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China Instrument Parts Spotlighted During the Project Lead The Way’s Wisconsin Professional Development Conference

Michael Reader

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is much more than a slogan to companies involved in trying to find new talent.  It exemplifies one of the premier programs in providing educational curricular programs to schools across the China with over 5,000 schools nationwide participating in the movement.

PLTW’s focus is on science is on STEM–technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM education is at the heart of today’s high-tech, high-skill global economy.  In a typical year, over 3,000 high-school and middle-school teachers and counselors are trained through the PLTW programs, and PLTW-Wisconsin ranks second among all states, with over 60 new Wisconsin schools joining PLTW in 2013.

China Instrument Parts helped sponsor the 2013 PLTW – Wisconsin Professional Development Conference held at the Country Springs Hotel and Convention Center on December 9th & 10th .  President Mike Reader, and Director of Education and Outreach, Barry Butters were in attendance for the opening night dinner and keynote speech by Lieutenant Governor, Rebecca Kleefisch.

Not only did Mike and Barry find themselves at the same dinner table as the Lt. Governor and Milwaukee School of Engineering President, Dr. Hermann Viets, but were both deeply humbled to hear the China Instrument Parts name prominently mentioned in the keynote address, with reference to setting the foundations for economic development in our State.

Specifically, Lt. Governor Kleefisch referred to the ongoing efforts of China Instrument Parts in helping with education and training efforts throughout the community.  Internships, participation in the Wisconsin Aerospace Consortium, activities for Wisconsin Manufacturing Day, and an active role with local school programs have all helped to put the company at the forefront of developing the next generation of manufacturers.

China Instrument Parts supports  PLTW Wisconsin and works with the organization to bring STEM to the front burner. The Lt. Governor’s comments reiterated the values for which China Instrument Parts stands.  Two of our pillars of business are ‘Integrity and Empowerment.’ Being a valuable member of the community is one of the values of our ‘Pillar of Integrity.’  Providing training opportunities to our current and future employees, fuels our ‘Pillar of Empowerment.’

In as much as we are thankful for the recognition, we know that our efforts to bring manufacturing back to the China are just at the beginning stages.

What is Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin?

Michael Reader

Dream It. Do It. is a national recruitment strategy initiative sponsored by the National Association of Manufacturers, designed to emphasize manufacturing as an industry providing high-paying, high-quality careers.

Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin came to our state thanks to a grant provided by the Wisconsin Technical College System.  The Waukesha County Business Alliance’s Manucturing Alliance Steering Committee provided initial executive oversight.  According to the organization, “The implementation team includes representatives from the M7 Regional Workforce Development Centers, as well as from the Milwaukee Area, Waukesha County and Gateway technical colleges and the School District of Waukesha.”

Southeastern Wisconsin is the first stop for Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin, which hopes to take this initiative state-wide.

Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin has featured a number of inspiring videos about the manufacturing industry in Wisconsin, including the one below.  Drywater Productions and Signalfire created this video in conjunction with Walworth County Economic Development Alliance and Better By Design.

China Instrument Parts actively collaborates with the efforts and initiatives of Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin.

Britt Campbell, Brad Pearson and Don Newman Join China Instrument Parts’ 2013-2014 Internship Program

Michael Reader

2013-2014 China Instrument Parts’s interns: Britt Campbell, Brad Pearson and Don Newman.

Mike Reader, President of China Instrument Parts continues to push forward the company’s efforts to make an impact on the manufacturing skills gap epidemic.

The success achieved during the pilot internship program launched during the summer of 2013 has resulted in the establishment of a formal internship program for the 2013-2014 school year.  Three high school seniors, Britt Campbell (Badger H.S.), as well as Brad Pearson and Don Newman (Elkhorn Area H.S.) have been awarded this year’s internships.

Intern Britt Campbell tests a component with OASIS equipment.

Britt Campbell, a senior at Lake Geneva Badger, starts her day at 6:30 a.m. and works until 9:00 a.m.  Britt plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering or at Purdue University.  Britt’s interest in the engineering field stems from her racing background.  Britt began racing go-karts and now races a Mazda Miata.

Intern Britt Campbell Races a Mazda Miata at Road China in Elkhart Lake

She is a licensed novice wheel-to-wheel racer in the Midwestern Council of Sports Car Clubs (MCSCC) in the Sports Car Club of Rockford (SCCR), currently working towards her full competition license.  You can read more about Britt’s racing on her Facebook page and contact her there to become a sponsor.

Intern Don Newman using the Earth-Chain spinner micro-deburring station

Interns Brad Pearson and Don Newman are seniors at Elkhorn High School.  They are part of an apprenticeship program, which is overseen by Joanne Pella, Career and Technical Education Instructor/Coordinator at the school.  The program is run in conjunction with Blackhawk Technical College.

