Commitment to Worker Training Has Driven Significant Investment to Firm
CEDARBURG – Governor Jim Doyle today recognized Federal Tool & Engineering for its commitment to train production workers for high skill jobs in advanced manufacturing which has driven significant investment towards the firm, including a recent contract worth $1.5 million that will lead to creating a new shift and hiring at least five new highly skilled workers.
“Wisconsin has the best manufacturing companies in the world, but we must invest in worker training to remain at the forefront in today’s highly competitive global economy,” Governor Doyle said. “Federal Tool & Engineering, Master Lock, Harley Davidson, and others are doing just that, and as others learn from their example, we will continue to grow our economy, compete at the high end and create more jobs for working families.”
“The assessment, training and testing involved in achieving MSSC credentials is rigorous, requiring dedication and determination to succeed,” Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman said. “I join Governor Doyle in congratulating these individuals on their success in earning a passport to jobs of the future, and we encourage others, both workers and employers, to take advantage of the substantial rewards our MSSC initiative has to offer.”
Governor Doyle presented Manufacturing Skill Standards Certification (MSSC) certificates to four employees who completed all four modules of the rigorous training program and six employees who have received welding certificates from Milwaukee Area Technical College.
“Completing even one of the program’s four modules is a real achievement,” said David Tomczek, President of Federal Tool & Engineering. “We are very proud of these associates. Receiving this certification is a testament to their skill and dedication.”
Wisconsin became the first state to formally embrace the national MSSC program. Last year, Governor Doyle allocated $250,000 in grants to local workforce development boards, enabling them to partner with technical colleges and develop a manufacturing skill certification system throughout the state. As part of his Grow Wisconsin – The Next Steps plan, Governor Doyle has set a goal of having 40 percent of Wisconsin’s manufacturing workers achieve MSSC standing by 2016.
Federal Tool & Engineering opened in 1925 and now manufactures engineered metal components, including stampings, fabrications, assemblies, tooling and related services.
Employers and workers interested in MSSC assessment training should contact DWD at (608) 267-3214 or the Wisconsin Technical College System at (608) 266-0790.
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