G.D. Roberts & Co., Inc. Donates Cobot Welder to Local School to Strengthen Skilled Trades Education

COLUMBUS, Wis., April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- G.D. Roberts & Co., Inc., a fifth-generation Wisconsin-based metal manufacturer, has recently donated a collaborative robot (cobot) welder to the Columbus High School (CHS) Tech Ed department.  

The donation of the Miller Copilot Collaborative Welding System will expand hands-on learning opportunities for students and improve their workforce readiness.

Nathan Roberts, owner of G. D. Roberts & Co., Inc., is committed to supporting student education, especially for those considering careers in skilled trades.  By providing students with industry-relevant equipment they will be better prepared for careers in manufacturing and trades. 

"We are so excited to provide this equipment for the students and Tech Ed department at Columbus High School!  Giving students hands-on experience with modern equipment helps them develop new skill sets and gives them a head start in their careers," says Nathan Roberts.

Jake Flood, Superintendent of Columbus Public Schools, comments, "The students of the Columbus School District continue to thrive thanks to the unwavering support of our community partners. G.D. Roberts, a true champion for the district, has once again gone above and beyond with the donation of a Miller Copilot Cobot Welder. This cutting-edge technology provides the opportunity for our students to graduate not just with a diploma, but with the high-tech skills needed to be career-ready. We are deeply grateful to G.D. Roberts for their investment in our students and for helping make Columbus a great place to learn and work."

In addition to the $65,000 donation of the cobot welder, three years ago G. D. Roberts & Co., Inc. donated $16,000 in welders for welding bays, and five years ago donated a $25,000 CNC plasma machine.

G. D. Roberts & Co., Inc. also supports students through the CHS Youth Apprenticeship Program, which provides on-site training at the G. D. Roberts facility as a part of the school day.  Through this program students gain experience in welding, machining, fabrication and powder coating.

Founded in 1870 in Columbus, Wisconsin, G.D. Roberts & Co., Inc. is a fifth-generation, family-owned manufacturing company.  In addition to Roberts Manufacturing, its contract metal manufacturing services, the company also has two proprietary product lines: PowerGistics charging solutions for education and Fisk Tank Carrier trucks for the propane industry. All operations are based in the USA.

For more information, visit www.gdroberts.com or contact G.D. Roberts at 1-920-623-3979 or [email protected].

SOURCE G. D. Roberts & Co., Inc.