Tech is Progress—
Strong partnerships are essential to building a skilled workforce, and Moraine Park Technical College celebrates the organizations and individuals that help make that possible.
At its annual Business and Industry Partner Awards luncheon, held this spring at the Fond du Lac Campus, Moraine Park recognized employers and industry leaders whose collaboration continued to create opportunities for the region’s workforce in 2025.
“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,” Pete Rettler, dean of workforce development and strategic partnerships, said.
Together, the 2025 award recipients demonstrate the power of collaboration between education and industry. Their partnerships support employee advancement, continued growth and ensure the region’s workforce remains strong for years to come.
Employer of the Year: Grande Cheese Company
Named Moraine Park’s 2025 Employer of the Year, Grande Cheese Company has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to employee growth and continuous improvement. Since 2014, more than 600 employees have participated in customized Moraine Park training programs, earning industry-recognized certifications while developing skills in leadership, welding and industrial maintenance.
That commitment extends beyond training. Together, Grande and Moraine Park have created customized learning opportunities, including a sanitary welding course and pathways into maintenance careers through the College’s Industrial Maintenance Boot Camp.
Excellence in Partnership: Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee Tool received the Excellence in Partnership Award for its broad support of student learning and workforce development. Through equipment donations exceeding $400,000, facility tours, classroom presentations and workforce training initiatives, the company has helped strengthen hands-on learning opportunities for students, particularly in advanced manufacturing and automation.
New Partner of the Year: Accord Manufacturing
Accord Manufacturing was recognized as New Partner of the Year after quickly establishing a strong workforce training partnership with Moraine Park. What began as an initial conversation in early 2025 evolved into a comprehensive professional development initiative, providing leadership training, Six Sigma Green Belt certifications and workplace language instruction for company leaders.
“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
The Innovation Award was presented to Kraft Heinz for its Line Technician Apprenticeship program at the company’s Beaver Dam facility. Developed in partnership with Moraine Park, the 12-month program combines classroom instruction with hands-on experience, helping employees gain the technical and professional skills needed to advance into mechanical line technician roles.
Workforce Development Champion: Carl Priesgen, Maysteel Industries
Carl Priesgen, a welder at Maysteel Industries, was recognized for his leadership in advancing welding technology and supporting workforce development. Priesgen introduced fiber laser welding to Maysteel, mentored instructors and helped develop curriculum around the College’s new laser welder.
“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.”
Outstanding Advisory Committee Member: Tim Block, Froedert West Bend Hospital
The College’s inaugural Outstanding Advisory Committee Member Award was presented to Tim Block, lab manager at Froedtert West Bend Hospital and chair of the MLT Advisory Committee. 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.
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