Cheshire board honors Marion Manufacturing and highlights school-to-work partnerships

The Cheshire Board of Education recognized Marion Manufacturing at its Jan. 16 meeting for a long-running partnership with the district and its role in recruiting and training local graduates.

The recognition came during the superintendent's recognitions segment, when Dr. Solon introduced Doug Johnson of Marion Manufacturing. Johnson described the company’s manufacturing work — including precision parts for medical devices and aerospace applications — and said Marion hires Cheshire graduates and runs apprenticeship and on-the-job training that has produced managers now in their late 20s.

"We have five kids that graduated Cheshire High. Some went off to college and came back to us," Doug Johnson said. "Three of those young men are 28 years old, and they are our top managers for our company." He said Marion makes parts for rapid blood-transfusion devices, cable connectors, heart-monitor snaps and titanium parts for aircraft heat exchangers.

Board members and Marion Manufacturing representatives described the partnership as a recruiting pipeline for the company and a source of career opportunities for students. Dr. Solon said the district has arranged student tours and is discussing ways for students to engage with local manufacturers as part of career education and an "adventure playground" project at Norton School.

Johnson and board members said Marion and other local firms can offer students paid work, apprenticeships and pathways that combine on-the-job training with further education.

The board thanked Marion Manufacturing for its community support and said the district will continue to pursue partnerships that expose students to trade and STEM careers.