Standardized Training to Protect Lives: ISAIC Continues Partnership with MSA Safety
Firefighter protective clothing made by MSA Safety on display at their Pittsfield facility
July 2026 — Pittsfield, New Hampshire — Last month, ISAIC Project Manager of Training & Innovation, Cassie Franklin, traveled to Pittsfield, New Hampshire, to continue supporting ISAIC's training partnership with MSA Safety. Her visit marked another milestone in the ongoing collaboration to deliver standardized, high-quality sewing operator training across multiple MSA facilities.
About MSA Safety
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of safety products that protect people and critical infrastructure. The company combines electronics, mechanical systems, and advanced materials to safeguard workers in hazardous and life-threatening environments.
MSA's products are used by workers around the world and include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection equipment.
Training in Action
In 2025, Cassie traveled to Ada, Oklahoma, to implement a customized two-week sewing operator training program for MSA. Following the program's success, MSA expanded the curriculum to its Pittsfield facility.
Since the initial implementation, the curriculum has been further refined to incorporate site-specific processes while maintaining a standardized core training experience across both locations.
Today, the Ada facility continues to deliver the training program each month, onboarding new sewing operators before they transition to on-the-job production. The curriculum is built upon ISAIC's Fundamentals of Industrial Sewing and Production (FISP) course and customized to include MSA-specific equipment, materials, terminology, work instructions, and production projects.
During her visit to Pittsfield, Cassie observed one of MSA's instructors leading the training with two learners—one brand-new sewing operator and another who had already spent two weeks on the production floor. Seeing the program delivered independently was a rewarding milestone.
"It was incredibly rewarding to see the trainer confidently deliver the material, demonstrate the processes clearly, and create an approachable learning environment for the learners," said Cassie Franklin, Project Manager of Training & Innovation at ISAIC.
One of the highlights of the visit was the training program's final project: a tool bag sewn by each participant using MSA work instructions. Upon graduation, the finished bag becomes the operator's everyday tool bag as they transition into production. As a thank-you for ISAIC's partnership, the MSA instructor gifted Cassie one of the completed tool bags.
ISAIC Project Manager of Training & Innovation, Cassie Franklin, standing with MSA instructors and the tool bag gifted to her as a thank you.
Looking Ahead
Working alongside the MSA team continues to demonstrate the value of collaborative workforce training. Throughout the development and implementation process, MSA has remained committed to building a consistent, high-quality training program that prepares new employees for success from day one.
ISAIC looks forward to continuing its partnership with MSA Safety as the program evolves and expands to support future workforce needs.
Interested in bringing customized industrial sewing training to your organization? Learn more about ISAIC's on-site training programs or read about our recent partnership with Drexel University or Stormy Kromer, where we're continuing to advance workforce training and curriculum development.