Addressing a youthful gathering of over 30 students from Greenville High School, Richard Jones, the President of Aggressive Tooling, heartily dispelled any uncertainties surrounding the manufacturing industry.
“More often than not,” Jones stated, “young people are led to believe that manufacturing has seen its day. I remember hearing the same when I was your age, that automation was fast replacing human labor. However, today, four decades later, I can confidently tell you that manufacturing is not only surviving, but it's thriving both domestically and globally.”
Jones was elated to see his firm among the 14 Montcalm county manufacturers joining the week-long Discover Manufacturing event. This annual gathering allowed students from all over the county to enjoy a hands-on experience with the world of manufacturing.
During this one-of-a-kind tour, 35 Greenville High School students observed how the local Aggressive Tooling enterprise, which employs over 100 people, has been crafting fixtures and gauges since 1987. The students navigated the manufacturing floor where our CNC Manager enthusiastically illustrated the various machinery workings, emphasizing the role of computer knowledge in operating the machines. He stated "It's a pleasure to guide them. This trade offers substantial income potential without the need for a university degree. Consistency, punctuality, and mastery of the basics can certainly take you places here."
This enlightening tour allowed the students to learn in-depth about various sectors, namely design, engineering, and factory floor operations. The students cherished this opportunity to explore different job opportunities "right at their doorstep."
Savoring this chance to expose his students to a real-world working environment, teacher Adam Hopkins stated, "At Greenville High School, we aim to make our students realize that there are rewarding opportunities available locally. Whether as a fabricator, welder, machinist, engineer, or designer, we impart all the necessary fundamental concepts. These tours serve as a perfect supplement to our teachings, emphasizing the need for precision, punctuality, and professionalism."
As the students returned to the familiar setting of their classrooms, Jones passionately reiterated the potential for stable employment in the manufacturing sector. “Many people here may not excel academically, but their mechanical skills have made them indispensable at what they do. Here at Aggressive Tooling, we provide opportunities for personal growth and a secure financial future irrespective of personality types. Our employees enjoy the benefits of working in a skilled trade, including enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.”
Read the original article on The Daily News website here.
