PA Dept. Of Labor Joins Oberg Apprentice Ceremony
Natrona Heights, PA – Oberg is extremely proud to honor our latest class of graduating apprentices and salute their dedication and hard work in completing the state-registered program to receive their Journeyworker certification. The event, held on July 21, recognized 45 apprentices graduating from 2019 to 2022 (as the pandemic had prevented previous group ceremonies over the past 2 years). Nearly thirty-five apprentices were able to attend and were joined by PADLI Director of the Apprenticeship & Training Office, Tara Loew (shown above), who congratulated the graduates and highlighted the benefits of an apprenticeship education; including higher overall earnings, certifiable skills and more secure employment over their lifetime. Since its inception in the early 1970s, Oberg’s registered “earn-while-you-learn” apprenticeship program has graduated nearly 500 highly-skilled employees into a wide variety of positions in the company.
Loew explained that apprenticeships build happier, more productive employees because “people value an employer that values and invests in them.” She credited Oberg’s program and said programs like it allow organizations to build the skilled workforce needed for a company’s long-term economic success. Other PADLI attendees from Ms. Loew’s team included Danielle Demirovic, Christie DeWitt, Bryan Nilsson and Alex Peterson.
Oberg CEO, Rich Bartek, along with Directors of Manufacturing, Mark Allen and Bill Bell, and Apprentice Training Lead, Steve Garia, were present to congratulate each graduate at the ceremony and to award them with their Journeyworker certificate.
Oberg extends our congratulations and looks forward to celebrating continued success with this talented group of graduates. For additional details, click here.
Oberg’s Apprentice Program Wins White House Award
Washington, DC – Oberg Industries received the Presidential “Pledge to America’s Workers” Award today, in recognition of its long-established apprenticeship development program. Oberg was one of only 9 companies, out of 440, selected nationally for the inaugural award by the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor for organizations demonstrating excellence in workforce training through their Pledge to America’s Workers commitment. The campaign is part of the Administration’s initiative to employers supporting the millions of workers who need assistance right now while building a resilient, agile workforce for the future. Fellow recipients included Lockheed Martin, Volkswagen USA, and Textron Inc.
“We’re honored that the Council has recognized our distinguished apprentice program as one that supports the National objective of training and retraining the workers needed across high-demand industries.” said Mark Paolillo, CEO of Oberg Industries. “Since its inception in the early 1950s, nearly 1,000 highly-skilled machinists have graduated through the company’s 4-year paid apprentice program to successful careers in the industry. Our continued commitment to it highlights our vision for the growth of the company and the American economy,” Paolillo added.
At Oberg’s expanded Apprentice Training Center in Freeport, PA, (shown l to r) apprentice lead Tim Harmon, apprentices Michael Savage, Kameron Ramer, Shannon Bittinger, and Nick Dilick, director of apprentice training and development.
“On behalf of the president, I am honored to award nine extraordinary organizations the Pledge to America’s Workers Award for their commitment to the exceptionalism of the American worker and for their steadfast resolve to equip their employees with the tools to succeed in the jobs of today and tomorrow,” said Ivanka Trump, adviser to the president.
This summer, Oberg expanded its Apprentice Training Center to add more CNC machining centers and simulators as well as enlarging classroom and instructor space to accommodate more apprentices. There are currently 61 active apprentices in the program and the company plans to add 30 apprentices yearly, as part of its pledge, to accommodate projected growth and compensate for retiring workers.
For additional details, click here.
Oberg Receives Seven Seals Award from ESGR
PITTSBURGH, PA – At an evening ceremony at Pittsburgh’s Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, Oberg was recently presented with the distinguished Seven Seals Award. The award is given at the discretion of the PA Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) chairman to recognize the efforts by a citizen, business or organization whose supportive actions have benefitted all of the Reserve Components in a significant manner and demonstrates outstanding support, commitment and and extreme patriotism to the United States military. While not a final recipient of the organization’s Freedom Award, Oberg Industries was among a very select handful of regional companies nominated for the ESGR distinction. Presented annually to only 15 of the country’s most supportive employers, The Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
Oberg is honored to receive such recognition and proudly supports its veteran workers. The company has recently partnered with the newly formed Pittsburgh Veteran Employer Coalition, funded by the Heinz Foundation and made up of seven other regional employers including Highmark, Giant Eagle, Pitt Ohio and PNC Financial Services, to collectively promote hiring and retention of veteran talent, and minimize underemployment, by sharing data that will better match available positions to their military experiences.
JA Honors Oberg Industries as 2018 Impact Company of the Year
Junior Achievement of Western PA, founded nearly 80 years ago, recognized Oberg Industries as its Impact Company of the Year this past Wednesday, November 14, at an evening awards ceremony in downtown Pittsburgh with more than 300 guests in attendance. In addition, the organization also honored four individuals for their contributions whose extraordinary efforts have enriched our community. Oberg joins an impressive group of regional firms celebrated over the years by JA. The selection of Oberg for this award recognizes, through the collective efforts of each of its employees, the company’s contributions to the business, social and cultural assets of the Pittsburgh region.
The opening speech for Oberg was delivered by Megan Mitchell, a 9th grade student at Knoch High School and a Junior Achievement alumni. Megan is the daughter of Craig Mitchell, Account Manager at Oberg, and granddaughter of Dennis Mitchell, who retired from Oberg after 38 years of service. She was the perfect candidate who did a great job of introducing the company to the audience and presenting the award to Oberg CEO, Dave Bonvenuto. Megan (shown center left) with event emcee, Rick Dayton of KDKA-TV (right) and Oberg CEO David Bonvenuto.
