By MIKE CORN

mcorn@dailynews.net

WaKEENEY -- Last month, WaKeeney and Trego County heralded the new partnership involving MCM Inc., the manufacturer of the super-duty Dirt King tricycles.

On Tuesday, MCM was awarded $4,000 in Kansas Industrial Training money to create eight new jobs at its WaKeeney facility.

MCM will match the Department of Commerce grant with $10,111 of its own money.

Midwest Contracting and Manufacturing, as it officially is known, last month was acquired by Topeka-based Senne Co. The acquisition was part of a $1.5 million investment.

When the announcement was made in September, officials with the company said they planned to boost employment by 12 to 14 workers. One already had been hired at the time of the announcement and another was getting ready to start work.

As part of the commerce grant, new employees will receive classroom and on-the-job training in forklift operation, safety and welding.

MCM manufactures several models of tricycles, wagons, wheelchair lifts, flag poles, portable horse and cattle sheds, and specialty packing products for customers across the United States and Canada.

MCM does work for A-1 Plank & Scaffold, one of the largest scaffolding companies in the country, and Enersys Inc., one of the nation's largest battery companies. Both are located in Hays.

 "Hand crafted in Kansas by Kansas workers, the Dirt King trike has been awarded the distinction of 'World's Best Trike,' " said Mike McGivern, president of Senne Co. "With more than 30,000 in distribution, it is the preferred trike for day care and preschool use because it is virtually indestructible and incredibly safe."