Mike Cassata, an engineer at Winzeler Gear, talks with Ridgewood High School students during their tour of the facility Nov. 9. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Mike Cassata (far left), an engineer at Winzeler Gear, talks with Ridgewood High School students during their tour of the facility. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Mike Cassata (far left), an engineer at Winzeler Gear, talks with Ridgewood High School students about a particular motor his company makes. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Finished gears make their way along the assembly line to cool down at Winzeler Gear. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media

Cynthia Barrios (center) and Jessica Figueroa, both seniors at Ridgewood High School, check out machinery at Winzeler Gear. | Curtis Lehmkuhl~Sun-Times Media