In late 2022, AR Engineering attended the ribbon cutting event and open house for the new WAY Interglobal facility. WAY Interglobal is an RV components manufacturer that is moving their global headquarters to the new 800,000 square foot warehouse facility in Elkhart, Indiana. AR Engineering was the Civil Engineer for the development and was excited to attend the ribbon cutting event to celebrate completion of the project. The building has over 50 loading docks, will house office space, a showroom to showcase RV’s and RV components, and a large warehousing operation. There was a great turnout, and everyone is excited to see what the future holds for WAY Interglobal.
Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors Presentation
Dustin Thornton, P.S. presented to the student chapter of the Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) Burt and Mullett on January 24, 2023. Eighteen students heard Dustin share the history of AR Engineering, talk about the equipment used and listen as he discussed some of the pros and cons experienced during the start-up of our survey department. The students enjoyed pizza provided by AR Engineering, asked questions, talked about equipment they have used and shared if they were interested in a summer internship that could potentially lead to full-time employment. The 2023 MSPS Conference begins tomorrow and Dustin plans to connect with some of these students, in follow-up to the presentation, about potential internship opportunities.
Western Michigan University Concrete Canoe Team
AR Engineering and Western Michigan University (WMU) Alumni joined the WMU Concrete Canoe Team at its casting day on February 4, 2023. After several years without a team during the pandemic, AR Engineering helped gather former concrete canoe alumni to re-establish the team. Several staff from AR Engineering and other alumni worked with students in preparation for casting day and the conference. Casting day was a tremendous success due to the assistance from alumni and the dedication and drive of the current students. This was another great opportunity for AR Engineering to give back to WMU. The WMU Concrete Canoe Team is attending the ASCE Eastern Great Lakes Student Conference hosted by Wayne State University on March 30-April 1, 2023. Go Broncos!
2023 Ice Breaker Fest - South Haven
AR Engineering staff participated in the annual Ice Breaker Fest in downtown South Haven in early February, and you may have seen our impressive cardboard construction barrel on the sledding hill. In a team building challenge, AR staff entered the annual sled race which turned out to be quite a fun and educational undertaking. The rules were simple - you could use only cardboard, glue and tape. The sled design was creative, taking 2nd place in the design category, but fare so well when it was heaved down the hill. Thanks to our captain, Stephanie, for piloting and hopefully next year we give her a better ride.
2023 NAWIC Block Kids Competition
On February 4, 2023 AR Engineering participated in judging the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC), Block Kids Competition. Students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade have the opportunity to build something with Legos and present it to be judged. The time limit is one hour and they can build any non-living thing they want. Once again the judges were blown away by the creativity and the future of engineering is bright with the ingenuity of these kids!