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MANUFACTURING TODAY WI | SUMMER 2026 15

Inside the Success of Eagle Manufacturing

A Student-Run Business Built on Innovation, Teamwork, and Real-World Experience

By Thomas Burr, NPHS Senior Producing one custom item is very different spread across three specialized labs. Our wood- stages of production. By working together, we
Northland Pines School District from manufacturing 100 identical products with shop focuses entirely on woodworking and are able to fully meet the needs of our customers
Every day, millions of products are the same level of precision and quality. houses a 4x8 CNC router. In the metals lab, while gaining hands-on experience in real manu-
manufactured across the country. In a world To meet those expectations, students use students operate welders, a CNC plasma table facturing environments.
increasingly driven by artificial intelligence along with a Haas Automation CNC mill and The process begins when a customer
and robotics, our classroom business is lathe. inquiry is directed to our student manager. The
powered entirely by people. At Eagle Our Fab Lab is where stu- manager gathers the necessary information so
Manufacturing, students are the dents use laser engravers, the team can create an accurate estimate for cus-
designers, managers, mar- vinyl printers, sublima- tomer approval. Once approved, a work order is
keters, and manufacturers tion machines, and created, and the design team develops a proof for
behind every product we 3D printers to cus- the customer to review.
create. tomize many of the While the design is being finalized, the
Eagle Manufac- products we make. student manager coordinates with the other
turing is a student-run At the center of all departments involved in production so work can
business within Northland three labs is our office begin efficiently. Communication and teamwork
Pines High School in Eagle and design space, where are essential because every department relies
River, Wisconsin. We produce the graphic design team, on one another to complete the project success-
a wide variety of custom products for student manager, accountant, and fully. Once the product clears our quality control
customers throughout the community. Some of marketing manager coordinate projects inspection, an invoice is created and the cus-
our specialty products include sports banners, and communicate with customers. tomer is contacted to arrange pickup.
custom engraved awards, outdoor firepits, and industry-style manufacturing concepts such as Every day begins with meetings to discuss Throughout this continuous process, our
custom cutting boards. If a customer has a jigs and fixtures, procedural documentation, and upcoming jobs, production timelines, and priori- marketing manager promotes the products we
unique idea or special request, we work together quality control checklists. These systems help ties for the day. Organization and communication create while working alongside the product
to make it happen. maintain consistency not only within one class are critical because every student has a specific development team to design new ideas. We are
Many of our repeat customers are local period, but also between different classes each role within the company. From the office crew constantly searching for new products that can
businesses. These partnerships provide us with a trimester and from year to year. and design team to the woods, metals, and CNC keep production moving during slower times of
steady stream of work while also challenging us Behind every finished product is a wide crews, each group is responsible for operating
to improve our repeatability and quality control. range of advanced manufacturing equipment different machines and completing different
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The jobs are waiting. The salaries are growing.

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PROGRAMS IN APPLIED
TECHNOLOGY & TRADES

Apprenticeship
Carpentry
Heavy Equipment Operator
Plumbing Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding
Mechanical Technology Metal Fabrication
Electromechanical Technology Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Field Service Technician Welding
Industrial Electronics Technician Welding/Maintenance & Fabrication

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national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.