In a first-of-its-kind partnership between a machinery manufacturer and local first responders, MC Machinery Systems opened its fabrication showroom to the Elk Grove Village Fire Department (EGVFD) for hands-on training designed to prepare firefighters for emergencies involving advanced manufacturing equipment.
Over the course of three days, EGV firefighters received guided instruction from MC Machinery’s Applications team on the inner workings of press brakes, fiber lasers, and other fabrication technologies commonly found throughout the village’s industrial corridor. With Elk Grove Village home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of fabrication and metalworking shops, the opportunity to understand these machines up-close is invaluable for first responders.
“When seconds count, specialized knowledge saves lives. We’re proud to give our fire department partners the training they need to respond confidently and safely in real-world manufacturing emergencies,” said Tony Imbrogno, President & CEO of MC Machinery Systems. “This is more than a tour, it’s a community investment.”
The training provided firefighters a behind-the-scenes look at machine functions, pinch points, energy sources, safety protocols, and the unique challenges involved in responding to industrial accidents. The goal: ensure crews can act quickly and effectively when faced with manufacturing-related emergencies.
“Having a facility give us the opportunity to come in here and do what we did … we couldn’t be more happy to get that opportunity.” said David Hoppe, Battalion Chief in charge of training, for the Elk Grove Village Fire Department. “Many facilities would not let us do this knowing that we’d have to override the safety systems [on the machines].”
Bill Isaac, Senior Vice President of MC Machinery Systems, emphasized the company’s commitment to community responsibility:
“We don’t just build technology, we support the people who protect the workplaces where it’s used. Inviting the fire department into our facility wasn’t just the right move, it’s the smart one. Prepared responders mean safer outcomes for everyone.”
The initiative underscores MC Machinery’s broader focus on operator safety, continuous improvement, and community partnership. The company plans to explore making this an ongoing collaboration to support first responder readiness throughout the region.
