Great Lakes Boat Building School

“Generator Generosity” by Interstate Power Systems and Kohler Marine to GLBBS

Interstate Power’s Generator Generosity – GLBBS Marine Service Instructor Kevin Flood checks out the new Kohler 14 kilowatt, single-phase generator that was donated to the school by Interstate Power Systems of Butler, Wisconsin and Kohler Co. of Kohler, Wisconsin. Kohler generators are very popular in the marine industry and versatile in the many applications on a boat making it an outstanding teaching tool. This is a timely gift as the Cedarville-based school is welcoming the largest student class in its history.

Cedarville, Michigan – Great Lakes Boat Building School (GLBBS) received more support for the “Enhancing Education with Equipment” campaign to provide the latest in marine technology and equipment for their students.  The campaign goal is $850,000 in monetary or gift-in-kind support. With this gift, the campaign has reached about $249,400 in support or 31% of the goal.

Interstate Power Systems, Inc. of Butler, Wisconsin and Kohler Co. of Kohler, Wisconsin answered this educational call to action by donating a new Kohler skid mounted 14 kilowatt, single-phase generator. This will provide the type of hands-on marine skilled training that has become a hallmark of a GLBBS education with its demand in the industry.

“We appreciate Interstate’s and Kohler’s generosity and vision in donating this generator for our students to get experience with new equipment like this that is utilized in many marine mechanical settings,” stated Matt Edmondson, GLBBS Lead Instructor. “We look forward to expanding our relationship with Interstate and Kohler and potentially in the future, certifications for our students.”

Interstate Power Systems has been a leading distributor of both on-and off-highway engines and transmissions since 1957. They also provide extensive parts and service for vocational trucks and heavy equipment. Power Systems has 20 branch locations across 12 states, and delivers solutions for power generation, marine, construction, mining, transport refrigeration, industrial and OEM needs.

Interstate offers sales, service and support for an extensive line of products that includes Allison Transmission, Alliance Truck Parts, Atlas Copco, Carrier Transicold, Detroit Diesel, Deutz, Liebherr, MTU, Volvo Penta Marine and many more. The company has hundreds of certified, experienced, factory-trained, and industry-recognized technicians.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 35,000 associates.  With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; and owner/operator of two, five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland, as well as Lodge Kohler in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“When we became aware and learned more about the outstanding and unique Marine Service Technology program at GLBBS, we envisioned an opportunity to get involved and support the development of marine professionals with some equipment,” said Adam Blum, Manager, Marine Sales at Interstate Power Systems. “We felt this Kohler generator with its versatility in its many applications would be a great teaching tool.”

This gift comes at a very opportune time for the marine trades institution with the new and largest cohort of 29 students that have arrived on campus for the 2023-24 school year. These students will experience an enhanced educational experience with this Kohler generator from Interstate/Kohler and the previous in-kind or monetary gifts by Gage Marine, Marine Leadership Alliance, Ilmor Engineering, Inc and Volvo Penta.

“Not only do we thank Interstate PowerSystems and Kohler for this tremendous gift of a new Kohler generator, but it could motivate other industry leaders to assist us in preparing students for the marine industry,” said Nikki Storey, Great Lakes Boat Building School. “If other organizations or individuals want to participate in this campaign, please reach out to us.”

About Great Lakes Boat Building School

GLBBS produces qualified students from their Comprehensive Career Boat Building Program (CCBB) and the Marine Service Technology Program (MST), in partnerships with Mercury Marine University, Ilmor Engineering and Volvo Penta with a consistent 100% placement rate.  The School addresses the shortage of skilled trades and craftspeople in the marine industry following graduation. For prospective student enrollment information go to glbbs.edu/admissions-aid/ or call 906.484.1081.

Information about the “Enhancing Education with Equipment Campaign” is available by contacting Tom Coates, Director of Development at thomas.coates@glbbs.edu or by calling 906.484.1081.

Great Lakes Boat Building School is a non-profit organization recognized as a charitable organization and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

About Interstate PowerSystems, Inc.

Interstate Power Systems has been a leading distributor of both on-and off-highway engines and transmissions since 1957. They also provide extensive parts and service for vocational trucks and heavy equipment. Power Systems has 20 branch locations across 12 states, and delivers solutions for power generation, marine, construction, mining, transport refrigeration, industrial and OEM needs.

Interstate offers sales, service and support for an extensive line of products that includes Allison Transmission, Alliance Truck Parts, Atlas Copco, Carrier Transicold, Detroit Diesel, Deutz, Liebherr, MTU, Volvo Penta Marine and many more. The company has hundreds of certified, experienced, factory-trained, and industry-recognized technicians.

About Kohler Co.

Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Kohler, Wisconsin, Kohler Co. is one of America’s oldest and largest privately held companies comprised of more than 35,000 associates.  With more than 50 manufacturing locations worldwide, Kohler is a global leader in the design, innovation and manufacture of kitchen and bath products; engines and power systems; luxury cabinetry, tile and lighting; and owner/operator of two, five-star hospitality and golf resort destinations in Kohler, Wisconsin, and St. Andrews, Scotland, as well as Lodge Kohler in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  Kohler’s Whistling Straits golf course hosted the Ryder Cup in 2021.  The company also develops solutions to address pressing issues, such as clean water and sanitation, for underserved communities around the world to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.  For more details, please visit KohlerCompany.com