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M A N U F A C T U R I N G A L L S T A R S 2 0 1 8 21 S P O N S O R P A I D P R O F I L E I n 1941, when Krueger Metal Products Inc. was founded, the war made resources scarce. Daily, founder Al Krueger would call on steel companies to purchase materials to make folding chairs. The scrap available determined what he could produce … a novel way of manufacturing. Today, KI is still known for innovative manufacturing. What's different is that innovation also includes the approach it takes with its workforce. "We value people who have the technical skills as well as the ability to collaborate and support continuous improvement," said Stuart Kolb, KI general manager. "Our employees are really the driving force behind our success." That approach helped the company expand its portfolio well beyond the folding chair. The Green Bay plant manufactures various seating products, Manitowoc focuses on architectural wall and panel systems, while Bonduel produces fixed seating and tables. KI purposely cultivates a work environment that encourages employees to share ideas and try new things. During a shift, you won't just see repetitive work at a single machine. Rather, employees also engage in all facets of the business — from cross-training in other cells to planning sessions and discussions with customers. KI prides itself on mentoring the next generation of skilled workers. It has partnered with local schools, supports both youth and adult apprenticeships, and supports continuing education for all employees. KI has entered into a unique partnership that pairs high school students with the company's engineers to solve real-world manufacturing problems. During its busy summers, the company hires more than 400 students across its three plants. These programs provide students with a robust view of manufacturing jobs such as mechanical engineering, automation support, welding and more. They also see how these positions have a path for future advancement. That's why KI's tagline "Furnishing Knowledge" is so fitting … it offers far more than furniture. Learn More About KI Manufacturing www.youtube.com/watch?v=huFCL-7S42s&t=26s KI.com KI Green Bay | Manitowoc | Bonduel ki.com/facebook or @KIfurniture ki.com/youtube or kinetwork ki.com/linkedin ki.com/twitter or @KItweets Social icon Rounded square Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines. ki.com/Instagram or kiinstagram Name Company Dan Angell KI Jarred Bates Plexus Josh Cherney Nercon Eng. & Mfg., Inc. Peter Fox PanelTEK LLC Brian Henshaw Nercon Eng. & Mfg., Inc. David Hintz EMT International Jesse Holl Nicolet Plastics LLC Anthony Johnson Marquis Yachts Laura Mitcheltree Johnsonville, LLC Philip Plagemann Kohler Company Jacob Reedy Great Northern Corporation Harrison Riggs Plexus Amy Scherer Sturm Foods, Inc. Cha L.Thao Johnsonville S, LLC ALL STAR NOMINEES: REST OF THE BEST Just being nominated as a manufacturing All Star is an honor. The following outstanding individuals were also nominated for All Star recognition: Name Company Mike Ames Johnsonville, LLC Tim Anderson EMT International Leo Begrow Great Northern Laminations Tom Dorn KI Scott Duffey Sturm Foods, Inc. John Eide Sadoff Iron and Metal Peter Fox PanelTEK LLC Kevin Hodkiewicz Nercon Eng. & Mfg., Inc. Matt McClellan Rockline Industries Russ Monroe Sargento Inc. Stuart Robison Fincantieri Marinette Marine John Schwantes Johnsonville, LLC Corey Smith Rockline Industries Jonathan Stokdyk Rockline Industries Don Van Ryzin CMD Bob Volm Fox Valley Metal-Tech The following individuals were also nominated for their outstanding efforts as mentors: CONGRATULATIONS!