"Penn College has a strong reputation for developing future leaders in a range of technical fields that are highly sought after in industry. The partnership between SEKISUI KYDEX and the college is a significant part of our long-term strategy in several ways. First, we want to continue to recruit Penn College students for summer internships which equally benefits the student and our organization. Secondly, we want to be an employer of choice for future tomorrow makers as they enter the workforce after graduation. Lastly, the Workforce Development programs such as on-site training, hands-on training at the Plastics Innovation & Resource Center, and the apprenticeship programs are all vital for our existing employee development. For these reasons, it makes perfect sense to partner with Penn College.”
Industry
SEKISUI KYDEX
- Polymer Engineering
- Electrical
- Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
- Accounting & Business Administration
SEKISUI KYDEX creates sustainable thermoplastic solutions for the next generation of product design. Driven by a commitment to speed, service, and superiority, the organization excels at manufacturing world-class materials with short lead times in small quantities. In addition to the thermoplastic sheet, the KYDEX® portfolio includes injection molding resins, proprietary Infused Imaging™ Technology, integral special effects, unique textures, and custom products and design. With 400+ dedicated professionals in Bloomsburg, PA, and Holland, MI, and a global network of sales and distribution partners, SEKISUI KYDEX is committed to delivering more than their customers can imagine.
Industry Partnerships
Q&A with SEKISUI KYDEX
WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE INDUSTRY YOU SERVE?
KYDEX enjoys supporting the growing global middle class. We try to focus on industries that traditionally do not use or understand the value of thermoplastics, we try to educate the industry to use more environmentally friendly thermoplastics solutions versus other materials. KYDEX is a small company that is able to move quickly and decisively help large agglomerated multinational companies bring innovations to product options and solutions. We are also well connected to the “Do It Yourself” community for firearm and knife holsters. This diversity helps align our innovations with industry needs.
WHAT DO YOU APPRECIATE MOST ABOUT YOUR COMPANY'S MISSION?
Our company has recently updated our Mission, Vision, and Values, which we collaborated with our teammates to define, rather than telling our teammates what we want it to be. We CARE for our Customers and Partners, we CARE about All Teammates, we CARE about Research & Innovation, and we CARE about Environmental and the Future.
HOW DID YOUR COMPANY FIRST CONNECT WITH PENN COLLEGE?
In approximately 2012 KYDEX made a deliberate decision to focus more on our local communities. We want central PA and Western MI to be a place where residents have a future career. To do that we must be a good company where people want to work and we also need to develop the community members so that they have the skills to obtain good jobs that local employers are seeking. With that said, Penn College is an ideal partner for KYDEX to help develop graduating high school students for education and tenured employees in the workforce for continuous improvement through workforce development.
WHY DO YOU BELIEVE PENN COLLEGE IS A SOUND INVESTMENT?
Penn College is a sound investment to help develop our neighbors in the community to obtain the skills which can have a global impact to many industries including Manufacturing, Engineering, Design, Consulting, etc. The return is an uncalculatable impact to Pennsylvania, USA, and the global economies. The PCT graduates are well respected in the industries they serve and are a desirable hire for employers. The post-graduation outreach and collaborations with employers and employees keep engagement which are important with providing feedback to PCT for future curriculum adjustments.
WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU VALUE MOST WHEN RECRUITING PENN COLLEGE STUDENTS AND ALUMNI?
Curiosity, willingness to learn, can do attitude, and technical skills. All of which are successful qualities of the PCT graduates.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING PENN COLLEGE?
Visit the campus, tour the facilities, meet the faculty. If you are a hands-on student, this is the place for you.
Industry Connections
Sean Stabler
Research & Innovation Manager, SEKISUI KYDEX
Fueling a future of possibilities
Penn College's strong corporate partnerships impact every step of the student journey–from scholarships and equipment donations to internships and employment opportunities.
Penn College Scholarships
Polymer Promise - Sekisui Kydex Scholarship
Penn College Scholarships
SEKISUI KYDEX Workforce Development Scholarship
industry news
Programs
Plastics & Polymer Engineering Technology
Dive into extensive hands-on training with industrial-scale processing equipment in one of our two ABET-accredited plastics programs.
Electrical
Learn all the ins and outs of electrical and automated systems, training in specialized labs using equipment just the pros.
Electronics & Computer Engineering
Choose from a host of interconnected, yet diverse majors, ranging from automation and computer engineering to electronics and robotics.
Accounting & Business Administration
Navigate the field of accounting or the diverse world of business by choosing a path that aligns with your career goals.