Department of Labor announces Manufacturing Grant Recipients

The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) has awarded a total of $250,000 in manufacturing modernization and workforce development grants to five Nebraska businesses.  The pilot program selected businesses that are utilizing innovative approaches to increasing productivity and building their workforces. 

“The Department received 54 applications, and I am so impressed with the commitment from businesses across the state to utilizing technology in ways that will grow and sustain their companies while also providing new employment opportunities,” said Commissioner of Labor Katie Thurber. 

Each business will receive $50,000 and utilize matching funds to complete their project. Following are the grant recipients:

Distar Industries LLC, Columbus: Distar plans to purchase a robotic welding system to increase its modernization efforts and improve welding productivity, ensure quality consistency, and upskill its workforce. The more automated welding process will take strain off the workers and allow them to work on higher-value, more complex projects and custom fabrication.

International Sensor Systems Inc. dba as Aurora Boardworks, Aurora: The manufacturer of custom electronic printed circuit board assemblies for industrial, medical, aviation, agriculture and other applications, will purchase and install a 3D solder paste inspection machine and a 3D automated optical inspection machine. Both are aimed at increasing throughput to meet increasing customer demand.  Aurora plans to hire two additional people to handle increased production.

Lincoln Tool and Design Co., Lincoln: The company plans to add a robotic weld cell to improve welding capabilities to better serve their customers and increase and modernize welding efficiency and productivity. Training will increase the ability of one to two workers to be skilled in robotic welding, increasing the number of robotic welding projects from zero to two and increasing revenue by a projected $50,000 to $250,000.

PAJ Industries LLC dba FabriPlas Metal, Bennet: The manufacturer of metal panels, privacy screens, railing inserts, decorative deck panels, ornamental fencing and more, will build a plasma cutting machine and add a painter/welder and administrative assistant to keep up with greater demand for their products.

Sidecar Cider LLC dba Saro Cider, Lincoln: Saro Cider’s project is to purchase and install a tunnel pasteurizer for canned beverages. The purchase will allow the business to increase the speed of packaging, resulting in significant improvements in product quality, production efficiency, and capacity. The company plans to add one or two new full-time production roles within 12 months.

“While the Department was not able to award funding to all applicants, we are committed to helping businesses grow and connecting people to new career pathways,” Thurber said.

Businesses and individuals can find out more about Department of Labor programs and services by contacting one of their 10 locations throughout the state.  Contact information is listed at https://dol.nebraska.gov/ContactUs.

Department of Labor news releases are available at dol.nebraska.gov/PressRelease