Dozens of Hamilton High School (HHS) students and their families took part in a special after school field trip on November 12 to visit Glenn Rieder, LLC, a nationally recognized architectural millwork and interior finishes manufacturer headquartered in West Allis.
“Collaborating with HHS goes beyond training, it’s about building stronger connections between education, industry and community, “ explains Glenn Rieder Talent Development Partner Eman Sarameh. “Youth apprentices gain hands-on experience. Glenn Rieder gains fresh perspectives and emerging talent, helping us continue to grow a workforce that reflects both skill and diversity,” adds Sarameh.
The visit offered families an inside look at the company’s facility which features 90,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 30,000 square feet of offices and collaborative areas. Students and their family members had the opportunity to explore the manufacturing floor and observe artisans and engineers creating cabinetry and architectural components. They also learned how high-tech tools integrate with skilled craftsmanship in modern production environments.
“We are thrilled to have been able to offer this opportunity that connects classroom topics like design, STEM and workforce readiness with a real-world, innovative local business,” said Hamilton High School Associate Principal and Extended Learning Coordinator Marquea Goike.
Glenn Rieder Plant Manager Kyle Safranek says that partnering with HHS is an opportunity to support and empower future generations. “Through youth apprenticeships, students gain valuable exposure to career opportunities in architectural woodworking, while Glenn Rieder helps cultivate the next generation of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen,” explains Safranek. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and community-focused culture, one that values opportunity, craftsmanship and long-term growth.”
Visitors from HHS learned about how Glenn Rieder uses 5-axis CNC machining, automated finishing systems, CAD- driven workflows and traditional artisan techniques to bring complex design concepts to life.
“We are grateful to Glenn Rieder for welcoming our students and families and providing such an engaging, hands-on look at what modern manufacturing really looks like,” shares Goike. “Opportunities like this help students imagine new possibilities for their futures.”