The Precision Metal Fabrication program at Meridian Technology Center has new equipment thanks to a recent donation from E-Z Drill.

The Perry-based manufacturing company specializes in concrete drilling, doweling equipment and dust collection systems. When E-Z Drill bought an upgraded pipe and tubing bending machine for their shop, rather than trying to sell the company’s older model, owner Leon Hake decided to donate it to the next generation of fabricators – students in the Precision Metal Fabrication program at Meridian. The donated pipe and tubing bending machine is valued at nearly $30,000.

“We have the opportunity to provide Meridian with a machine that students will likely use in the workforce, but this donation is more about the relationship that we have with the school than it is about a piece of equipment,” Troy Cruz, E-Z Drill supervisor, said. “Through the years our company has hired from several of Meridian’s programs. We’ve employed students from the Product Development and Machining, Welding and Precision Metal Fabrication programs.”

This is not t he first time that E-Z Drill has invested in students at Meridian. Representatives from the company frequently serve on Business and Education Councils at the school where members provide insights on trends they see in the workforce and suggest equipment for the programs. Cruz is a frequent guest in the program, serving as both a program mentor and a judge for student skills contests. He will also host students for a tour of the manufacturing facility later this school year.

Program instructor Justin Nisbett indicated that relationships like what Meridian has with E-Z drill and other industries in the district are essential for providing students the high-quality technical skills, and the competitive advantage they need to be the industry of tomorrow and help fill the skills gap.

“E-Z Drill plays a vital role in all capacities for the growth of the Precision Metal Fabrication Program and the workforce of tomorrow,” Nisbett explained. “The recent donation of the pipe and tubing bender will give students one more tool to become familiar or one more opportunity that will help to prepare them for future employment. The support of E-Z Drill in this donation, as well of the donation of their time and expertise, helps students become prepared not just in technical skills, but identifying the expectations they will be held to in this workforce.”

For more information or to enroll visit www.meridiantech.edu or contact a career counselor by phone at (405) 377-3333 or toll-free at (888) 607-2509.

E-Z Drill recently donated a pipe and tubing bending machine to the Precision Metal Fabrication program at Meridian Technology Center. Troy Cruz, E-Z Drill supervisor, and Justin Nisbett, Precision Metal Fabrication instructor at Meridian, coordinated the transfer of equipment.