St. Cloud Technical College

Graduate Leads Manufacturing Operations
by Elizabeth Bouska

Gerry Waletzko

Park Industries builds equipment to saw, split, shape and polish stone. Located in St. Cloud, it is the largest machine manufacturer of stone working equipment in North America. And, this local company's success story has ties to a SCTC graduate.

Gerry Waletzko, a 1982 SCTC graduate, began working at Park Industries in 1988. Graduating from drafting and design technology program, Waletzko began his career at Park as a machine designer. During his career, Waletzko has worn a number of different "hats." In 1994, he accepted an appointment to Park Industries executive team. Today, he is the vice president of manufacturing. He helps build synergy between Park's two manufacturing facilities. He explains, "We currently have two divisions within our company that focus on two different industries. It is my goal to assure that these facilities communicate and work together to run an efficient manufacturing operation."

Waletzko is very involved at the SCTC and enjoys participating in the discovery academy program. As a SCTC graduate, he enjoys sharing his career successes with students who are interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing.

Earlier this year, Park Industries hosted a manufacturing day at their facility. The goal of the event was to give students a glimpse of what a possible career in manufacturing could involve. "It's hard for high school students to make a career decision," says Waletzko. "We want to expose students to a variety of exciting jobs that are available." Over 160 students from five high schools toured the facility and participated in assembly, welding, machining, and engineering sessions.

Today, approximately 1/3 of the employees from Park Industries are SCTC graduates. "You don't necessarily need a four-year degree to be successful in manufacturing", says Waletzko. "You can accomplish great things if you have the desire and the work ethic."

In addition to hiring graduates, Park Industries annually sponsors $8,500 in student scholarships. "Our philosophy of giving back to the community has always been at the center of our business philosophy," says Waletzko. "By hosting manufacturing day and by sponsoring scholarships, we are encouraging students to explore the great careers that exist in manufacturing today. Who knows, maybe someday these students will work at Park Industries."