Aug. 3 - Grant Funds Training for Metalcasting Employees

ST. PAUL – The state Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program (MJSP) announced a $230,000 grant to support green manufacturing training for 270 metalcasting industry employees.

The training collaboration includes MJSP, Enterprise Minnesota, a nonprofit consulting business, and the following five manufacturers: Dotson Company, Mankato; Le Sueur Inc., Le Sueur; Smith Foundry, Minneapolis; Pier Foundry & Pattern Shop, Inc. and St. Paul Brass & Aluminum Foundry, both of St. Paul.

“The five companies participating in the training grant will be able to make their operations more efficient and lessen their environmental impacts,” said Dan McElroy, DEED commissioner and MJSP board chair. “This training will give these companies a sharper competitive edge and ultimately lead to higher profits.”

Under the grant, lead and line workers, molders, office personnel and managers will participate in a three phase, 32-month program customized for each employer in the metalcasting consortium.

The first phase of training will evaluate the benefits of green and lean training and review energy and financial assessments. The second phase will include value stream mapping, Kaizen events and coaching. The third phase will cover measures, evaluations and impact analysis. Employee participants will earn a certificate of completion.    

For more information on the grant, contact Deb Shirk, director of grants and contracts, Enterprise Minnesota, 612-455-4217, or e-mail
deb.shirk@enterpriseminnesota.org.

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