Moraine Park Technical College recognized its valued business and industry partners at the annual Business and Industry Partner Awards luncheon on March 11 at the Fond du Lac Campus Conference Center. The event celebrated organizations and individuals who made significant contributions to workforce innovation, education and development through their partnership with the College in 2025.
Each year, Moraine Park honors standout partnerships with the Excellence in Partnership, Employer of the Year, Innovation, New Partner of the Year and Workforce Development Champion awards. This year, the College introduced the Outstanding Advisory Committee Member Award.
“Today is about recognizing organizations that invest in workforce development through their partnership with Moraine Park,” Pete Rettler, dean of district engagement and interim dean of economic and workforce development said. “Your commitment to developing the current and future workforce and expanding opportunities demonstrates the powerful outcomes that happen when education and industry work side by side.”
Employer of the Year — Grande Cheese Company
Grande Cheese Company was named Moraine Park’s 2025 Employer of the Year for its long-standing investment in employee development and partnership with the College. Since 2014, more than 600 Grande employees have participated in customized training programs, earning 19 Gold Belt, 52 Green Belt and 15 Black Belt Six Sigma certifications, while building skills in leadership, supervision, welding and industrial maintenance.
The partnership has also created hands-on learning opportunities tailored to Grande’s operations, including a customized sanitary welding course and use of Moraine Park’s Industrial Maintenance Boot Camp to introduce production associates to maintenance careers.
“When we talk about organizations that truly model excellence, Grande Cheese Company rises to the top,” Angela Gerlach, Moraine Park business development manager said. “They’re widely known for crafting world-class, all natural Italian cheeses, but what truly sets Grande apart is their deep values-driven commitment to their people and continuous pursuit of improvement.”
Excellence in Partnership — Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool received the Excellence in Partnership Award for its wide-ranging collaboration and continued support of student learning and workforce development. The company has contributed more than $400,000 in donations and equipment to the Advanced Manufacturing Robotics and Automation Lab at the West Bend Campus, hosted facility tours, and connected with students through classroom presentations and events such as October Manufacturing Month.
The partnership extends into workforce training, with Milwaukee Tool employees participating in robotics training and apprentices enrolled in Moraine Park’s Toolmaker Apprenticeship program.
“We need partners in the community to help bring talented individuals who are ready for the workforce and hungry to learn,” Adam Van Handel, director of operations at Milwaukee Tool’s West Bend facility said. “The more skills and experience students gain, the better partners they become as future employees.”
New Partner of the Year — Accord Manufacturing
Accord Manufacturing was named New Partner of the Year for its rapid collaboration and commitment to workforce development. Beginning with an initial discussion in January 2025, the partnership quickly grew into a comprehensive training initiative, focused on leadership development and advanced problem-solving.
Accord leaders completed nearly 150 hours of instructor-led training, including Six Sigma Green Belt certification, Supervision 201 and Spanish for the Workplace, helping participants strengthen leadership skills, improve problem-solving abilities and gain confidence in their roles.
“At Accord, we believe learning drives progress, and through our collaboration with MPTC, we’ve seen that belief come to life on our factory floor,” Krista Kuber, director of human resources said. “These trainings have strengthened our team in very real ways, and we see results every day.”’
Innovation Award — Kraft Heinz Company
Kraft Heinz Company received the Innovation Award for its Line Technician Apprenticeship Program at its Beaver Dam facility. Developed in partnership with Moraine Park, the 12-month program combines technical coursework with hands-on experience, preparing full-time employees for mechanical line technician roles regardless of prior experience.
The program also includes Moraine Park’s Critical Core Skills training to strengthen communication, teamwork and problem-solving abilities. This model apprenticeship program builds a sustainable pipeline of skilled manufacturing professionals while enhancing workforce readiness and employee engagement.
Workforce Development Champion — Carl Priesgen, Maysteel Industries
Carl Priesgen, a skilled welder at Maysteel Industries, was recognized for his leadership in advancing welding technology and supporting workforce development. Priesgen introduced laser fiber welding to Maysteel, mentored instructors, and helped develop curriculum around the College’s new laser welder.
He also supported Moraine Park’s West Bend Campus open house, sharing his expertise with prospective students and demonstrating the growing demand for advanced welding skills.
“I’ve been working in this industry for 42 years, and no other technology has inspired me like fiber laser welding,” Priesgen said. “It’s important to share that technology with the next generation.”
Learn more about Moraine Park’s partnership with Maysteel.
Outstanding Advisory Committee Member — Tim Block, Froedtert West Bend Hospital
Tim Block, lab manager at Froedtert West Bend Hospital and chair of the MLT Advisory Committee, received the Outstanding Advisory Committee Member Award. He has partnered with Moraine Park to host clinical students each spring, frequently hires graduates and donated laboratory equipment and supplies to support student training.
Block has also advocated for expanded phlebotomy training opportunities for dual credit students, helping grow courses tied to the Phlebotomist/Specimen Processor technical diploma. His leadership continues to strengthen Moraine Park’s health care workforce pipeline.
