Acme Wire Products recently hosted an Open House for local high school students and their families. Students from Westerly, Stonington, Fitch, Ledyard, New London, Montville and Waterford were invited to visit the company and learn about manufacturing processes and careers and the skills required by local manufacturers. In addition to learning about Acme Wire Products’ needs for skilled employees, representatives from other local manufacturing firms, Three Rivers Community College and a local staffing agency were available to speak with the students.

Michael Planeta, VP Manufacturing Acme Wire Products, shows high school students CNC wire forming processes

In January, Acme Wire Products issued a challenge to the invited schools that the school with the greatest representation at the event would receive a donation for its technology education programs and activities.  A winter storm cancelled the original Open House and it was rescheduled to the following week.

Douglas Wheeler, Business & Technical Education Department Chair at Montville High School said, “This open house was a great opportunity for the students and parents to see what skills are needed to work in our local manufacturing companies.  It was fascinating to see the processes and efficiency of producing so many different products and how technology plays such an important role. It is always an eye-opener to learn what goes on behind the scenes of making a quality product.”

Brody Lee, a Junior at Fitch High School commented, “It was interesting to see how the machinery worked and the individual work stations.  Towards the end of the tour (Acme Wire tour guides) gave interesting ideas about career paths that I am now aware of and may look for and research in the future.”

Additional manufacturers in the area will be hosting Open Houses during the next few months. For more information about factory tours, visit www.eamainc.org