Penn College plastics workshop attracts industry professionals
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
A recent two-day class focusing on heavy-gauge thermoforming applications attracted 15 industry professionals from seven companies to Pennsylvania College of Technology and its Plastics Innovation & Resource Center.
The Heavy Gauge Thermoforming Workshop covered the essential elements of thermoforming, from materials to finished product. Designed to upskill new and seasoned setup operators and technicians, the course focused on heavy-gauge (cut-sheet) thermoforming applications.
Christopher J. Gagliano (far right), director of the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology, showcases a MAAC single-station thermoformer during the recent Heavy Gauge Thermoforming Workshop. The two-day class brought 15 industry professionals from seven companies to the college. (Credit: Alexandra Butler, Penn College)
“This class was highly engaging and instructive. It covered a broad range of topics that were presented in an easy-to-understand format,” said Chris Holland, business development manager at Rowmark LLC in Findlay, Ohio. “What I’ve learned will help me better relate to my customers to understand their needs and provide solutions. I highly recommend to anyone interested. This was fantastic!”
Sponsored by Sekisui Kydex, a Penn College Corporate Tomorrow Maker and a member of the Visionary Society ($100,000-$499,999) on the college’s Donor Wall, the workshop included extensive hands-on lessons in the 1,800-square-foot Thermoforming Center of Excellence. The facility is dedicated to research, development and education utilized by thermoformers, sheet extruders, resin suppliers, mold builders and equipment manufacturers.
Gabriel Gonzalez Martinez, a manufacturing engineer at Fluidra North America in Tucson, Arizona, said the workshop “answered my questions and provided the clarity I needed as someone new to thermoforming.” He added, “I can now provide the help needed in our plant with more confidence and a better approach.”
Christopher J. Gagliano, PIRC director, served as lead instructor. He was assisted by PIRC staff Reagan G. McCoy (project manager) and Beth J. Zielewicz (program coordinator).
The PIRC is one of the top plastics training centers in the nation and specializes in research and development to help plastics companies close skills gaps, increase efficiencies, and overcome process and compounding challenges. To learn more, call 570-321-5533 or visit www.pct.edu/pirc.
Penn College offers a bachelor’s degree in polymer engineering technology and an associate degree in polymer technology. Both boast 100% overall job placement.
For information about those and other majors in the School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit www.pct.edu/et.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.