Submitted by Maggie Wagner, Nolato Contour
BALDWIN, WI – Nearly 170 Baldwin-Woodville students stepped inside the world of advanced manufacturing this month as Nolato Contour hosted its annual Manufacturing Day event in celebration of Manufacturing Month.
The event brought together juniors and eighth graders from Baldwin-Woodville High School for an interactive day of exploration, designed to highlight the diverse career paths available within the manufacturing and healthcare industries.
Students began the morning hearing from Nate Somsen, Business Unit Manager at Nolato Contour, who shared insights into the company’s history, its role in the medical device industry, and the wide range of local opportunities in skilled trades, engineering, and production.
Following the presentation, students toured multiple departments across Nolato Contour’s facility – including Tooling, the Controlled Manufacturing Environment (CME) Room, Warehouse and Shipping, Clean Room 2 (CR2), and Engineering. During each stop, employees described their day-to-day work, discussed training and education options, and encouraged students to consider how their personal interests might align with different career paths.
Hands-on learning was a key part of the day. Students watched live production runs, handled both raw materials and finished medical components, and suited up in protective gear to experience the “gown-up” and “de-gown” process required in sterile clean room environments.
This year’s Manufacturing Day also featured collaboration from OEM, Comar, Baldwin EMS, and Western Wisconsin Health, offering students a broader view of local industries that depend on technical skill, precision, and innovation.
Before heading back to school, each student received a small swag item – a reminder of their experience and of the opportunities waiting for them right here in western Wisconsin.