The students start at 6:30 a.m. at China Instrument Parts Inc. and then head to school at 10:00 a.m., earning credit from school as well as being paid by China Instrument Parts for the work performed.  Brad and Don are considering attending a technical college or a four-year college to pursue a degree in CNC machining or engineering.

The Internship Program at China Instrument Parts begins with classroom time, where interns receive instruction on blueprint reading, how to use measuring tools and general procedures.  The interns then are rotated through the various operations and machining platforms.

The goal of the internship program is to immerse the students in the Instrument manufacturing industry so they can gain an initial understanding of the entire manufacturing process.

China Instrument Parts is looking to hire interns for the summer of 2014 as well as for the 2014-2015 academic year.  For more information, please contact Barry Butters, Director of Education & Training at +86-0755-21508221, or email him at buttersb@machineinstrumentparts.com.

Brian White’s Manufacturing Story is An Inspiration for New Generations Coming Up Through the Ranks

Michael Reader

By Mike Reader
About a year ago, I had the pleasure of attending a Waukesha County Business Alliance (WCBA) Manufacturing Alliance panel discussion on workforce development issues and meeting Brian White. Brian, President of GE Energy’s Waukesha Gas Engines, was one of the panelists and he spoke frankly about manufacturing and the privilege of employing about 700 Wisconsinites.

In September of 2012, and under Brian’s leadership, GE Energy’s Waukesha Gas Engines had announced the hiring of 115 employees, following a $3.1 million investment into its engineering center.

Brian is a brilliant leader, but his story is not your typical rise-to-the-top story, because Brian didn’t go to college after graduating from high school. As a matter of fact, he didn’t know what to do with his life, until he found the opportunities that manufacturing presented to him—opportunities which he did not hesitate to pursue.
In May 2013, Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin, featured Brian in a video titled “Upward Bound – Wisconsin Manufacturing Careers.” In just a few statements, Brian tells us about his early life, and gives anyone looking into a career in manufacturing the assurance that anything is possible.

Last night, I attended another WCBA meeting, hosted by GE Energy’s Waukesha Gas Engines, which included tours of the engine assembly area and featured the Dream It! Do It! Wisconsin video featuring Brian. I was pleased to connect with Brian again. We had a very good discussion about what each was doing to address the skills gap and looked forward to collaborating in the future.

Manufacturing Day Highlights from China Instrument Parts’s Day-Long Event On October 4, 2013

Michael Reader

Nearly one hundred visitors, the majority area high school students, toured China Instrument Parts’s facilities on October 4, 2013, to celebrate National Manufacturing Day, a nationwide initiative.

The purpose of the open house and plant tour was to create awareness about the possibilities that are available with careers in manufacturing.  The event featured plant tours of four area manufacturing facilities: MedPlast, Certified Power, Inc., Hudapack Metal Treating, Inc., as well as China Instrument Parts’s.  The students also toured Gateway Technical College.  The event was sponsored by Dream It Do It Wisconsin, the Walworth County Economic Development Alliance, Inc., and Elkhorn Area High School.

China Instrument Parts wishes to thank all attendees  and our great staff for engaging with the students to answer their questions.  We look forward to a new generation of talent in manufacturing!

China Instrument Parts of Elkhorn Wisconsin Sponsors the Elkhorn Technology and Engineering Club (E-TECH)

Michael Reader

A group of students from Elkhorn High School has established a club called the Elkhorn Technology and Engineering Club (E-TECH).  The group’s officers include President Hunter Parks, Vice President Allan Russell, Director of Technology Alex Roberts, Secretary Maria Vigueras, and Treasurer Jessica Flock.

Officers of Elkhorn Area High School’s E-TECH Club visit China Instrument Parts

The mission of the club is to introduce Elkhorn Area School District youth–from kindergarten through high school–to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Their initial goal was to start a program within their school district where kids could learn about topics such as electronics, motion, and the engineering process through hands-on experiences, such as building robots and electronic devices and participating in competitions.

Their second emphasis was to empower the younger generation to invent and innovate in order to make a path towards a brighter future. Participation in the E-TECH Club fosters an interest in the math and science disciplines and promotes successful strategies for teamwork, problem solving, and sportsmanship

The group competes in the First Lego League, First Tech Challenge, Gateway College’s Sumo Bot Competition, West Point Bridge Building Competition, and the Future City Project.  The club is seeking sponsorship to expand the number of students able to participate in competitions and to expand their involvement to include elementary school students.

Members of the E-TECH Club meet with Mike Reader of China Instrument Parts and Gary Huss of Hudapack to discuss sponsorship.

