Petoskey Plastics Inc., in an effort to help attract young people to the plastics industry, is donating a miniature blown film line to North Central Michigan College.
The film line can produce film with a maximum width of 100 centimeters, and can run high density, low density and linear low density polyethylene pellets, the Petoskey, Mich.-based company said.
"We are very excited about this program and hope to promote our industry through this channel. We expect to meet and educate students that may not normally have this opportunity," said CEO Paul Keiswetter in a statement.
The miniature blown film line measures approximately 19.5 inches wide, 45.5 inches long and has an adjustable tower that can extend to about 54 inches high.
"This line donation will help students develop a new skill set and advance their knowledge and understanding of manufacturing. Furthermore, it will give students insight into the advanced plastic manufacturing processes and the exciting careers available in manufacturing," said Peter Olson, vice president of academic affairs and student success at the college in Petoskey.
The film line will be used in the classroom as well as the college's Mobile Digital Fabrication Lab, which provides training for high school and college students.
"What an opportunity to support the college and provide a platform to reach all of the students," Keiswetter said at a recent ceremony, the company indicated.
Petoskey Plastics recycles plastic and makes film, bags and resin.