Hemlock, Michigan – May 2, 2025 – KEEL Holdings, LLC (“KEEL”), a leader in defense/advanced manufacturing, celebrated the grand opening of the Keel Innovation Center. Located within the Lockwood STEM Center at Hemlock High School, the state-of-the-art facility is designed to foster creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The event, which featured a keynote speech by Bob Yackel, former CEO of MERRILL Technologies Group, highlighted the importance of community investment in STEM education. In his address, Yackel shared the story of Keel’s growth, tracing its roots back to his family’s founding of Merrill Technologies Group in 1968 by his family. He also spoke of Keel’s commitment to support local communities and nurture talent in various fields, including engineering, welding, program management, and accounting.
“Never in my wildest dreams, back when I was in high school, would I dream we would be here today,” Yackel said. “This is a great opportunity for us to help our future leaders grow and become successful.”
The Keel Innovation Center represents a commitment to investing in education and leadership development, with a focus on providing students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies. The center showcases advanced automation equipment, including collaborative robotics (cobots), which are essential for enhancing efficiency and quality in modern manufacturing.
In 2022, Keel donated $100,000 to the Lockwood STEM Center for its expansion project. Keel also committed to contributing $50,000 annually to support the creation of the Innovation Center, with total contributions reaching $300,000 by the end of 2026.
“The future of advanced manufacturing requires a highly skilled and talented workforce. We need forward-thinking, imaginative people who can build what’s never been built before,” said John Geiger, chief operating officer at Keel. “The Lockwood STEM Center is vital to this mission – helping to build stronger communities and brighter futures.”
As the Keel Innovation Center opens its doors, the Lockwood STEM Center invites educators, students, and community members to explore this facility dedicated to advancing STEM education and fostering innovation.
More information about the center can be found here: https://lockwoodstemcenter.hemlockps.com/
About Lockwood STEM Center
The Lockwood STEM Center is committed to bridging the gap between education and industry, providing students with the necessary skills and experiences to excel in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With the support of local businesses like Keel, the center aims to empower the next generation of innovators and leaders.
About KEEL
Built for precision with an eye for innovation, Keel was formed through the merger of Pegasus Steel, Merrill Technologies Group, and Metal Trades. We are focused on delivering unmatched quality in fabrication, machining and integration to the U.S. Navy, the broader Defense Industrial Base supply chain, and our industrial customers.
