Manufacturers and educators touring the facility of Aranda Tooling with Business Development Manager, Jonathon Mills, an MCIE Innovation Award recipient.

Chino, CA, July 28, 2025: The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) successfully hosted an educational and collaborative event on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Aranda Tooling, the largest stamp mill in the western United States, located in Chino, California. The event welcomed 23 manufacturing professionals and attendees, including educators from California Baptist University, Boys’ Republic School, and Manuel Elias, Assistant Manager of Workforce for the San Bernardino Community College District, which provides workforce development training integral to manufacturers like Aranda Tooling. 

The morning began with refreshments, coffee, and networking among participants before opening remarks and a formal presentation by Aranda Tooling’s leadership. After a presentation from the Manufacturers’ Council by John P. Beall, Jonathon Mills, Business Development Manager at Aranda, and Gerrard Connolly, General Manager, welcomed guests and provided an overview of the company’s history and capabilities. Following the presentation, Mills and Connolly each led small group tours of Aranda’s state-of-the-art facility. 

Tour participants observed the company’s advanced manufacturing capabilities firsthand, including presses multiple stories tall that can shape metal up to ¼ inch thick. Aranda Tooling is renowned for manufacturing a diverse range of products—from paint trays to precision auto components, notably for electric vehicles. Established by entrepreneur Pedro Aranda, the company has grown from a small tooling shop into a national industry leader. 

The event emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts between educational institutions and manufacturers in fostering a highly skilled workforce essential to the Inland Empire’s manufacturing sector. MCIE continues to champion such initiatives that bridge education and industry, promoting sustainable economic growth throughout the region. 

MCIE extends its sincere gratitude to Aranda Tooling for hosting the event and to all participants for their contributions toward building a stronger manufacturing community. 

The Manufacturers’ Council (MCIE) represents manufacturers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Their efforts include promoting workforce development programs and policies for the region, as well as educating the public on the modern face of manufacturing in the region and the skilled trade opportunities that offer rewarding, high-wage careers. 

MCIE’s membership comprises professionals, students, community members, and corporate leadership with interests in manufacturing in Inland Southern California. 

The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) supports education and career training on behalf of manufacturers throughout the region, offering programming and expertise in a variety of topics including innovative workforce solutions. Visit http://www.mfgcouncilie.com or our Linktree at linktr.ee/iemanufacturing for more information on careers, events, and membership.