“These programs help us increase efficiency,” Scott adds. “But more importantly, they prepare our people for what’s next. Technology is evolving fast – and we want our workforce to evolve with it.”
Waupaca Foundry's Plant 5 Employees Gain Robotics Skills Through OCTC Training
Kim Viduski | Waupaca FoundryAt Waupaca Foundry, investing in people is as critical as investing in equipment. That mindset sparked a growing partnership between Plant 5 in Tell City, Indiana and Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) in nearby Owensboro, Kentucky, where employees are participating in hands-on robotics training designed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing.
Over the past few years, Waupaca has worked with OCTC to provide foundational robotics courses to both production and maintenance employees. The course covers the essential skills– from safety and system navigation to programming robots for real-world applications on the production floor.
“It’s a basic entry-level class,” said Scott Frugé, Maintenance Trainer for Plant 5. “But what they’re learning directly supports our day-to-day operations. They walk away understanding how to use the controller, the pendant, and how to safely program robots through a variety of scenarios.”
The most recent session included six Waupaca employees who opted to build their skills and knowledge in automation. Their commitment speaks volumes – several have already applied what they learned to troubleshoot and resolve issues on the production floor.
Waupaca’s training approach is hands-on, innovative, and forward thinking. That’s why both production and maintenance teams are encouraged to attend. This collaboration strengthens teamwork, improves problem-solving, and helps employees work more safely and effectively alongside advanced robotics systems used in casting operations.
Partnerships like this reinforce Waupaca Foundry’s commitment to our employees and the community. By working with local education institutions like OCTC, Waupaca is building a stronger pipeline of skilled talent by supporting the growth of the regional workforce and manufacturing economy.
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Over the past few years, Waupaca has worked with OCTC to provide foundational robotics courses to both production and maintenance employees. The course covers the essential skills– from safety and system navigation to programming robots for real-world applications on the production floor.
“It’s a basic entry-level class,” said Scott Frugé, Maintenance Trainer for Plant 5. “But what they’re learning directly supports our day-to-day operations. They walk away understanding how to use the controller, the pendant, and how to safely program robots through a variety of scenarios.”
The most recent session included six Waupaca employees who opted to build their skills and knowledge in automation. Their commitment speaks volumes – several have already applied what they learned to troubleshoot and resolve issues on the production floor.
Waupaca’s training approach is hands-on, innovative, and forward thinking. That’s why both production and maintenance teams are encouraged to attend. This collaboration strengthens teamwork, improves problem-solving, and helps employees work more safely and effectively alongside advanced robotics systems used in casting operations.
Partnerships like this reinforce Waupaca Foundry’s commitment to our employees and the community. By working with local education institutions like OCTC, Waupaca is building a stronger pipeline of skilled talent by supporting the growth of the regional workforce and manufacturing economy.
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