Blueline Provides Hands-on Wrench Time Experience for Ag & Diesel Students

May 11, 2021

Local Manufacturer Sees Improved Build Time

Students of the 1-Year Agricultural & Diesel Equipment Technology program have recently had the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills at Blueline Manufacturing Co. in Yakima, Washington where preparation for berry harvest is in full swing.  What began in 1958 as a machine shop to support the agricultural industry has grown into an international supplier of unique orchard and vineyard machinery to date.

Fast forward to 2021, Perry Tech students have been hard at work getting their hands on one of Blueline’s latest equipment offerings--the tow behind, 40 horsepower, diesel-powered Kokan Berry Harvester.  Designed to increase the rate at which a producer can deliver fresh product to market, the reported $165,000 - $185,000 specialized equipment provides the students with much more of an understanding than just the nuts and bolts of the implement. “Our students are able to get first-hand experience with a real world application and learn how turnaround time makes an impact on what they will come across in the field,” stated Matthew Bishop, Department Head of the Agricultural & Diesel Equipment Technology program at Perry Technical Institute.  Bishop continued, “Blueline has been a great supporter of our students and program, and we certainly appreciate the chance for our students to experience what it is like working out of a real-life shop.”

Under normal conditions, a Kokan Berry Harvester takes a Blueline technician roughly 23 hours to completely assemble.  Not only are students able to reduce build times, but also get the chance to construct these pieces of equipment from the ground up as all the parts arrive in crates prior to assembly.  When highlighting how proud of the positive impact that the Perry Tech students were making to help Blueline Manufacturing Co., Jerry Nelson, Instructor of the Agricultural & Diesel Equipment Technology program at Perry Tech said, “With four or five of our students on a harvester at one time, we are able to turn around a full assembly in just about an eight-hour shift versus the normal 23 hours it takes a lone tech to complete.”

If you would like to learn more about the 1-Year Agricultural & Diesel Equipment Technology program, call 509-453-0374 to speak with an Admissions Representative or schedule a video tour of the program.

Blueline Provides Hands-on Wrench Time Experience for Ag & Diesel Students
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2011 W. Washington Ave
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