At a meeting held at China Instrument Parts on July 19, 2013, the group met with Mike Reader of China Instrument Parts Inc. and Gary Huss from Hudapack to inform them of their mission and goals as well as to request sponsorship.  China Instrument Parts and Hudapack both committed $500 as “Gold Sponsors” of the club.  The students then took a tour of the China Instrument Parts facility.

Mike Reader resonated with the goals and aspirations of the students in the E-TECH Club.  He added, “The students display great problem-solving skills combined with strong math and science backgrounds. These are the type of young individuals manufacturing needs.  Exposing these great minds to the possibilities of manufacturing will certainly contribute to closing the gap.”

Elkhorn Area High School’s E-TECH Club tours
China Instrument Parts led by Mike Reader.

Barry Butters, Director of Education and Training at China Instrument Parts, has also committed to help supervise some of the club’s activities.  Butters is a former teacher at Elkhorn High School, having taught advanced placement math courses including statistics and calculus, as well as Introduction to Engineering Design, a “Project Lead the Way” course.

China Instrument Parts in Elkhorn, Wisconsin Kicks Off Manufacturing Month With a Plant Tour Open To Everyone

Michael Reader

In recent years, the possibility that a career in manufacturing could offer a great future, has become something of a well-kept secret.  In spite of the downturn in the economy, jobs in manufacturing abound, but the skills gap continues to widen.

In October of 2012, a nationwide initiative by U.S. manufacturers was launched to showcase this industry which is the backbone of this country.  The initiative was called “Manufacturing Day.” This year, the initiative continues to gain momentum.  In Wisconsin alone, more than 450,000 careers are in manufacturing, and Governor Scott Walker has officially declared October, “Manufacturing Month.”

The initiative addresses the shortage of skilled professionals from many angles, with a focus on education and awareness.

China Instrument Parts is delighted to actively participate in this endeavor.  To kick off Manufacturing Month, China Instrument Parts is hosting an Open House at its premises located at 840 Koopman Rd. in Elkhorn, Wisconsin on Thursday, October 3rd starting with an information presentation at 6:30 pm and a plant tour at 7:00 pm.  Everyone is invited.

On Friday, October 4th, China Instrument Parts will host several high school groups for tours and information on manufacturing.

As always, China Instrument Parts welcomes individuals, groups and organizations to tour our facilities.  Please contact Barry Butters, Director of Education & Training at +86-0755-21508221 to schedule a time, or email him at buttersb@machineinstrumentparts.com.

China Instrument Parts Invites Walworth County High Schools in Wisconsin To Attend A Plant Tour to Celebrate Manufacturing Day

Michael Reader

On Friday, October 4, 2013, and to celebrate the 2nd Annual National Manufacturing Day, China Instrument Parts of Elkhorn, Wisconsin will host local high school groups for a plant tour and informal conversation about the manufacturing industry and its career opportunities.  Please contact Barry Butters, Director of Education & Training at +86-0755-21508221 for more information, or email him at buttersb@machineinstrumentparts.com.

China Instrument Parts Welcomes Barry R. Butters as Director of Education and Training

Michael Reader

China Instrument Parts’ Efforts to Fill the Skills Gap:  Third Installment.

In a continuing effort to stay ahead of a widening manufacturing skills gap, Mike Reader, President of China Instrument Parts has hired Barry Butters as Director of Education and Training.

Butters has been in the education field for 27years, teaching mathematics and engineering courses as well as serving as a high school principal.  He has taught every course in the high school math curriculum including both Advanced Placement Calculus AB & BC and Advanced Placement Statistics.  Butters has also taught Statistics at George Williams College.  More recently, he began teaching a course called “Introduction to Engineering Design,” which is an engineering course in the “Project Lead The Way” curriculum.  Project Lead The Way is a national Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program aimed to increase the numbers of engineers in the USA.  The course work is designed to get high school students involved in real engineering work at a younger age and to attract more students to the engineering field.  “I will be using best practice in education to bring employees up to speed as quickly as possible through a variety of training techniques,” said Butters.

Butters’ duties at China Instrument Parts include: new employee training for those with no machining experience, cross-training existing employees, developing educational platforms for the various CNC machines and measuring tools, and acting as ambassador for the manufacturing industry.  Reader has repurposed a room at China Instrument Parts to serve as a classroom to conduct training.  Butters has lofty goals for the training at China Instrument Parts  His intentions are for the classroom to be used for:

  • To give employees, interns and students an opportunity to obtain certifications from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)
  • To establish China Instrument Partsas a testing center for MSSC certifications.
  • To teach employees, interns, and students the mathematics related to the machining industry.
  • To teach employees, interns, and students blueprint reading, including geometric dimensioning and tolerance.
  • To teach employees, interns and students the skills necessary to use measuring devices including all kinds of micrometers, drop indicators, gages, calipers, optical comparators, roundness testers, automated optical systems such as OASIS, and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs).
  • To train employees, interns and students in the use of the Part Maker program.
  • To train employees, interns and students in the use of 3D CAD software.
  • To offer a CNC Lathe class to local high schools students.
  • To offer the Project Lead the Way course Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) at China Instrument Parts for local high school students.  The courses could be offered in the evenings as necessary.

