WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The donation of a Redline conveyor system by Dyco Inc. is enhancing the education of mechatronics students at Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Valued at $71,500, Dyco’s commitment includes a 9-foot incline conveyor, custom mounting brackets and about 100 feet of conveyance equipment used to move snack-size candy bars around the mechatronics lab.
“Dyco’s donation of this full-scale conveyance system will benefit students, providing real industrial experience for years to come,” said Jack C. Dincher, electrical/mechatronics instructor. “Students will use the conveyor to create solutions for future projects, and it will provide troubleshooting opportunities we could not otherwise simulate.”
Dincher’s students were involved in the planning and building of the conveyor system throughout the semester. They also helped design mounting brackets that include a tab so piping systems can be attached in the future. Over a dozen students —including members of the Mechatronics & Electrical Organization — volunteered their time during the two days Dyco technician Ben Gaugler was on campus supervising aspects of the installation.
Under the direction of instructors Joe R. Raup and Darrin S. Morse, students enrolled in the Construction Lab IV-Practical Experience class pulled wire and installed conduits and power to the new equipment.
Mechatronics integrates electrical, mechanical and computer engineering. Penn College offers a bachelor’s degree in automation engineering technology: mechatronics and an associate degree in mechatronics technology.
“Everything, from Dyco’s origins to their proven history of innovation, aligns perfectly with our revamped mechatronics program,” Dincher said.
Headquartered in Bloomsburg, Dyco is a world leader in the design, fabrication and installation of advanced systems to move and manage plastic bottles.
“Our partnership with the Penn College mechatronics program is exciting, both for the present and the future,” said Dyco CEO Ben Sheehe. “Impressive students here receive a high-quality education, and we are thrilled to participate in further developing the program.”
Dyco is a member of the Heritage Society ($50,000-$99,999) on the college’s Donor Wall.
“We are extremely grateful to Dyco Inc. for their partnership and support of our students and academic programs,” said Shanin L. Dougherty, corporate relations officer. “The company’s thoughtful and generous donation will impact our students for years to come.”
For information on the mechatronics degrees and other majors offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit pct.edu/et.
Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. Visit pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.