October is National Manufacturing Month, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate the grand opening of Willd Designs 3D Printing LLC, a veteran-owned 3D printing and manufacturing business founded by U.S. Army veteran Will Dalziel.

What began as Dalziel’s hobby with a small 3D printer has grown into a full-service additive manufacturing facility. Today, Willd Designs provides end-to-end solutions, from concept design and prototyping to 3D scanning, design engineering, and production. The teams also offers modeling and printer repair ensuring full support for inventors, entrepreneurs, and businesses bringing ideas to life.

The facility features advanced equipment, including a large-format printer capable of producing parts more than 3 feet wide, 3 feet deep, and over 5 feet tall, opening doors for everything from custom prototypes to replacement parts.

Dalziel’s nearly 14 years of military service instilled the discipline, integrity, and commitment to service that now guide his work. His mission is simple: to pair precision with passion and ensure every client’s experience is exceptional.
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As Temple celebrates National Manufacturing Month, Willd Designs stands as a prime example of local innovation and excellence that drive the region’s economy. Where a veteran’s vision, technical skill, and entrepreneurial spirit intersected came a new business bringing advanced technology to Temple’s manufacturing base and helping shape the region’s future. 

October is National Manufacturing Month, and the Temple Chamber of Commerce is highlighting the businesses that fuel the region’s economy, create jobs, and strengthen global competitiveness. Among these industry leaders is Materials Transportation Company (MTC), a long-standing Temple-based manufacturer that recently announced a major expansion move.

MTC has acquired the assets of Sackett Systems Inc., a step that significantly broadens its footprint in the battery handling equipment market. The cash transaction includes inventory, equipment, and intangible assets. Importantly, it positions MTC to serve not only its existing customers but also those who rely on Sackett equipment for daily operations.

With this acquisition, MTC will now provide replacement parts and service for Sackett equipment, ensuring continuity and support for customers across the country. For Ken Alessi, CEO of MTC, the deal represents more than business growth, it’s about reinforcing a reputation built on quality and relationships.

“At the core of this acquisition is a commitment to deliver exceptional service, build lasting relationships, and never compromise on quality,” said Alessi. “We’re focused on making this transition seamless, not just operationally, but relationally. At MTC, we Do More for all our business partners and stakeholders.”

Based in Temple, MTC is an employee-owned business (ESOP) that has an over 70-year reputation built on dependable equipment, responsive service, and a customer-first culture. The company’s expansion through this acquisition further cements its role as a trusted partner in the battery handling industry.

For former Sackett customers, the transition offers a clear benefit: access to familiar products and reliable service from a company that has been doing business right the first time for decades. For Temple, it underscores the strength and adaptability of the region’s manufacturing sector.
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As part of Manufacturing Month, the Temple Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate members like MTC who drive the community forward. Manufacturing remains one of the largest business sectors in the local economy, providing not only high-quality jobs but also innovative solutions that reach far beyond Central Texas.

The Temple Chamber of Commerce, Temple Economic Development Corporation (Temple EDC), and Workforce Central Texas are proud to announce the 5th Annual Manufacturing Day Job Fair on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Workforce Central Texas Temple Office in the Santa Fe Business Center.

The Manufacturing Day Job Fair will be held on National Manufacturing Day, the first Friday in October annually, a celebration of modern manufacturing and its vital role in our economy.

Manufacturing Day has become a cornerstone event in Temple, showcasing career pathways in advanced manufacturing, connecting local employers with talent, and strengthening the workforce pipeline that drives our region’s economy.

The Manufacturing Day Job Fair will bring together local manufacturers and job seekers for a high impact hiring event. Employers will have the opportunity to showcase their companies, share career opportunities, and connect directly with candidates eager to join the industry.

Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Central Texas’s economy, providing careers that fuel growth and innovation. Manufacturing Day shines a spotlight on these opportunities, helping employers find talent and helping individuals launch rewarding careers.

The Temple Chamber, Temple EDC, and Workforce Central Texas are actively recruiting local manufacturers to participate in the job fair.
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Local manufacturers interested in participating in the Manufacturing Day Job Fair can scan the registration QR code on the event flyer or visit https://bit.ly/MFGDayJobFair25 to get started.