Penn College dedicates Cleveland Brothers lab

Pennsylvania College of Technology hosted a dedication Sept. 21 to celebrate the naming of its power generation lab in honor of Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Inc., which has provided $250,000 in financial and equipment support for the facility.

The Cleveland Brothers Cat Power Generation Lab is located in the college’s Schneebeli Earth Science Center and provides students with hands-on experience using industry equipment and technology.

“Today we are pleased to celebrate a partnership that spans decades and continues to empower tomorrow’s workforce,” said John A. Pecchia, assistant dean of diesel technology and natural resources. “Thanks to the annual support of Cleveland Brothers, foundational concepts come to life in the lab and during internship experiences across our commonwealth and surrounding states – experiences that are priceless for our students.”

Pecchia introduced Roman M. Moss, an on-site power generation technology student from Stillwater, who completed an internship with Cleveland Brothers over the summer.

Moss is no stranger to equipment and tractor maintenance. He grew up working with his grandfather, fixing hydraulics and overhauling engines. But it wasn’t until high school that he discovered the vast opportunities available in the diesel industry, specifically at Penn College.

“I found power generation to be the perfect fit for me because it utilized the mechanical side of the generator to be incorporated inside of the building,” Moss said. “In other words, you’re using the diesel engine, and that output side of the generator needs to be used inside an industrial commercial building application. So, it’s marrying my electrical and HVAC background working on buildings with the mechanical, diesel side of working on the excavators and the trucks.”

Growing up, Caterpillar and Cleveland Brothers were household names for Moss, and visiting their dealership was like a trip to a toy store.

“We got to see the brand-new equipment and all the Cat-branded gear,” Moss said. “So, when I was at the Career Fair last fall and visited the Cleveland Brothers booth, all those memories came back. During my time with Cleveland Brothers, I experienced projects that affirmed my passion for power generation. When I graduate from Penn College, I will continue my education with Cleveland Brothers to become more informed on Cat-specific equipment. I am very grateful to Penn College for preparing me to go into the power generation industry, and I am very grateful to Cleveland Brothers for sponsoring this lab to make that happen.” 
 

Founded in 1948, Cleveland Brothers provides equipment sales, service, parts and rental solutions throughout the region and surrounding states. The company shares a common heritage with Penn College, Pecchia said, “rooted in hard work, innovation and a belief that meaningful careers are built through hands-on experience.”

Cleveland Brothers is a member of the Millionaires Society ($1,000,000+) on the college’s Donor Wall and a Corporate Tomorrow Maker.

In addition to its support of the power generation lab, Cleveland Brothers financially supports access to Cat electronic technician software, assists students with online Cat dealer training and annually sponsors the college’s Diesel Competition.

Cleveland Brothers professionals also serve on Penn College advisory committees, sharing industry expertise and helping ensure the college’s curriculum remains aligned with evolving technologies and workforce needs.

“We are proud to enter a new chapter in a partnership that spans more than 70 years,” Tommy Kirchhoff, Cleveland Brothers rental growth manager and a fourth-generation family member of the company, said of the dedicated lab space. “Since 1954, Cleveland Brothers has recognized the value of Penn College and the important role it plays in preparing the next generation of skilled professionals.”

The business has hired and worked alongside many Penn College graduates.

“Time and again we’ve seen firsthand the quality of the education they receive and the professionalism, technical ability and work ethic they bring to our organization,” Kirchhoff said. “Their success has reinforced our belief that Penn College is one of the best investments we can make in the future of our workforce and our industry. At the heart of this college is a commitment to real-world education and a student-first culture.”

Those principles, he continued, align closely with the values that guide Cleveland Brothers each day: safety first, commitment, excellence, integrity and teamwork. 

“The future of our industry depends on talented individuals who are willing to learn, adapt, solve problems and lead,” Kirchhoff said. “That is why institutions like Penn College matter so much. They provide students with the opportunity to develop not only technical expertise, but the competence and experience needed to succeed in a changing world.”

For more information about diesel truck, heavy equipment and power generation degrees and other majors offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email Admissions or call toll-free 800-367-9222.