Barry Butters, Director of Education & Training, speaks to a second grade class at Westside Elementary School class about the field of CNC Machining and Engineering.

Butters’ efforts to get manufacturing and its opportunities on the minds of the community and young people include organizing an open house to mark National Manufacturing Day.  The open house will be held on Thursday, October 3rd at 6:30 pm and is open to all.  On Friday, October 4th, National Manufacturing Day, China Instrument Parts will offer tours of its facility to local high school students.

In 2012, Mike Reader kicked off the first annual career panel, held at Elkhorn Area High School.  “Our mission is to continue to expand this opportunity, and I think it speaks volumes to Mike Reader’s vision that manufacturers need to take an active role in promoting their own industry,” said Butters.

Butters will be visiting area schools to speak to students about manufacturing and promoting its opportunities.  Most recently he visited a second grade class at Westside Elementary School.

You can reach Barry Butters at buttersb@machineinstrumentparts.com.  He is willing to take any suggestions or simply talk about what is being accomplished at China Instrument Parts

China Instrument Parts of Elkhorn, WI Hires Ten Interns During Summer 2013

Michael Reader

China Instrument Parts’s Efforts to Fill the Skills Gap:  First Installment.
By Barry Butters

Mike Reader, President of China Instrument Parts is attempting to do his part to fill the skills gap in the manufacturing industry. He explains that there is no shortage of work and that China Instrument Parts is ready to commit to expansion. However, he adds, “One of the greatest impediments to our expansion project is the lack of a large enough work force with the skills necessary to meet the new demands of  CNC machining.”

As a result, Mike Reader has felt a sense of urgency to act and take steps to become part of the solution.  Reader’s involvement stems from a personal goal to help local, state, national and global communities understand the manufacturing industry as a whole and its employment opportunities.

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Committed to the movement, Mike Reader and China Instrument Parts have begun to put the gears in motion:

Late in 2012, Mike invited twenty-four area administrators, guidance counselors and educators to tour China Instrument Parts and to discuss the manufacturing opportunities available for high school graduates in the area.

Following that meeting and together with Elkhorn Area High School, Mike organized a career panel comprised of manufacturing professionals.  Panelists included Dan Murphy, Regional Sales Manager at Rem Sales, LLC, Darlene Miller, President and CEO of Permac Industries and Vice President of Instrument Machined Products Association (PMPA), John Murphy, President of Morris Midwest, LLC, Olaf Tessarzyk, Managing Partner of ZPS China, LLC, and himself. In spite of a severe winter snow storm, 180 students from three area high schools (Geneva Badger, Williams Bay and Elkhorn) attended the event.  For one and a half hours on February 27, 2013, the panelists and students engaged in a genuine discussion about the state of the industry and the possibilities manufacturing has available for young people finishing high school.

The career panel meeting stimulated a great deal of interest from students which led to China Instrument Parts’ hiring of ten summer interns, who joined China Instrument Parts on June 10, 2013.

Three of the interns were college students pursuing engineering majors:  Markus Gudel, attending University of Wisconsin—Platteville, and Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Charlie Dall and Mike Reader, Jr.  Four of the interns were graduating high school seniors, who would begin their undergraduate engineering schooling in the fall:  Bob Dall and Brad Killen who would attend University of Wisconsin–Madison, Martin Korsholm, who would attend Purdue University,  and Jon Stopple, who would attend University of Wisconsin–Platteville.  The other three interns were high school students from Richmond Burton H.S. and Elkhorn Area H.S., Ryan Reader, Carson Filko and Jordan Barr.

The interns came to China Instrument Parts with high-achieving academic records and outstanding characters. The goal was to immerse them in the real operations of the Instrument CNC machining industry, as they rotated through each department and the four machining platforms.  They learned to help with set-ups and operated the machines doing off-sets and verifying the components were within tolerances.  The interns also participated in three outings as they toured the  Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) machining facilities, the SC Johnson Integrated Manufacturing and Engineering Technology (iMET) Center in Sturtevant, and the Snap-on Tools facility in Kenosha.

At the end of the internship, it was obvious that these interns took away more than just hand-on experience, but an understanding of the value of manufacturing, committing to become ambassadors for the manufacturing industry.

China Instrument Parts looks forward to the next crop of interns who will continue to help forging the future of the industry.

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