Programs geared toward continuing education & encouraging interest in plastics careers

Madison Heights, Mich. – May 9, 2008 – D-M-E Company announced today the initiation of two scholarship/funding programs designed to support the plastics industry by ensuring the availability of a highly-skilled, well-trained workforce. The programs will provide funds to support students interested in plastics-related careers and to advance the skill sets of D-M-E customers working in moldmaking and plastics.

One of the key findings in D-M-E’s State of the Moldmaking Industry research conducted in 2007 was that, like many other industries, moldmakers will face a labor shortage, as first- and second-generation experts retire. This problem is compounded by the lack of newcomers to manufacturing professions. By offering educational support programs, D-M-E is taking its position as an essential resource to customers and expanding it to the industry as a whole to help fill the increasing workforce gap in the marketplace.

“D-M-E is committed to advancing training and education within the plastics industry. We are very excited to offer these two programs to help the success of plastics industry employees today and in the future,” said Dave Lawrence, President of D-M-E Company. “As one of the preeminent leaders in the industry, it’s both our obligation and in our best interest to help develop and groom tomorrow’s moldmaking and plastics industry experts.”

D-M-E will be contributing $20,000 towards the D-M-E Company Continuing Education Support and D-M-E Company Student Scholarship Program, awarded in $1,000 increments.

To be eligible for the Continuing Education Support scholarship, applicants must be employed by a current D-M-E customer; and training courses must be in the plastics industry, although related coursework that is non-plastic specific may be considered.

Interested parties must submit an application and provide additional materials (application and complete list of materials available at www.dme.net/education) for review no later than July 15 for consideration of funds for August – December 2008 or by December 1 for consideration of funds for January – June 2009.

Students looking to apply for the D-M-E Company Student Scholarship Program must be enrolled in a plastics program at any accredited trade school/university offering a 2-year certificate, 2-year associate or 4-year bachelor’s degree. Applicants enrolled in related coursework will be considered if they demonstrate a strong academic emphasis and interest in plastics.

The application and materials (available at www.dme.net/education) must be received no later than July 30 for consideration of funds toward the 2008 fall semester.

Winners will be selected by the D-M-E Education Team and will be notified by mail.

About D-M-E
D-M-E Company is an essential mold technologies resource to customers worldwide. Through aggressive new product development, global product standardization and a powerful combination of in-house manufacturing centers of excellence and strategic global partnerships, D-M-E is helping customers succeed in changing times. The company’s standard-setting, comprehensive product line—including hot runner systems; control systems; mold bases and components; and mold making and molding equipment and supplies—is backed by expert technical service every step of the way. A subsidiary of Milacron, Inc., D-M-E also manufactures and sells standard tooling for the die-casting industry. Visit www.dme.net for more information.