Bloomsburg, PA, USA—April 26, 2024— SEKISUI KYDEX hosts Our Lady of Lourdes students and faculty at their Bloomsburg campuses on behalf of PA SmartGrant Funding and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
On Thursday, April 18, 2024, SEKISUI KYDEX hosted students and faculty from Our Lady of Lourdes, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn about career options available in manufacturing. This event aimed to give students a better understanding of whether to pursue college, a technical program, or other post-college opportunities. Sean Stabler, Vice President of Innovation for SEKISUI KYDEX, stated, "Through our ongoing collaboration with the Pennsylvania College of Technology, we are empowering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers."
The Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) is a renowned institution that specializes in applied technology education and workforce development. It plays a pivotal role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a rapidly evolving industry. Penn College is committed to fostering educational partnerships that bridge the gap between academia and industry, thereby preparing students to excel in their chosen fields. Initiatives like the PA SmartGrant Funding Program, which was awarded to Penn College, provide students with the opportunity to explore workforce development programs, such as those offered by Penn College, which enhance inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The students spent the day exploring the world of polymer manufacturing. They visited the appLab™ and enjoyed exploring its state-of-the-art equipment and innovative testing methods. In the designLab®, they had the opportunity to experiment with colour science by creating their own unique colour samples to take home. Additionally, the students learned about safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship while gaining valuable insight about how production runs smoothly.
Stabler expressed, "We were delighted to host the students from Our Lady of Lourdes, especially given their interest in sustainability. It was a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the science behind polymer recycling and provide them with a firsthand look at how polymers are recycled on a larger scale. By highlighting the importance of sustainability in our industry, we hope to inspire the next generation of innovators to prioritize environmental responsibility in their careers."
The visit also included a company overview and a campus tour to see how KYDEX® Thermoplastics are made and to understand the thermoplastics industry. During the visit, SEKISUI KYDEX showcased the various career opportunities available at the company, including inspector/packer, extrusion operator, quality technician, colour technician, production engineer, automation engineer, appLab™ engineer, graphic designer, and traditional business support positions. JoAnn Picarelli, a faculty member at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, stated, “The knowledge and experiences shared during the tour were invaluable. The students were introduced to many aspects of the manufacturing process, from extrusion to applying a design to the product. We were particularly impressed with SEKISUI KYDEX's efforts toward sustainability and keeping plastics out of landfills!”
For a more in-depth look at careers at SEKISUI KYDEX, visit kydex.com/careers.
About SEKISUI KYDEX
SEKISUI KYDEX innovates and creates sustainable KYDEX® and ALLEN® thermoplastic material solutions for the next generation of product design. SEKISUI Chemical’s corporate commitment to Speed, Service, and Superiority is realized through the KYDEX® Thermoplastics’ business model of manufacturing bespoke materials with short lead times in small quantities. This Quick Response Manufacturing (QRM) model at three manufacturing campuses expands beyond thermoplastic sheet. Our mission is to challenge what’s possible and deliver beyond imagination. SEKISUI KYDEX is more than a raw material supplier; we are a solution provider.
The material portfolio also includes injection molding resins, proprietary Infused Imaging™ technology, integral special effects, unique textures, and custom products and design. As a collaborative partner and the world’s leading pioneer of thermoplastic solutions – done responsibly, we put innovation at the forefront, guiding you from beginning to end.
The SEKISUI KYDEX appLab™ and designLab® Innovation Centers are collaborative spaces for clients and customers to bring the supply chain together for rapid prototyping and design development. These spaces are the bridge between engineering and art. More than 300 dedicated professionals in Bloomsburg, PA, and Holland, MI, working with a global network of sales and distribution partners, are committed to delivering more than their customers can imagine.
Visit www.kydex.com for more information.