Penn College

Global company donates cutting tools to Penn College

From left, Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations at Penn College; Don Graham, manager of education and technical services for Seco Tools Inc.; and Richard K. Hendricks Jr., instructor of automated manufacturing and machining at Penn College. Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology / Penn State. Creative Commons

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Pennsylvania College of Technology is one of just a dozen schools nationwide — and the only institution in the Commonwealth — to receive equipment recently donated by Seco Tools Inc.A leading global provider of metal-cutting solutions for milling, turning, holemaking and toolholding, Seco donated equipment to Penn College's manufacturing programs, including a variety of Niagara Cutter-brand carbide and high-speed end mills and carbide and high-speed steel drills.“We are very proud that Seco recognized the excellence of our manufacturing-related degrees with such a generous donation,” said David R. Cotner, dean of the School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies. “This year alone, more than 60 students will be using the donated tools. Hands-on experiences coupled with strong industry ties are major reasons our manufacturing students succeed in the workforce.”Students earning a certificate in machinist general, associate degrees in machine tool technology and automated manufacturing technology, or a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering technology are working with the donated items.“Seco Tools is well aware of the critical shortage of skilled employees our customers face,” said Don Graham, manager of education and technical services for Seco. “The work Penn College is doing to meet this need is commendable. Both the breadth and depth of their program in all areas of manufacturing is commendable, as is the wholehearted, indivisible commitment of their teaching staff.”Seco is a longtime supporter of Penn College. In addition to tool donations, Seco has conducted numerous on-campus seminars and demonstrations for manufacturing students and faculty.“We have been fortunate to hire some of their well-qualified graduates and want to do whatever we can to encourage their technology programs, which benefit both our customers and ourselves,” Graham said.“We are grateful for Seco’s continued support,” said Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations at Penn College. “Such industry partnerships are vital to equip students will the tools, equipment and knowledge required for success. Penn College students will benefit from Seco’s generosity for years to come.”For information about manufacturing, machining and other majors offered by Penn College’s School of Industrial, Computing & Engineering Technologies, call 570-327-4520 or visit www.pct.edu/ICET.For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

Last Updated February 16, 2016