Vantage Plastics has a long history of partnering with the Central Michigan University School of Engineering and Technology through Senior Design projects focused on real-world manufacturing and operational challenges. These projects provide students with valuable hands-on experience while helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application.
George Aultman often refers to these initiatives as “Win-Win-Win Projects” because they create benefits for the students, the university, and the sponsoring organization simultaneously. Students gain practical engineering experience before graduation, CMU strengthens its applied learning environment, and Vantage Plastics benefits from fresh engineering perspectives and meaningful operational improvements.
During the most recent academic year, Vantage Plastics sponsored two Senior Design projects. Both projects resulted in the development and assembly of physical equipment designed to improve efficiency and safety within company operations. The projects focused on practical manufacturing challenges and brought together students from multiple engineering disciplines, creating a broader range of ideas and technical perspectives.
John Tatton, Director of Engineering at Vantage Plastics, worked closely with the student teams throughout the process. His guidance, technical feedback, and encouragement helped provide the students with a meaningful real-world engineering experience while also helping ensure the projects delivered value to the company.
The partnership reflects Vantage Plastics’ long-standing commitment to supporting workforce development, engineering education, and manufacturing innovation. Due to this ongoing relationship and support, the CMU School of Engineering and Technology recognized Vantage Plastics during the 2026 Senior Design Expo.
“We thank Vantage Plastics for serving as one of our industrial partners for many years and for supporting our senior design students through numerous projects. George Aultman, Vice President of Strategic Development for Vantage Plastics, joined us at our inaugural Senior Design Sponsor Appreciation Breakfast as part of CMU’s 2026 Senior Design Expo. Mr. Aultman is also a longtime member of our Engineering Technology Advisory Board and shared his insights with our faculty, staff, students, and fellow industry partners in attendance.”
The plaque presented during the event was designed and manufactured by CMU student Brennen Beemer, further highlighting the creativity and technical talent being developed within the program.
Vantage Plastics looks forward to continuing its partnership with CMU and supporting future opportunities that connect education with real-world manufacturing innovation.