Grainger Donates More than $50,000 to Support Hands-On Training Programs
PHOENIX, April 22, 2009 – Universal Technical Institute Foundation today announced that local facilities maintenance supplier Grainger donated $4,500 in scholarships for students studying automotive technology at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) (NYSE:UTI) in Houston. UTI is a provider of technical education for individuals pursuing careers as professional automotive, collision repair, diesel, marine or motorcycle technicians.
In 2008, Grainger also donated more than $50,000 in supplies to UTI’s Houston campus. The contribution included wet-dry vacuums, tools and tool cabinets, air compressors and pressure washers that are being used to provide students hands-on training opportunities in key technical areas.
“Grainger shares a common passion with the UTI Foundation to help raise the visibility of the skilled labor shortage and promote technical education in Houston and across the nation,” said Keith Sobolik, branch manager of Grainger’s Houston location. “We work every day with customers who depend on the skilled workforce, so we understand how this shortage will affect their business and we want to help.”
“Grainger has provided scholarships and valuable classroom materials to help our Houston students receive the best technical education possible and we thank them for their generosity,” said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of the UTI Foundation. Grainger has been part of the Texas business community for more than 75 years and currently operates 10 locations throughout the Houston area.
About Grainger
Illinois-based W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW), with 2008 sales of $6.9 billion, is the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance products serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China and Panama. Through a highly integrated network including more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers and multiple Web sites, Grainger’s employees help customers get the job done.
About UTI Foundation:
The UTI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Arizona non-profit, is the umbrella organization for all Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) not-for-profit initiatives and is dedicated to raising funds to further its mission and strategic goals. The UTI Foundation supports technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine and NASCAR industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs. For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.