Students studying in one of Southeastern Louisiana University’s engineering and industrial
technology programs usually complete a successful senior project to demonstrate their
knowledge, competence and readiness to enter the workforce.

Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology,
said an initial partnership formed last year with the Harahan-based manufacturing
company Laitram, Inc. resulted in the company contributing $5,000 in seed funds to
be used in the research, design and construction of required engineering projects.

     The company, which operates a conveyor belt manufacturing facility in Hammond
and three other facilities in Louisiana, was impressed with the students’ work, explained
van Delden. So much so, he said, Laitram will double its investment to $10,000 for
the coming year.

     “We are very pleased so far with the results we are seeing from our partnership
with Southeastern,” said Franck LaBiche, Laitram’s director of human resources. “The
engagement, passion and follow-through we have seen from the Southeastern faculty
has been amazing, and the level of students participating in the program has been
great. I look forward to the coming year and building on the good foundation we have
created.”

     “We’re happy that Laitram sees the immediate mutual benefits of this partnership,”
McCarthy said. “Laitram understands the importance of investing in education. The
relationship is proving to be a win-win opportunity for both parties.”

     “Laitram’s confidence in the work of our students and faculty is rewarding, and
their investment in our academic program is greatly appreciated,” van Delden said.
“With outside financial support such as this, our students have the means to stretch
their imaginations in the development of working projects that help prepare them for
growing employment opportunities in the technology sector.”

     Besides financially supporting engineering technology projects, Laitram also
provides paid internships for Southeastern students, some leading to employment opportunities
with the company. Four students earned internships last year at various Laitram plants
in Louisiana, and others are expected to participate this year. The internships frequently
result in full-time hires.

      “In addition to the support of senior projects and internships, Laitram professionals
participate in our industrial advisory board, work with us on collaborative research
grant proposals, provide tours of their facilities for students, and donate equipment
to the program,” van Delden said. “Our relationship with Laitram is the most formal
and holistic one we have.”

     When looking for recent graduates in OSH&E, Southeastern is one of three schools
in the country that we search for viable candidates to fill open Health and Safety
positions. At this time, we currently have four Southeastern graduates in our EHSS
Department at our Plaquemine, LA site. We also have a recent Southeastern graduate
at our Aberdeen, MS site.

     As Axiall grows, the demand for more qualified Health and Safety professionals
will surely increase. Everyone is aware of all the expansions and new businesses that
are coming to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast in the next few years. We will need professional
Health and Safety Professionals to support the construction projects and then the
plants once they are in operation.

     We are pleased with the quality of the graduates we are getting from Southeastern.
They are ready to contribute right away. They possess the necessary knowledge and
skills to strengthen our EHSS team.