Onaway, MI: Industrial Arts Institute (IAI) has partnered with the Lewiston, Michigan DDA to craft Gabion Baskets for a main street beautification project. 7 students, under the guidance of Certified Welding Educators (CWE), fabricated the project out of mild steel and steel mesh. The design and engineering of the baskets have been administered at Moran Iron Works (MIW). The finished project includes 10 baskets weighing approximately 10,530 lbs.
The project was spearheaded by Shawn Huston, Lewiston DDA Member and Lewiston business owner. “Working with the teams at MIW and IAI has been amazing. To have a business, school, and our community working with one another for the benefit of our local beautification program, creates great value for us and all of Northern Michigan” states Shawn.
“Integrated projects like the Gabion Baskets, provide our students with the opportunity to use the skills they are taught at IAI. They are encouraged to work as leaders, read blueprints, fabricate, machine and weld the entire structure together using the critical thinking of the team. On top of that, they are experiencing philanthropy by contributing to their communities.” Mark Dombroski, Executive Director of IAI.
Mark will also serve as Keynote Speaker for the graduation ceremony of Cohort 8. The project will be completed and unveiled at 3:20pm, before IAI – Cohort 8’s Graduation Ceremony at 3:30pm on April 14, 2017.
Guests will also get a sneak peek at the newest addition to the IAI Lab – A Lincoln Electric eCell. This modern, sophisticated robot welding system will be incorporated into the curriculum at IAI. Students will be trained to operate the robot using the most modern technology available.
About Industrial Arts Institute: Industrial Arts Institute (IAI) of Onaway, MI, is setting a new national teaching model by offering premier education opportunities in skilled trades. Areas of specialty include: welding, fabricating, machining, commercial and residential construction. For more information, visit iaiworks.com. IAI is a division of Moran Iron Works (MIW).
About Moran Iron Works: Moran Iron Works (MIW) is a national leader in custom modular steel fabrication, specializing in work for power, marine, mining, and other industries. The company has its corporate headquarters and largest manufacturing facility in Onaway, Michigan and also operates a manufacturing facility in Cheboygan, Michigan and a port and fabrication facility in Rogers City, Michigan. For more information, visit moranironworks.com.
Media Contact – Lewiston DDA
Shawn Huston
(989) 390-6213 (c)
shawn@hustonrealestate.com
Media Contact – IAI
Mark Dombroski
989-733-4369 (o)
iaidirector@iaiworks.com
Media Contact – MIW
Marilyn Kapp Moran
989-733-2011 (o)
marilyn@moraniron.com