CLEVELAND, Ohio – Sherwin-Williams, through its Industrial Wood Coatings Division, formalized a $300,000 investment in the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab (MiLL), the Colorado national training center teaching the next generation of wood manufacturing tradesmen and women.

The investment was formalized during a ceremony in the Sherwin-Williams booth at the AWFS Fair, attended by Dennis Karnstein, president and general manager, Sherwin-Williams Industrial Wood Coatings Division; Dean Mattson, director, Peyton Woods Manufacturing, and founder of the MiLL; Timothy Kistler, superintendent, Peyton School District; and Scott Campbell, superintendent, Widefield School District 3. The presentation included a $30,000 commitment for 2017 activities.

From left: Les Smith, Kevin Bricker, Dennis Karnstein of Sherwin-William, with Dean Mattson, Tim Kistler and Scott Campbell.

Opening in Colorado Springs, Colorado in August 2017, the 46,000-square-foot MiLL will offer classes to primary and post-secondary students in the Peyton and Widefield School Districts, industry personnel and members of the military. Its curriculum will center around hands-on education that uses machines and technologies the students will encounter on the job.

A number of industry suppliers have provided support for the new training center, which is located near the Peyton Woods program.

“The MiLL provides a fantastic opportunity for students to master the skills that will launch their trade careers with unparalleled access to industry-leading educators and equipment,” said Dennis Karnstein. “There is no greater way to support our mission to grow the success of the wood industry than to ensure our future leaders have the best tools and knowledge.”

 “We are thrilled to partner with the MiLL to prepare students for employment and elevate the talent of the wood manufacturing workforce,” said Karnstein.