Whitko Students Tour Fox Products Corp.Recently, Whitko Career Academy's Welding and Precision Machining programs were given the opportunity to take facility tours of Fox Products Corporation in South Whitley.
The tours were coordinated by the WCA and Executive/Human Resources Assistant Jana Peters, according to a news release from Whitko Community Schools.
The tours began in the foyer area of the world's largest double reed instrument maker with a welcome from CEO Tony Starkey and Well-Being Manager Charlie Starkey.
After transitioning to the manufacturing floor, Operations Manager Phil Wade took the first student group and provided a view of the key mounting department and discussed the importance of craftsmanship and precision fitting within the organization.
Senior Engineer Mike Baker, took a second group through the CNC machining facilities and explained the role of both traditional and advanced manufacturing processes as it applies to oboe/English horn production.
Engineer David Harris, led a group of students to the product finishing department and presented about the importance of this topic in various stages of the production process.
Max Elder, vice president of operations, guided a fourth group through the wood processing department, while explaining wood selection and its development over multiple years at the facility to ensure the customer receives a product available. The tour concluded in the employee break room with a question-and-answer session that spurred discussions about “How every day is an opportunity” and “Everyday is an interview.”
