Racine, WI - When Murray-Calloway County Area Technology Center was looking to add a diesel course to the school's engine curriculum,  Case Construction Equipment and FPT - Fiat Powertrain Technologies delivered. Three months after learning about the school's need, Case dealer McKeel Equipment engineered the donation of a new Case diesel engine.

Last fall, Murray-Calloway County Area Technology Center Principal Dennis Harper voiced his desire to add diesel engines to his class curriculum in front of the school's advisory board. The school graduates nearly 85 students per year, with 12 in the field of automotive technology. Harper understands the demand for trained mechanics continues to be strong even in today's cautious business climate.

Andy McKeel, sales manager of McKeel Equipment - a Case dealer with branches in Murray and Paducah, KY - has been on the school's advisory board for six months. McKeel thought adding diesel training was a great idea since he had discussed the need for qualified diesel technicians with Harper in the past.

"We would most likely be the ones hiring anyone who goes through the course since we are the only diesel repair shop in town, so the addition of the diesel training benefits our business. At the same time, it gives the students broader choices when they graduate," McKeel said.

After Andy McKeel spoke with Dan McKeel, general manager and president of McKeel Equipment, Dan contacted Case Construction Equipment in Racine, WI. He was soon introduced to Bill Seidel, the company's vice president of product marketing. Case is one of the construction industry's leading manufacturers of excavators, wheel loaders, loader/backhoes, crawler dozers and skid-steer loaders.