Takeuchi-US has further reinforced its commitment to the communities where its employees live and work by donating five diesel engines worth more than $92,000 to Athens Technical College in Elberton, Georgia. After combining this donation from the Takeuchi Gives philanthropic program with a previous engine donation in 2023, the compact equipment manufacturer has provided the school’s Diesel Equipment Technology program with more than $158,000 in equipment.
Pictured left to right: Charles Dawson – Athens Tech Program Chair for Diesel Equipment Technology, Christina Wolfe – Athens Tech Dean of Business, Dr. Andrea D. Daniel – Athens Tech President, Joseph Huling – Takeuchi National Service Manager, Rick MacLeish – Takeuchi National Parts Manager
“We strongly believe that investing in our communities pays back numerous dividends,” said Jeff Stewart, president of Takeuchi-US. “By partnering with our local schools, we’re able to help the next generation of equipment operators and technicians get hands-on experience that will set them up for a successful future. Furthermore, our area benefits by having more skilled workers who have the potential to earn better wages and boost the local economy.”
Takeuchi’s donated engines will be available in Athens Tech’s service shop labs, giving students the ability to work with real-life engines that are typically installed in compact equipment like Takeuchi excavators. In the lab, students learn how to diagnose and repair diesel engines, including common-rail fuel systems used in many applications and industries. They also receive training on computerized testing equipment currently used to diagnose and analyze electrical system and engine malfunctions.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Takeuchi for continuing to support our mission at Athens Tech,” said Christina Wolfe, dean of business, industry and technology for Athens Technical College. “Their generosity will help our students become even more proficient in their chosen fields. That positive impact can create a ripple effect that benefits not only our students, but also their families and their communities, now and well into the future.”
After graduation, students in the Diesel Equipment Technology program at Athens Technical College are well positioned for careers in many fields, including over-the-road logistics, equipment repair, parts and supply and customer service. Trained diesel service technicians are most often employed in important industries like truck transportation, government, repair and maintenance, motor vehicles and manufacturing.
“It’s wonderful to be able to provide this kind of support to a school like Athens Technical College,” said Stewart. “We’re all aware of the scarcity of skilled labor nationwide, and Athens Tech is working hard to help young people see the long-term benefits of these careers. When we launched Takeuchi Gives a few years ago, this is exactly the kind of impact we hoped it would have. And, rest assured, we’ll continue seeking out more ways to support our communities in the future.
For more information about Takeuchi track loaders, excavators and wheel loaders, or to find a dealer near you, visit takeuchi-us.com. Follow Takeuchi-US on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter.
About Takeuchi
Takeuchi is an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of an extensive line of compact track loaders and compact excavators. Founded in 1963, Takeuchi was the first company to introduce the compact excavator, setting the stage for one of the highest growth product segments ever introduced in the compact equipment market. The compact excavator has become a main line product for both rental and construction/utility companies. Takeuchi continued to lead the compact construction industry with the introduction of the first compact track loader to North America.
For more information, please contact:
Lynette Von Minden, PR Manager, Swanson Russell
lynettev@swansonrussell.com
Phone: 402-437-6457
Stephen Odum, National Marketing Manager, Takeuchi-US
stephen.odum@takeuchi-us.com
Phone: 678-873-3070