More than 20 students from the Academies of Louisville at Fern Creek High School and Jeffersontown (JTown) High School embarked on an immersive tour of Jones Plastic and Engineering and Rev-A-Shelf® on January 24, 2025. The tour, which brought classroom concepts to life, showcased the vital role of business partnerships in shaping Louisville’s future workforce.

A Deep Dive into Manufacturing at Jones Plastic

The first stop was Jones Plastic and Engineering, a manufacturing powerhouse specializing in plastic molding and engineering. Students were introduced to various facets of the facility, including the 3D prototyping and scanning lab, tooling areas, materials department, injection molding, vacuum forming, and maintenance areas. Each station highlighted critical aspects of the manufacturing process, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of how products are designed and brought to market.

Upon entering, students were challenged to identify products made by Jones Plastic—from a simple bucket to the base of a jet ski steering column. This activity encouraged them to connect classroom lessons to the products they encountered in everyday life.

Cleanliness emerged as a recurring theme throughout the tour. Tim Long, a senior processor at Jones Plastic, emphasized its importance: “We’ve done a lot of jobs, but you can’t tell. It’s clean. If we see things on the floor, that’s dangerous. That’s why we stress the importance of cleanliness.”

Students also witnessed the facility’s precision in material handling, where maintaining order and avoiding cross-contamination is crucial. They learned that even one black fleck in a batch of white resin could ruin the entire lot, underscoring the importance of attention to detail and organization.

Highlights of the tour included watching a machine produce garbage cans and observing them move along a conveyor belt. Many students called this their favorite part of the day, impressed by the scale and efficiency of the operation. Another standout moment was trying out 3D scanning tools, where students scanned a cooler lid and reflected on the challenges and rewards of using advanced technology.

Ryan Jones, program manager and engineer, articulated the value of these experiences: “It’s really important for these kids, who are going through specific tracks in manufacturing, marketing, and sales, to connect what they’re learning in school to what’s actually happening in the real world. They see how products move from concept to fulfillment and become something people use. Even if it’s just a half-day exposure, it can inspire them to pursue careers in engineering, manufacturing, or maintenance. The Academies of Louisville is a world-class program and a major untapped resource for our community.”

“It’s really important for these kids, who are going through specific tracks in manufacturing, marketing, and sales, to connect what they’re learning in school to what’s actually happening in the real world ... The Academies of Louisville is a world-class program and a major untapped resource for our community.”

— Ryan Jones

Exploring Innovation at Rev-A-Shelf®

Next, students toured Rev-A-Shelf®, a global leader in innovative storage and organizational solutions. They learned about the company’s extensive catalog of over 5,000 items and witnessed its rigorous testing processes. Rev-A-Shelf® conducts 50,000 tests on each product to ensure they meet weight load and durability standards, reflecting their commitment to excellence.

Students were excited to watch the warehouse’s robots, which perform intricate tasks with numerous safety mechanisms in place. Creighton Jones, Vice President of Operations, highlighted the company’s dedication to safety and excellence: “We encourage everyone to be the best at what they’re doing, whether it’s scrubbing floors or operating a robot.”

Jones also shared how engineers are continually improving safety protocols, demonstrating how innovation extends beyond products to workplace practices. “The best way to solve safety problems is to take an engineering approach,” he explained, pointing out yet another way that the students’ background and experience in engineering could be helpful to an employer.

Building Bridges: Connecting Education to Careers

Throughout the day, students connected what they saw on the tours to lessons from the classroom. For example, Dwayne McKellery, a senior at Fern Creek, recognized the principle of 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) in the specific organization of the facilities. “This place showed me what 5S really is. Everything is so clean and organized,” he said.

Teachers also noted the impact of these experiences. Dr. McLean, an engineering teacher at Fern Creek, recalled a classroom visit from Ryan Jones, who had shared an enduring piece of advice: “You need to find your spot in the process and learn that process from beginning to end.” This sentiment resonated with students as they observed complex systems operating seamlessly at both facilities.

Empowering the Future: Partnerships Driving Student Success

Tours like these are more than just field trips—they’re investments in the next generation. Mr. Simon, a teacher from JTown, emphasized the significance of these opportunities: “This is our community’s future. It’s our jobs. This is everything we use in life. It’s important for students to see what’s available here in Louisville.”

By opening their doors, Jones Plastic and Rev-A-Shelf® provided students with a window into the real-world applications of their studies, inspiring them to consider careers in manufacturing, engineering, and beyond. These partnerships exemplify the mission of the Academies of Louisville: to bridge the gap between education and industry, preparing students to thrive in a competitive workforce.

As the Academies program continues to grow, so does its impact on students and the community. Partnerships with forward-thinking companies like Jones Plastic and Rev-A-Shelf are paving the way for a brighter future.