Case donates engine to Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Jon Sowl (left), instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, accepts donation of Case engine from Russ Wadzinski, general manager of Case Customer Center, Tomahawk, Wis.Jon Sowl (left), instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, accepts donation of Case engine from Russ Wadzinski, general manager of Case Customer Center, Tomahawk, Wis.

Students at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s diesel and heavy equipment technician program will have hands-on access to some new instructional aids, following the recent donation by Case Construction Equipment of a diesel engine, transmission and hydraulic pump display from a Case loader/backhoe.

Case had been using the equipment at its Tomahawk Customer Center in Tomahawk, Wis., but donated it to the Sturgeon Bay college after NWTC students visited Tomahawk with their instructor Jon Sowl, senior instructor of the school’s diesel technician program.

“Because of our longstanding relationship with Case dealer Miller-Bradford, we’ve been working with Case and their staff at Tomahawk and at their corporate training center in Racine for the past 20 years,” Sowl said.

“Each year we take our students to visit the Case Customer Center in Tomahawk to learn about the Case product line,” Sowl continued. “Students have the opportunity to operate equipment and receive training covering Case equipment history, machine features and technology.”

Sowl says Russ Wadzinski, the general manager at Tomahawk, asked there was a need in the program for the 580SM components display that Case has been using in its dealer and customer training programs. When it was noted there was a need, the display was donated.

“We are very excited and grateful to Case for this generous donation,” Sowl added.

Sowl noted that the diesel and heavy equipment technician program is one of seven such programs in the Wisconsin tech school system, and the only one in the state to be accredited by the Associated Equipment Dealers. NWTC’s diesel program includes instruction covering agriculture, on-highway and construction machinery and diesel engine maintenance. Upon completion of the two-year program, students receive either an associate’s degree or a technical diploma.

“There’s a great career opportunity for students graduating from this program,” Sowl said.  “There has been a steady demand for diesel technicians in northeast Wisconsin and beyond. We’re a good source of talent for equipment dealers and companies with large fleets.”

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Both Case and its local dealer, Miller-Bradford & Risberg, value the relationship with NWTC. “We’re happy to help Jon and his program,” said Wadzinski. “We look at his students as an important part of our industry’s future. Providing equipment and support is a good way for Case to invest in the future success of the industry.”


Mike Soley, Jr., president and CEO of Miller-Bradford & Risberg, Sussex, Wis., agreed. “Creating and sustaining solid partnerships with programs like the one Jon Sowl directs is a way of building a bridge to our future customers and employees,” Soley said.