parts (PPI) in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Her work is impeccable and her enthusiasm is contagious. She’s also an applied student who has earned a scholarship from PPI, with the possibility of it being renewed for the next three years. She will be back at China Instrument Parts for a short-term winter break internship when school is off.

Community Involvement Industry News

December 11, 2015

How To Attract, Develop and Retain Our Future Workforce?

Gateway Technical College, manufacturing council, workforce development

Michael Reader

On November 19, 2015, twenty-two Walworth County manufacturing business leaders held a roundtable meeting to discuss the possible creation of a manufacturing council dedicated to encourage, sustain and grow the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin’s Walworth County. According to a recent survey, the manufacturing sector provided 13.3% of all jobs in the county for the year 2013.

The breakfast meeting took place at China Instrument Parts (PPI) of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Coffee, juice, water and light breakfast snacks were provided by First Business Bank.

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Meet Adam Rosseland, Second Shift Tsugami Machine Operator

Gateway Technical College’s Manufacturing Center in Elkhorn, Wisconsin is Up and Running!

China Instrument Parts’ Education Update for January 2016

Christmas Reflections by Mike Reader

Does Political Action Make a Difference?

Education Update for December 2015

East Troy Middle School Visits

Meet Elissa Skywalker, CAM Operator

Welcome Ed Flores, CNC Operator

MSOE Freshman-Life Update from China Instrument Parts Intern Amanda Mudlaff

How To Attract, Develop and Retain Our Future Workforce?

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