French Opens Our Doors to Educate Local 6th Graders
On May 13, 2014 French Oil Mill Machinery Company opened our doors today to over 100 sixth graders and their teachers from Piqua’s Wilder Intermediate School for a tour of our offices, machine shop and assembly department. French serves as a business partner to Wilder, supporting the school through various activities and fundraisers. Every year French hosts tours for the 4th and 6th grades classes in an effort to teach children about manufacturing and supplement the school’s STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) efforts.
On the tour kids are welcomed by French Chairman and CEO Daniel P. French and spend time with a French engineer for a demonstration on creating Solid Works drawings, then head to the Machine Shop to see how French parts are made and finally tour the Assembly department where they see complete machines being assembled.
We welcome questions from the students throughout the tour. Here is a sample of questions from 6th Graders:
Q: Has the company always been in Piqua?
A: Yes. In 1897 Alfred Willard French visited the William P. Orr Linseed Oil Company in Piqua as a representative of the National Linseed Company of New York. His role was to investigate plant operations and make suggestions for improvements. While in Piqua, French was introduced to a number of local businessmen who were impressed with French’s drive and expertise. Not long after, French was laid off from his job and started designing improved linseed oil processing equipment. Without much success of launching a business of his own in Brooklyn, NY, French reached out to his contacts in Piqua. With their partnership and $5,000 investment French decided to start his business in Piqua.
Q: Has the company always had the same name?
A: Yes. At the turn of the century company’s were named very literally. So French named the business the French Oil Mill Machinery Company.
Q: Do you use 3D printers to make any parts for your machines?
A: No. 3D printers do not have the capability to print steel or print parts that are durable enough for our equipment.
Q: What happens if you put a paper printer into a hydraulic press and crush it?
A: Not sure. We haven’t tried! But, we’re sure it would create a mess.
