Colonial Saw Invests in Next Generation of Woodworkers

Colonial Saw, Inc., a leading distributor of advanced woodworking tools, recently donated equipment to the Manufacturing Industry Learning Lab (MiLL) in Colorado Springs. Formed as a National Manufacturing Training Center, MiLL is the result of unique industry-education partnerships.

Colonial Saw is one of the industry partners supporting the new training center by donating a Striebig Compact Vertical Panel Saw and two Lamello Zeta P2s, a precision tool that cuts the full range of slots for the P System connector series.

“Colonial Saw has long been an advocate for education, developing the American woodworking workforce, and investing in the future of our industry,” said Dave Rakauskas, Vice President of Colonial Saw. “MiLL has tremendous potential and we chose to give them the Striebig because it is a quality tool that is very popular with vocational high school programs.”

Lamello USA, a division of Colonial Saw, offers a Tools for Schools program with discounted rates on equipment for high school and college programs. “Because of the high integrity of MiLL’s program we decided to take the extra step and donate the Zetas, which dovetails well with MiLL’s cabinet making focus,” said Chris Hofmann, the eastern U.S. Lamello product manager.

An ambitious program, MiLL will train high school, vocational, and college students as well as military vets and industry professionals to develop work-ready employees. The industry has rallied around the initiative, donating more than $3 million worth of equipment and technology and making MiLL one of the most advanced woodworking labs in the country. Led by Dean Mattson, a former professional cabinetmaker who started a similar program in Oregon, their first enrolled class of 135 students started this August.

About Colonial Saw
Colonial Saw, Inc. is North America’s importer of Swiss made STRIEBIG Vertical Panel Saws, LAMELLO specialty tools, biscuits and biscuit joiners, and the worlds’ finest grinding machinery. For over half a century, the company has delivered uncompromising performance and value, along with one of the most comprehensive and responsive after-sale customer support programs in the industry. More information can be found at www.csaw.com.