May 24 - MJSP Funds Training for Wilbert Plastic Services

ST. PAUL – The state Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program (MJSP) announced a $217,646 grant to support training for 161 employees of Wilbert Plastic Services, located in White Bear Lake. The training collaboration includes MJSP, Wilbert Plastic Services, Century College and Hennepin Technical College (HTC).

Wilbert Plastic services produces thermoformed and injection-molded products for the automotive, recreation, healthcare, waste management and funeral services markets. Wilbert is beginning to produce plastic source materials in-house using their own recycled pellets. This requires re-training current employees and hiring 15 to 20 new employees. In addition, Wilbert has begun a quality management program and plans to pursue certification as a green business.

Wilbert Plastic Services, Century College and HTC will focus on providing technical, environmental and operational training. HTC will provide a 14-credit Plastics Manufacturing Technology course. Century College will provide environmental curriculum and preparation for green business certification.

“Wilbert Plastic Services is taking their own steps to go green,” said DEED Commissioner and MJSP Board Chair Dan McElroy. “As a result of the grant, well-trained Wilbert employees will see less waste and be free of the trial-and-error of a new product line through in-house product sourcing.”

For more information on the grant, contact Michael Gallagher, Century College, 651-779-5782, or e-mail michael.gallagher@century.edu .   

The MJSP offers technical, financial and job training assistance to businesses, communities, educational institutions and workers. The board brings businesses with specific education needs together with educational institutions to design customized training programs.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and our services, visit us at www.PositivelyMinnesota.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PositivelyMN.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disk.

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Communications Office
Phone 651/259-7161 or 1-800-657-3858 ∙ TTY 1-800-657-3973
www.PositivelyMinnesota.com