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L’ANSE - As part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Upper Peninsula Community Tour, SBA representatives, the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce, and students enrolled in the Copper Country Intermediate School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business/Entrepreneurship course recenlty visited Massie Manufacturing in Baraga
The students earn dual credit through Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) and
CCISD.
Following the Massie Manufacturing visit, SBA representatives and Chamber staff
continued on to Peninsula Powder Coating. The visits provided participants with a firsthand look at local manufacturing operations and workforce opportunities, while business leaders shared insights into the factors
contributing to the success of their companies.
At Massie Manufacturing, owner Karl Niemela provided an overview of the company’s operations, including metal fabrication and computer numerical control (CNC) machining.
Following the visit to Massie Manufacturing, SBA representatives and Chamber staff toured Peninsula Powder Coating, where Bill Raymond showcased the company’s operations, including some of the largest finishing ovens in the Midwest. Visitors learned about the finishing process, including sandblasting, surface preparation,
powder application, and heat curing, which provides a durable and attractive finish for industrial and commercial products.
Following the PPC tour, Brian Baccus answered questions from participants and discussed the company’s operations. Peninsula Powder Coating serves customers throughout the region and across the United States. “This was a valuable experience for our students, allowing them to see modern manufacturing in action while learning about career opportunities and the qualities that contribute to business success in our region,” said Rhonda Nachtigall, instructor for the Copper Country ISD CTE Business/Entrepreneurship course.
The visits underscored the important role manufacturing plays in Baraga County’s economy and showcased the resilience, adaptability, and skilled workforce that help local companies compete in regional and national markets