Case donates engine and components display to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Students at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s diesel and heavy equipment technician program will have hands-on access to some new instructional aids, following the recent donation by Case Construction Equipment of a diesel engine, transmission and hydraulic pump display from a Case loader/backhoe.

Case had been using the equipment at its Tomahawk Customer Center in Tomahawk, WI, but donated it to the Sturgeon Bay college after NWTC students visited Tomahawk with their instructor Jon Sowl, senior instructor of the school’s diesel technician program.

“Because of our longstanding relationship with Case dealer Miller-Bradford, we’ve been working with Case and their staff at Tomahawk and at their corporate training center in Racine for the past 20 years,” Sowl says.

“Each year we take our students to visit the Case Customer Center in Tomahawk to learn about the Case product line. Students have the opportunity to operate equipment and receive training covering Case equipment history, machine features and technology,” Sowl continues. “Russ Wadzinski, the general manager at Tomahawk, asked us if we had a need in our program for the 580SM components display that they’ve been using in their dealer and customer training programs. We are very excited and grateful to Case for this generous donation.”

Sowl notes that the diesel and heavy equipment technician program is one of seven such programs in the Wisconsin tech school system, and the only one in the state to be accredited by the Associated Equipment Dealers. NWTC’s diesel program includes instruction covering agriculture, on-highway and construction machinery and diesel engine maintenance. Upon completion of the two-year program, students receive either an associate’s degree or a technical diploma.

“There’s a great career opportunity for students graduating from this program.  There has been a steady demand for diesel technicians in northeast Wisconsin and beyond,” Sowl says. “We’re a good source of talent for equipment dealers and companies with large fleets.”

Both Case and its local dealer, Miller-Bradford & Risberg, value the relationship with NWTC. “We’re happy to help Jon and his program,” says Wadzinski. “We look at his students as an important part of our industry’s future. Providing equipment and support is a good way for Case to invest in the future success of the industry.”

Mike Soley, Jr., president and CEO of Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Sussex, WI, agrees. “Creating and sustaining solid partnerships with programs like the one Jon Sowl directs is a way of building a bridge to our future customers and employees,” Soley says.