Labor Secretary’s Visit Highlights Husco’s Early Talent Programs
Looking back on his childhood in Milwaukee, Griffin Wilson’s hobbies clearly pointed toward a future in engineering. He taught himself to fix bicycles and—of course—was deeply into Legos.
“Everybody says Legos are the gateway to engineering,” Wilson said.
It wasn’t until high school that he began to realize his natural love of tinkering and building could actually lead to a career. At St. Augustine Preparatory Academy, a top-ranked Milwaukee K–12 school focused on career and college readiness, students have access to an engineering track that helps them explore skills and opportunities in the field.
“Getting to see some of the different applications of engineering definitely solidified my decision to pursue it after graduation,” Wilson said.
Now entering his fourth year at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Wilson is spending the summer interning in the Off-Highway department at Husco, a privately owned company specializing in high-performance hydraulic and electro-mechanical components. He’s getting a truly unique experience: Wilson was among a group of interns and co-op participants who had the opportunity to meet U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer during her visit to Husco’s headquarters in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
A Visit from the U.S. Secretary of Labor
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s visit shined a spotlight on the company’s commitment to identifying and developing the next generation of talent. She toured the facility, learned about the projects Husco engineers—and their intern and co-op teammates—are working on, and got a first-hand look at new manufacturing techniques being used by the Off-Highway team. She also explored Husco’s automated manufacturing lines, spoke with interns about their work in the Automotive Advanced Engineering Lab, and even took a moment to operate a mini-excavator during her visit.
Interns in the Spotlight
Maddie Flores, an Off-Highway intern from Marquette University, had the chance to present her summer project to Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “It was really cool to show her the testing station I’ve been working on. She seemed genuinely interested in what my internship has been like at Husco and even asked about my future plans. Honestly, I think it’s pretty amazing that, out of everywhere she could have visited, she chose Husco. Being part of her tour was such an honor—I’m really glad I got to experience it,” Flores said.
A National Perspective on Manufacturing
“It was an honor to visit Husco’s global headquarters in Milwaukee and witness the innovation and ingenuity driving the American workforce,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “Husco’s state-of-the-art hydraulic and electro-mechanical control systems play a vital role in restoring American manufacturing dominance. As I continue my ‘America at Work’ listening tour, I remain committed to partnering with manufacturers to put American workers first and help deliver on President Trump’s promise of a Golden Age of economic prosperity.”
“We thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for taking the time to visit Husco and truly appreciate her support for American manufacturing and all the skilled and dedicated people who drive its success every day,” said Austin Ramirez, President and CEO of Husco. “Having forward-thinking leaders who understand the opportunities and challenges that manufacturers face helps us continue to drive economic growth, create more family-sustaining careers, and ensure a brighter future for America.”
Investing in Future Talent
As Husco continues to evolve, the company remains deeply committed to nurturing its early talent pipeline. This year, Husco welcomed 48 interns and co-op participants who contributed to meaningful, high-impact projects that move the core business forward. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, the program empowers students with the grit and confidence to pursue excellence, preparing them to become successful professionals and engaged members of their communities.
“Companies like Husco are developing the manufacturing workforce of the future,” said Curt Blades, AEM’s Senior Vice President. “We thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for her visit and her commitment to helping our industry create more good-paying jobs in America. Manufacturing workers help build, power, and feed the world, and their voices deserve to be heard in Washington.”
