The company opened its doors to the public for National Manufacturing Day.
There were thousands of opportunities to learn more about manufacturing across the country this month to celebrate MFG Day 2015.
I visited Urschel Laboratories, INC. (USA) in Chesterton, Indiana and toured the 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility. Founded in 1910 by inventor William Urschel, the family-owned business is now the world leader in commercial food cutting precision and milling equipment – exporting their products to over 100 countries. Urschel is also used by every major food processor in America.
President and CEO Rick Urschel, part of the third Urschel generation to run the company, has located the new $80 million manufacturing facility in northwest Indiana. The company employs 360 people, who can make as much as $26.29 an hour, depending on their technical abilities. Urschel employees say they pride themselves on their dedication to the highest level of excellence that the company’s products demand.
"We need people who can evolve, those who are able to run the machines and to work on the technical side, too. We're having a difficult time finding individuals in that area, despite excellent wages and benefits," said James Keilman, executive director of human resources at Urschel Laboratories, as reported by the Chicago Tribune.
Urschel hosted the Northwest Indiana Manufacturing Day Summit focusing on workforce development and advanced manufacturing. Manufacturing leaders from the region joined the summit including Don Babcock, director of economic development at NIPSCO; Victor Smith, Indiana Secretary of Commerce; Rep. Pete Visclosky (IN-1); and Bryan Van Deun of the FBI's economic espionage unit.
Michael is the AAM field coordinator for the Indiana/Illinois region. Prior to joining AAM’s field staff, Michael worked at U.S. Steel’s Gary works mill for 30 years and was a motor inspector and electrician.