Thousands of Dollars in Retired Manufacturing Equipment finds NEW HOME in Two Rutherford County Schools

May 20, 2014 at 10:15 pm by bryan


Thousands of dollars of used manufacturing equipment has found a new home at two Rutherford County schools, thanks to a donation from MAHLE Filter Systems.

Instead of sending the equipment to industrial recycling, MAHLE gave the equipment to technical education programs at Oakland and Siegel High Schools.

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Oakland High School received station work tables, two final assembly/inspection machines and a gasket installation to help support their Siemens Level 1 Mechatronics program of study.

“Oakland High School is extremely grateful to MAHLE for providing equipment to our Mechatronics Program,” said Oakland High School Principal Bill Spurlock. “This generous donation will allow us to provide dual enrollment opportunities in mechatronics on our campus.  Our students will be able to graduate from Oakland with a Level 1 certification in mechatronics, and perhaps pursue a degree from Motlow State or MTSU in mechatronics.”

Siegel High School, which offers the industrial maintenance pathway and dual enrollment with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Murfreesboro also received several pieces of equipment.

MAHLE, which is known around the world for its philanthropic work, places a strong emphasis on social responsibility. 

"I have strong convictions regarding supporting our community, and this opportunity allows MAHLE to give in many ways,” said Murfreesboro Plant Manager James Dash. “Being from England, I recycle everything, so this was an excellent recycling opportunity that not only gives back to the environment, but to the development of our youth in the community. We hope this donation and the courses being taught in our schools encourage students to explore career opportunities in manufacturing.”

Beth Duffield, vice president of workforce development at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, helped MAHLE to identify the schools that could most benefit from the donation of this equipment. 

“There continues to be great demand across the manufacturing sector for maintenance technicians, and the mechatronics certification available through Motlow and Middle Tennessee State University feeds maintenance technicians back into industry,” said Duffield. “This donation is one that will pay benefits for many years to come. With tight state and local budgets, school systems can’t afford to support career and technical education programs as much as they would like, or to the level that is needed. The schools will be able to create ‘laboratories’ where students can actually have hands-on practice in addition to textbook learning in hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical and mechanical operations.”

Source:

Katy Francisco Riddle, 
Director of Communications and Marketing
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce

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