JONESBORO, Ark.—Hytrol Conveyor Co. played host to more than 100 students who traveled nearly 200 miles to learn about the conveyor manufacturer and opportunities in advanced manufacturing.

Eighth graders, teachers and chaperones from Warren Public Schools traveled nearly four hours to Jonesboro on Feb. 16. It was the largest school group the company has ever hosted. Hytrol President David Peacock, Chief Technology Officer Orlando Sellers, Chief Development Officer Phillip Poston, and Manager of Academic Partnerships Christy Valentine spoke with students about Hytrol and careers in the manufacturing industry.

Jodi Taintor, an 8th grade teacher from Warren, spent four weeks at Hytrol in 2022 as part of the STRIVE program. The focus of the program is to help STEM educators understand industry needs and shape curriculum. Using what she had gained from STRIVE, Taintor created learning projects centered around conveyors for her students and later coordinated the recent Jonesboro visit with Valentine.

“When we offered this opportunity to our students, we had an overwhelming response. They were excited to discover and understand career opportunities in manufacturing. It was an eye-opening experience,” said Taintor. “The knowledge we gained by visiting Hytrol will no doubt give our students more insight into what their future can be, whether they choose this industry or another.”

Valentine added, “Hytrol works closely with students of all ages to build a pipeline of potential employees and Hytrol ambassadors. Having students understand the innovative processes within our facility and talk with employees about various career paths is how we build the foundation for the leadership of tomorrow. We are proud to partner with schools like Warren to provide this invaluable experience.”

Student groups toured Hytrol’s main manufacturing facility, health club, and medical center. Valentine also led a career workshop. While in Jonesboro, the students also toured Arkansas State University and attended a men’s and women’s basketball game.

About Hytrol:  

Hytrol Conveyor Company Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacturing of material handling systems for a variety of industries. Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to pushing forward the material handling industry. Hytrol is the largest conveyor manufacturer in the United States. It designs, develops, and delivers the most advanced material handling systems and includes a network of more than 100 independent businesses worldwide. The company also develops software for conveyors and warehouse management. For more information on Hytrol, visit hytrol.com.