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Industrial Engineering students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville were given an exclusive, hands-on learning experience during a recent tour of Wieland's Alton facility. Wieland, a global leader in semi-finished copper and copper alloy products, welcomed the students for an educational visit aimed at bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world manufacturing.

The tour, organized as part of the Manufacturing Processes course led by Sinan Onal, PhD, associate professor and Chair of the Industrial Engineering Department at SIUE, provided students with invaluable insight into the practical applications of their studies. Wieland, known for its high-performance copper materials and innovative solutions in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, showcased its cutting-edge manufacturing processes during the visit.

“This was a fantastic opportunity for our students,” said Onal. “They were able to connect the theoretical knowledge from the classroom with its application in a real-world industrial setting. The proximity of Wieland to our campus, just 15 minutes away, is a huge advantage for our program. I’m also proud to see one of our former students working with the company.”

The students were guided through the facility by key members of the Wieland team, including Chris Davenport, Regional Continuous Improvement Manager, Gary Bloodworth, Training Manager, Janet Buttry, Office Manager, and Onkar Nerkar, Director of Continuous Improvement and Industrial Engineering. The group offered detailed insights into Wieland's processes, from prototype development to large-scale production, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in materials for industries such as electromobility and connectivity.

The students were especially impressed by the detailed explanations provided by their tour guides, gaining a deep understanding of how the concepts they’ve learned apply to real-life scenarios. Onal noted, “Wieland is an ideal environment for students interested in pursuing careers in manufacturing after graduation. The tour guides were extremely helpful, and special thanks go to Onkar Nerkar for making this tour possible.”

Wieland, which has been in operation since 1820, is a crucial partner for industries worldwide and has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation. Onal hopes this tour will be the beginning of a stronger partnership between the Department of Industrial Engineering and Wieland. “I look forward to collaborating with Wieland in many ways in the future,” he said.

With its global reach and commitment to high-quality materials and manufacturing processes, Wieland is well-positioned as a potential future employer for SIUE students. This visit has opened the door to new learning experiences and potential career pathways for Industrial Engineering students.

About Wieland 
Wieland is one of the world's leading suppliers of copper and copper alloy products, serving industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, refrigeration, and air conditioning. The company operates more than 80 production sites worldwide and focuses on sustainable solutions in future-oriented fields like electromobility and urbanization. 
This tour marks another step in SIUE's commitment to providing its students with practical, career-oriented learning opportunities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern industrial world. 
  
For more information, contact SIUE's Industrial Engineering Department at (618) 650-5589 or visit the welcome page.

PHOTO:  SIUE Industrial Engineering students tour Wieland's Alton facility