KEB America Donates Industrial Automation Equipment to Hennepin Technical College

Hennepin Tech receives five servo motor and drive demo stations from KEB America and a cash match through PMMI’s U Skills Fund.

Shakopee, Minnesota, August 1, 2023 – KEB America, Inc., a subsidiary of KEB Automation KG and the North American provider of motion control and industrial automation solutions, today announces its donation of five servo motor and drive demo stations to enhance the learning experience of Hennepin Technical College’s students pursuing careers in packaging, processing, and automation.

In addition to receiving KEB America’s equipment, Hennepin Technical College receives a monetary match courtesy of the PMMI U Skills Fund, an initiative created by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

The KEB demo stations provide Hennepin Technical College’s Automation Robotics Engineering Technology students with hands-on experience using the latest solutions in motion control.

Each demo station features KEB’s S6 servo drive, an 8000-rpm servo motor, a DC power supply unit, COMBIVIS software for programming, and a DIN rail for mounting IO and PLCs.

“The idea came at Pack Expo,” said Jeff Thorstad, automation robotics engineering technologies/packaging instructor at Hennepin Technical College. “When I saw the KEB demo unit, I thought there were applications it could apply to in our classroom. Live demo stations help us teach the basics of VFDs, and the programming and interaction with PLCs so that the students can see how the smaller components work with the bigger components to make automation happen in a holistic system.”

In addition to receiving five demo stations, the Automation Robotics Engineering Technology program received a monetary match from PMMI’s U Skills Fund. This resource helps PMMI members, like KEB America, form meaningful partnerships with regional two- to four-year colleges, universities, and/or technical/vocational schools. The PMMI U Skills Fund matches a member’s contributions of up to $50,000 per year to fund regional education programs of their choice.

“In the pursuit of a thriving industry, manufacturing companies’ support to local schools and educational programs is paramount,” said Kate Fiorianti, director, workforce development at PMMI. “By investing in these educational institutions, they nurture a skilled workforce and foster innovation. PMMI is thrilled to show our support through the PMMI U Skills Funds, allowing these institutions to empower more students to unlock their potential.”

Hennepin Technical College, Minnesota’s largest stand-alone technical college, and KEB America have a rich history of providing students with internships that prepare them for immediate employment after college. Student interns perform technical work using KEB’s motion control products and applying technologies like EtherCAT to design, prototype, and validate machinery systems.

“Our partnership with Hennepin Technical College has proved beneficial for both sides,” said Jonathan Bullick, national sales manager at KEB America. “Our internship program is a stepping stone for students to apply practical knowledge with real-world experiences, preparing them for successful careers at KEB America or elsewhere in the industrial automation industry. In fact, a Hennepin Technical College student built these demo stations during his internship here at KEB America.”

Visit the corresponding websites for information on Hennepin Technical College’s automation program, KEB’s automation products, and PMMI’s U Skills Fund.

About KEB America, Inc.
KEB America, Inc. is a North American manufacturer of industrial automation products for applications in the elevator, medical, packaging, and plastics industries. KEB America manufactures, assembles, and supports its suite of German-engineered controls, drives, motors, brakes, and clutches at its ISO 9001:2015 certified 150,000-square-foot facility in Shakopee, Minnesota.

KEB America is a wholly owned subsidiary of KEB Automation KG, a global provider of complete automation system solutions headquartered in Barntrup, Germany. KEB Automation KG has four global production sites, 11 subsidiaries, and 1,500+ employees worldwide.

About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College (Hennepin Tech) is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs. Achieving a high job placement rate, the college prepares students for in-demand and high-paying employment opportunities.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 950 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media, and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México, and EXPO PACK Guadalajara. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends, and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Manufacturing + Packaging, ProFood World, Mundo PMMI, and OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market, and industry trends to support members’ growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year. Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.