OUR STORY

Lion Manufacturing started out as a course at Loogootee High School in 2018 intended to prepare students for existing and future careers within industry. The program was created in response to local community, regional industry, and student demands for a more “hands-on” and relevant learning environment for young persons to explore skills and prototype solutions in response to real-world problems. A group of students, teachers, and school leaders took the initiative to design a unique framework of classroom learning that allowed students to serve in various roles or “jobs” in the class.

Inspired by a visit to another school’s operation, our program quickly grew into a freshly-renovated production space and continues to operate as a student-run business focusing on skill development and leadership; traits that are an advantage after graduation and in the workplace. Planning, design, and production activities take place during the school day as students receive career and technical education (CTE) credit while they create real-world designs, products, and repairs. Working as part of a team and organizational structure, students form partnerships with industry leaders like Loughmiller Machine Tool & Design and manufacture products for other community partners in the area. By using computer numerical control (CNC) machines, laser engravers, and plasma cutters, as well as working alongside other successful, more experienced companies, we build our skill sets and experience. With this business, we discover more about ourselves and our team as we learn from mentor-figures in the industry, and develop soft skills that can only be gained through real-life experiences such as Lion Manufacturing.

As our team grows, we hope to expand our clientele and current outreach by continuing to complete custom productions and closely working with our community to help resolve problems that they may have. With our growth and the challenges we have met along the way, we would also like to become an advisory school for other schools who hope to start a student-run business that can inspire their students and provide a new resource that they would not have had before. Our hope is that our business and students will go on to inspire and help others in a way that reflects our own beginning and growth. Whether you are a student or teacher looking to expand your knowledge and experience, or an industry partner looking to collaborate on a project or product, we are excited to welcome you into our shop and team.