Learn more about the event on the JA website
Oberg Awarded 2017 Employer of the Year
Oberg Industries, a full-service contract manufacturer of precision machined and stamped components that is headquartered in Buffalo Township, was honored with the 2017 Employer of the Year award in Butler County by the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board (TCWIB) at its annual breakfast and meeting Friday, December 8, at the Kittanning Country Club.
TCWIB, which is comprised of 37 volunteer community leaders from Armstrong, Butler and Indiana counties, chose the winners for the three counties, based on the employers’ efforts to support and utilize the local work force development system. Companies receiving this award have demonstrated significant contributions to building a skilled workforce by implementing innovative training programs and initiatives. There were 13 total nominations for Employer of the Year in all three counties.
The Board honored Oberg Industries for its proactive approach to recruitment and promotion of manufacturing by its participation and leadership in the Butler County Manufacturing Consortium, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Manufacturing Industry Partnership, along with initiatives with the Southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ program, the Moraine Trails Council Boy Scouts of America Technology Academy and the Junior Apprentice Advantage Program with the Highlands High School.
The company was also recognized for its participation in community and school presentations endorsing careers in manufacturing and its representation on community advisory boards for machine technology at career and technology centers, community colleges and universities. Additionally, Oberg was commended for successful utilization of registered apprenticeships and on-the-job training; the establishment, maintenance and leading of youth engagement and worker pipeline development programs; and the continuous training of its workers.
Renown for being the industry pioneer in high-precision stamping dies and components, Oberg was also an early innovator embracing the importance of workforce development. It was the first company in Pennsylvania to establish a registered, certified apprenticeship program in manufacturing. Oberg now offers more than a dozen apprenticeship programs.
“Our company’s motto is: ‘Customers rely on us and we rely on our people.’ We take great pride in all the investments we make in our employees and we’re so appreciative of the Tri-County Workforce Investment Board acknowledging those investments,” said Joe O’Brien, Oberg’s director of human resources.
David Bonvenuto, Oberg Industries’ chief executive officer noted that Oberg’s success is directly attributable to the talents of its skilled workers. “The company’s formula for growth will continue to be a business focused on our employees. Our number one priority will always be to retain, attract and to develop employees who have a sincere passion for precision manufacturing,” Bonvenuto said. “We simply harness that passion to deliver manufacturing solutions in true partnership to the largest companies in the world with products that impact all of our daily lives.”
The company will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2018.
Oberg Honored in Smart Business Pittsburgh
Oberg Industries was honored to be recognized by Smart Business Pittsburgh magazine and featured in their “Business Longevity” article. Oberg was one of 21 Pittsburgh organizations who have adapted with changing times and continue to thrive today.
The 21 honorees demonstrate the power of innovation and perseverance as well as an innate ability to understand their respective customers and evolve to meet their needs.
Distinguished Company of the Year Honor Awarded to Oberg
FREEPORT, PA – Oberg Industries, a full-service contract manufacturer of precision metal components, tooling and stamping assemblies for more than 68 years, recently received the Distinguished Company of the Year honor during the annual Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner gala hosted by the Moraine Trails Council of Butler, PA and the Boy Scouts of America.
This special event was held at the Pittsburgh Marriott North at Cranberry Woods. The Moraine Tails Council with the Boy Scouts of America established the Award Dinner to recognize an individual, company, or civic group that exemplifies the values of Scouting in the community. Sponsorship donations from this event are used to further the ideals of Scouting in youth through citizenship, personal fitness and character development at local scouting camps. In addition, the Council promotes STEM (science, technology, engineering , and math) merit badge and vocational programs.
In 2012, Oberg helped to organize and has actively participated in the Moraine Trails Merit Badge Academy. Several of their employees have taught drafting to the Boy Scouts helping to promote STEM education. David Bonvenuto, president and CEO of Oberg Industries, received the award and commented, “I am proud to accept this award on behalf of our engineers, Dave Bachelier, Doug Kaufman, Steve Blosnick, Adam Nagy, Vince Girdano, Matt Obley, Jason Oskin, and Carl Jack, who dedicated their personal weekend time to partner with the Moraine Trails Council to lead the teaching and judging of the Drafting Merit Badge program as part of the Technology Academy over the past 5 years. Customers rely on us and we rely on our people. This is another great example of our employees who believe so strongly in manufacturing and engineering that they give of their personal time to further educate young adults in our community.”
Mr. Thomas W. King III of Dilllion McCandles King Coulter & Graham, was also honored as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year. This year’s Awards Dinner was attended by more than 211 Scouts, parents, Business sponsors and guests who support the Boy Scouts of America.
Oberg Medical On Pittsburgh’s Top 100 List
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Oberg Medical was recently honored and recognized among Pittsburgh’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies by the Pittsburgh Business Times. Oberg Medical was selected as the fourth Fastest Growing Privately Held Manufacturing Company and the 52nd overall Fastest Growing Company in the Pittsburgh region.
Oberg’s Chief Operating Officer, Rich Bartek, was presented and accepted the award on behalf of Oberg Medical’s employees at a special annual ceremony in the historic Duquesne Club. “We first need to acknowledge that this award is linked directly to our overall team! The employees at Oberg have led the charge in transforming our business and what a journey it has been,” said Mr. Bartek. “Not without a lot of dedication, long hours, and an obvious passion for “why” we do what we do – we solve difficult technical problems that enhance people’s lives! We ultimately thank our loyal customer partners for the opportunity to work with them and the confidence they have in us. We view the future with optimism and with continued growth…it’s up to us,” added Mr. Bartek.
The Pittsburgh 100 is a ranking of western Pennsylvania’s fastest growing, privately held firms. Companies are ranked overall and within industry categories. Representatives of the Pittsburgh 100 are honored each year.