Align Introduces 8th Graders to Air Bearing Technology

Align Production Systems, parent company of Airfloat, participated in a career fair for local eighth-grade students. Four hundred kids from five schools — Garfield, Hope, John Hill, Robertson and Stephen Decatur — gathered at Richland Community College in early January to learn about career options from numerous Decatur-area professionals. The students chose from six career tracks (health services, human services, business, fine arts, architecture and industry), depending on their academic interests.

Representing Align were Project Engineer Ron Born and Design Engineer Paul Benda. Ron and Paul told the kids about their respective jobs and educational backgrounds, stressing the importance of STEM education, short for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” Next, they showed a brief video of Airfloat equipment in action. Finally, they treated the students to a practical air bearing demonstration by allowing them to “float” one of their peers on a film of air.

“We participate in the annual eighth-grade career fair every year,” says Gary Mollohan, marketing manager for Align. “It’s a great way to let the workers of tomorrow know that manufacturing is a rewarding career option with virtually limitless possibilities for growth and advancement.”