Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By LARRY HOLCOMBE
Hurley — Northwood’s Manufacturing will host its fourth annual open house today from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hurley K-12 School.
Woods instructor Roger Peterson said the event is a great way for parents, businesses and the community at large to see their operation in action and learn more about what they have to offer.
NM is more than just a school shop program, according to Peterson, who works alongside metals instructor Jake Hostettler.
The metals department deals with machine tooling and welding, while the wood department does a lot of work with custom CNC designs, signs and wood turnings.
Upwards of 70 students are involved, taking classes within the NM program.
Not only do they learn about the raw materials and the machines and how to use them, they also learn about the manufacturing business.
The students take and fulfill orders that brings money into NM system, which is used to purchase students supplies and more machines, said Peterson.
Area industrial businesses have been key to the program’s success, not only donating machinery, but also time and expertise, helping the students learn from people who are in the real world. “They’ve really done a lot to support us,” he said.
Peterson said there are many reasons for the program’s success, including the support of local industry and other community members, the school’s administration and the students themselves. He said alumni of the program have also been supportive.
Peterson said the program continues to grow. They plan to switch the accounting software the students use to Quick Books in the near future, and are working to market their products and services.
“Northwoods Manufacturing is more than just making something, it’s a business with many sides to it,” he said.
Peterson said he hopes the public will come out for the open house to see the students demonstrate what they do, and learn more about how local industry, the community and the school administration have supported Northwoods Manufacturing.
