Weyerhaeuser Strengthens Workforce with Going PRO Talent Fund
- Alicia Wallace
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
With support from Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium, Weyerhaeuser was awarded $51,493.48 through the Going PRO Talent Fund to provide training for 59 employees, including six new hires. The funding supported a range of industry-specific trainings designed to strengthen skills, support innovation, and prepare the workforce for continued growth.
Weyerhaeuser has been a cornerstone of the Grayling community since August 20, 1982, when it opened its first-ever oriented strand board (OSB) plant—one of the earliest OSB mills in North America. Built in response to growing demand for a cost-effective alternative to plywood, the Grayling mill has evolved into a modern, well-invested facility. Over the decades, it has established a strong legacy rooted in continuous technological advancement, collaborative work practices, workforce loyalty, and a deep commitment to safety, sustainability, and community engagement.
The Going PRO-funded training helped further develop the skills of Weyerhaeuser’s workforce across multiple roles. Two Maintenance Technicians completed the Danfoss Industrial Hydraulics course, gaining a strong understanding of hydraulic fundamentals, calculations, and industrial applications. Eleven Maintenance Technicians attended the ControlLogix/Studio 5000 course and are now confident in troubleshooting and restoring operational ControlLogix systems—an essential skill in maintaining efficient plant operations.
In addition, Process Technician Jerry Stillwagon completed a statistics course focused on fundamentals, Taguchi methods for cost reduction and robust product design, and managing controllable and uncontrollable variation in trials. “I am confident that I can use the knowledge gained from this course to run trials at a reduced cost with more robust results,” Jerry shared.
Through the Going PRO Talent Fund, Weyerhaeuser continues to invest in its people—strengthening technical expertise, improving operational efficiency, and positioning the Grayling mill for its next phase of growth while maintaining its long-standing commitment to the local community.