Chantland-MHS is based in Dakota City, and has been in business for more than 80 years. It is a premier manufacturer of packaging, palletizing, and conveying equipment.

On an October day, a white bus rolled into the lot with approximately 40 students from Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

The students were on site to see firsthand the types of jobs and opportunities that await them once they complete their technical training at ICCC.

This annual visit has been a several year opportunity between Chantland-MHS and ICCC. According to Iowa Central instructor Troy Harris, the visit is the perfect scenario to give the students a chance to see first-hand the types of jobs that are in the community.

-Submitted photo
A group of students from Iowa Central Community College visited Chantland-MHS recently to see how the company processes products.

The students were able to see a complete bagging and palletizing system in live operation and were able to ask questions about the process. The tour included seeing all of the various departments within the building.

This tour allows Chantland-MHS the chance to show how the product moves throughout the building from raw materials to finished product that is ready to ship out the back door.

This particular day, the product happened to be 50-pound bags of chocolate brownie mix. Service technician Patrick Mc Allister, was one of the tour guides for Chantland-MHS and just so happens to be a graduate of the technical program at Iowa Central.

McAllistter explained to the students several things to look for when they are looking for internships as well as employment opportunities down the road. He also took time to mention items to steer clear of.

“If you happen to walk into an employer or with a customer that takes a blind eye to safety, you need to run from that,” he said.

He then went on to show several fail safes and triple redundant safety features on the Chantland-MHS system.

The students were able to see the complex electrical system as well as get up close to the robotics that Chantland-MHS has to offer.

At the conclusion of the tour, Carolyn Hartmann, the head of human resources, gave out some Chantland-MHS goodies such as pens, mugs and a first aid kit to all of the visitors.

Jake Johnson, head of marketing and conveyor sales, took a moment to thank the students for their time, but also took the time to say that a few short years ago he was also a student at ICCC.

“Fort Dodge and north central Iowa has much to offer,” Johnson said. “As a matter of fact, upon completion of ICCC I went into the Iowa Air National Guard here in Fort Dodge. You are the perfect candidates for the guard and reserve.”

He added, “You are the caliber of folks that are going to be desired by employers, right here at home. We want you here. We want you to stay and offer your talents right here in your backyard.”

The driver of the ICCC bus happened to be retired Fort Dodge Police Chief Doug Utley and coincidentally is a retired member of the 133rd Iowa Air National Guard where he served alongside JohNson.