Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries Inc. and KAM Industrial Services teamed up to donate and install a crane system in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s welding facility. The crane is in the portion of the welding lab dedicated to automated technology. From left: Shawn Trexler, executive vice president of operations for Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries; welding & fabrication engineering technology students Timothy A. Geldmaker, of Moon Township, and Brian P. Lisiewski, of Stroudsburg; and Cody Kissell, president of KAM Industrial Services.
Thanks to the generosity of two companies, Pennsylvania College of Technology has a new crane system in its 55,000-plus-square-foot welding facility.
Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries Inc., a leader in the overhead crane industry since 1979, and KAM Industrial Services, an overhead crane and fall protection services company, recently teamed up to donate and install the crane system.
The crane is located above a Soitaab computer numerical control plasma cutter in the portion of the welding lab dedicated to automated technology.
“The crane system is important for the welding program because it allows for a safe and practical means of loading and unloading material,” said James N. Colton II, assistant professor and co-department head of welding. “The students will be using the system and learning how to properly secure material and transfer it onto the plasma cutter.”
A Penn College Corporate Tomorrow Maker, Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries donated the crane system and shipping costs. The value of the company’s commitment is over $40,000.
“Historically, when hiring students, we’ve found they often lack experience operating cranes and hoists,” said Shawn Trexler, executive vice president of operations for Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries. “This donation helps bridge that gap, preparing students for the demands of modern fabrication and welding facilities.”
KAM Industrial Services donated the installation cost of the crane system, valued over $20,000.
“We believe in educating and empowering the future of American manufacturing,” said Cody Kissell, president of KAM Industrial Services. “Penn College’s welding and metal fabrication program plays a vital role in preparing students for hands-on, real-world careers in the trades. We’re proud to support their mission and help ensure the next generation of fabricators have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.”
There are about 400 students enrolled in various welding majors at Penn College. According to the American Welding Society, 320,500 new welding professionals are projected to be needed in the U.S. by 2029.
“We are very grateful to Spanco/Promise to Perform Industries and KAM Industrial Services for their support of our welding program and students,” said Shanin L. Dougherty, senior corporate relations officer. “The overhead crane system, made possible by both companies, is a welcome addition to our state-of-the-art welding facility and will enhance the students’ education.”
For information about Penn College’s ABET-accredited welding degrees and other majors offered by 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.