Reinhart Weber, President and Founder, Weber Manufacturing Ltd., and a great friend of Georgian College, has been awarded the Skills Canada – Ontario Klaus Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame Award. Skills Canada – Ontario presents the award annually to recognize significant contributions to the advancement of skilled trades and technologies. Weber, described as an “industry pioneer,” was nominated for the award by Georgian College.

Weber was instrumental in the development of skilled trades at Georgian College and was a co-founder of the Industrial Research and Development Institute (IRDI) in Midland, which established an international reputation as the best centre for metal forming research in North America.

As well as playing a key role in the establishment of Georgian’s Centre for Automotive Parts Expertise, Weber also contributed to the development of the Robbert Hartog Midland Campus.

Not only has he played a large role in securing funding for Georgian College’s skilled trades programs but he has also served on Georgian College program advisory committees and has employed many Georgian co-op students and graduates.

“Reinhart Weber’s outstanding success internationally as an industrialist and visionary has been a source of guidance and inspiration for Georgian students and faculty,” said Brian Tamblyn, Georgian President and CEO. “We are fortunate to have him as a strong supporter and friend.”

Weber sold his company Weber Manufacturing in 2004 and now concentrates on philanthropic activities through the Weber Foundation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For further details, please contact Rosemary Toth, Corporate Marketing and Communications, Georgian College, at (705) 728-1968, ext. 1013 or roth@georgianc.on.ca .