Rogers City High School Students Tour Link Industries, Industrial Arts Center, and Moran Iron Works

April 23, 2026 – On a Talent Tour coordinated by Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, 15 Rogers City High School students had the opportunity to tour Link Industries, Industrial Arts Institute, and Moran Iron Works, gaining firsthand exposure to careers in manufacturing, skilled trades, and industrial technology.

The first stop of the day was Link Industries in Indian River, where students learned about the company’s operations and toured the facility, watching machining in action. Students were impressed by the variety of machines in use and had the chance to hold and examine some of the products being manufactured. One item they saw being produced—a specialized drill bit—was destined for a company that manufactures drainage tile.

Next, students visited the Industrial Arts Institute (IAI) in Onaway. While many students arrived with some welding experience, they quickly learned there is much more to the trade as they explored the school’s training programs. Students were especially impressed by the sculptures and fabricated projects displayed in the lab and also heard firsthand testimonials from current IAI students about their experiences in the program. As an added bonus, students received a brief tour of the North Central Michigan College space located at IAI.

The final stop of the day was Moran Iron Works, where students toured the facility from the processing area through the production floor. The highlight of the visit was the opportunity to view—and even climb aboard—a 66-foot Department of Natural Resources boat currently being built by the Moran Iron Works team. Students also got to see the custom trailer being fabricated to transport the vessel to the Port of Calcite in Rogers City for launch once construction is complete.

The Talent Tour provided students with a unique, hands-on look at local career pathways and the skilled work happening right in Northeast Michigan.