Big Sandy carpentry students transform wood pallets to tabletops for American Metal Works
PAINTSVILLE, Ky. – When American Metal Works moved in machinery to launch its incubation site on the Mayo campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC), they had a lot of wood available from the pallets that housed the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery it purchased.
That was just another opportunity for the company and the college to collaborate.
Randy Haney, professor of the carpentry and masonry program at BSCTC, worked with Instructor Adam McGinnis and their students to transform the scrap wood from the pallets into tabletops that will be used in American Metal Works’ laboratory.
“It was a win, win,” explained John Williams, plant manager for American Metal Works. “We had all of this wood, and [the college] has all of these resources available.”
The students custom cut the wood and applied a finish that will make the tabletops durable for the work being performed at American Metal Works.
“We didn’t want to let this opportunity pass us up,” said Haney. American Metal Works opened in January in Building E on the Mayo campus of BSCTC in a 4,350-square-foot area. The company provides services to industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical device and general manufacturing. “We are thankful for the partnership we have with American Metal Works, and we are glad to assist them in any way possible.”
Kelli Chaney, dean of career and technical education and workforce development at BSCTC, said the collaboration between American Metal Works and the college “demonstrates the endless possibilities when business and industry and workforce development partner.”
American Metal Works made a donation to the college’s SkillsUSA chapter as a sign of their appreciation for their work. The funds will be used to cover expenses for students to participate in the state and national competitions.
For more information on BSCTC’s Business Incubator initiatives, contact Danny Tonkin, director of business and industry, at (606) 788-2812 or email wtonkin0001@kctcs.edu.
