NEW PIG EXPANDS SUPPORT FOR THE RIVET WITH $20,000 DONATION ANNOUNCED AT MAKER FAIRE HAPPY VALLEY

Sponsorship builds on earlier 3D-printing donation, helping Central Pennsylvania teens and
adults to explore welding skills and careers in the skilled trades

STATE COLLEGE, PA, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — New Pig Corporation today announced a $20,000 sponsorship of The Rivet at Discovery Space to bring handheld laser welding technology to the community makerspace. The investment will give teens and adults an approachable way to experience welding, build practical technical skills and explore careers in manufacturing, fabrication, construction and other skilled trades.

“Manufacturing depends on people who know how to turn an idea into something real,” said Clark Stapelfeld, Chairman and CEO of New Pig. “That often starts with a chance to try a tool, make something and discover an ability you didn’t know you had. By supporting The Rivet, we’re investing in more than equipment, we’re helping people in our area build the skills to see new possibilities for themselves.”

The sponsorship will fund a Theo MA1-35handheld laser welding system and the complete setup needed to support its use at The Rivet. In addition to the welder and accessories, New Pig’s investment will provide specialized helmets, laser safety curtains, operating supplies, professional equipment-operation and safety training for The Rivet’s team.

The system’s compact design and wire-feeding capability reduce some of the coordination required in traditional welding, providing a new entry point for learners while introducing them to real equipment, processes and safety practices. It will become a permanent resource at The Rivet, supporting hands-on instruction, workforce-development programming and career exploration.

“Welding can be intimidating, especially for someone who has never had the opportunity to try it,” said Michele Crowl, Executive Director of Discovery Space. “New Pig’s support allows us to pair this technology with the training and safety equipment needed to create an approachable learning experience. Whether someone is exploring a career or simply curious about making something with their own hands, we want The Rivet to be a place where they can take that first step.”

The sponsorship builds on New Pig’s $10,000 donation in 2025 to support the purchase of two
Bambu H2D 3D printers and materials for The Rivet. Together, these investments reflect the
company’s continued commitment to expanding access to modern manufacturing tools and hands-on learning in Central Pennsylvania.

New Pig was also recognized as a sponsor of Maker Faire Happy Valley, the region’s annual
celebration of makers, technology, creativity and hands-on learning, with recognition of its ongoing support of The Rivet’s programs.

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About New Pig
New Pig is a leading manufacturer of workplace spill containment and industrial safety products, headquartered in Tipton, Pennsylvania. Since 1985, the company has helped thousands of facilities worldwide manage leaks, drips, and spills with smarter solutions and unmatched service.

About The Rivet and Discovery Space
Discovery Space is a nonprofit science center in State College, Pennsylvania, dedicated to sparking curiosity and creativity through science and technology. Its community makerspace, The Rivet, provides tools, training and collaborative space where people can develop practical skills, explore ideas and bring projects to life.

Media Contact 1:
Andy James
Executive Vice President & CMO, New Pig
814.686.2328
andrewj@newpig.com

Media Contact 2:
Michele Crowl
Executive Director, Discovery Space & The Rivet
814.234.0200 ext 275
michele@discoveryspace.org

Kristie Carruthers
New Pig
email us here

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