Pearl Technologies Inc., which makes components for converting and extrusion machinery, continues its partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology.
Pearl Technologies is based in Savannah, N.Y., about 60 miles east of RIT. Pearl makes products such as punches, slitters and perforators. In addition to punching attachments for wicketing, handle holes, hanger holes and venting attachments, the company also produces custom-made attachments sold to end-users in the medical and food packaging industries.
Pearl began its relationship with RIT in 2011, when the company hired its first co-op student, and that effort continues. Pearl also has donated machinery and equipment to the school, such as a five-punch demonstration kit and a micro-perforation unit that can punch pin-sized holes in plastic film.
Pearl recently donated a spreader bar to the college's blown film extrusion lab line.
RIT in Rochester, N.Y., runs the American Packaging Corp. Center for Packaging Innovation.
“We're all about creating a real world experience,” said Linda Gillette, vice president of operations at Pearl. “We send them the same paperwork we send a customer. They fill it out, we make the product, and then deliver the unit and manual. We've also offered to help them install any new donations and/or answer any questions relating to the plastics industry. We want to be a resource for the students.”
Another group at RIT, after discovering that Pearl donated to the plastics lab, sought out the company. Pearl was picked from a group of local businesses to work with the College of Science, Women in Science, and the Center for Advanced Science/Math Teaching Learning & Evaluation on a program called SMASH, for Summer Math Applications in Science with Hands-on Experience. SMASH introduces eighth grade girls to the importance of mathematically modeling in future jobs.
Linda Gillette and Jennifer Gillette, Pearl's head of global marketing who is a 2013 graduate of RIT, will prepare a presentation for the event. The company also donated $500 for a scholarship.
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