Industrial Works in the Community: Supporting Youth in the Trades
Landon’s Eagle Scout Project for Preble High School
When it came time to ask his high school administrators what he could help them build for his Eagle Scout project, Landon Morella had a feeling they’d ask for a bench.
“I feel like everybody’s Eagle Scout project is a bench, so I was hoping they’d need something else,” joked Landon, a senior at Preble High School. “But I figured that if I was going to be building a set of benches for the school, I was going to do it the right way and make sure that they would last for years.” His search for materials for the project led him to the team at Industrial Works.
“We were initially approached to see if we’d be interested in donating materials for his project,” says Mike Schenian of Industrial Works. “We quickly realized that this was an opportunity that could benefit from so much more than just materials. We wanted to help this student explore his interest in the trades and give him real-world experience.” Landon happily accepted the opportunity to collaborate with Industrial Works for design and production of his project.
Industrial Works to the Rescue!
Having designed his project using his school’s software, Fusion 360, Landon already had a clear vision of how he wanted to execute it. Jesse Bouchonville, a design specialist at Industrial Works, helped streamline and improve the original designs to ensure the benches would last for decades to come. “We lifted the support bars up from the ground so they wouldn’t be exposed to the elements,” he noted.
This pre-production analysis is an important part of the services Industrial Works offers to clients. By refining plans before work begins, potential hurdles and challenges can be anticipated and addressed long before they affect the final project. With the plans finalized, production on Landon’s benches was ready to begin.
Jeremy Delfosse worked closely with Landon to produce the final frames for the benches. “It was amazing to be able to see things going on in a real business,” said Landon. The production team at Industrial Works took the detailed plans for the benches and crafted them into two steel frames, each weighing approximately 100 pounds. With additional lumber generously donated by Dix Titletown Lumber, the benches required only final assembly to be completed.
Leveraging the extensive equipment at Industrial Works, Landon and the team efficiently manufactured the custom parts needed for the project, streamlining a process that could have otherwise been longer and more challenging.
Landon’s project is now prominently featured at the main entrance to Preble High School, bolted firmly into the concrete walkway for generations of students to use. “People use my benches every day, and I love to see it. You’ll see kids piled on them and using them after school, and that’s exactly what I wanted.”
He is grateful to Industrial Works for offering him a one-of-a-kind experience and the opportunity to bring his plans to life in a real-world environment. “We’re really proud of him and couldn’t be happier with how the project came out,” says Mike Schenian. “We love seeing students that are interested in the trades and always want to help them get the experience they need to get ahead. Our culture is all about elevating our partners and employees, and this is the perfect example of how we go that extra mile.”
Industrial Works and its staff are proud to support and invest in the communities in which they work, especially when it comes to young people who are interested in entering the trades. Whether it involves donated materials or projects, hands-on training, or other valuable experiences, Industrial Works remains committed to being a leader and playing a positive role in the Green Bay area.
Landon’s Bench Now Ready for Decades of Use
The next time you pass Preble High School, keep an eye out for Landon’s benches. Even though he’ll be heading to UW-Stevens Point next fall, you’ll be able to check out the benches he built for years and years to come.
Landon’s project exemplifies the outstanding work that Industrial Works consistently delivers for its customers. From initial designs through finishing and installation, our years of expertise ensure your project is completed efficiently while elevating the final quality of your fabrication.
To discover more stories about Industrial Works’ community involvement and to learn about the various aspects of our business, be sure to follow our social media channels and blog for upcoming updates!
Founded in 1997, Industrial Works is an industry-leading manufacturer of custom metal components for a variety of industries, including converting, food processing, and OEMs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help make your next project a reality!