MERC Online Company Interview

Custom Manufacturing Solutions

MERC - Please give a brief description of your company's products and services, including any new technologies that your company is exploring.  Also, what is the size of your workforce?

CMS - CMS is primarily a “build to print specifications” metalworking contract manufacturer with both commercial/industrial and government/military markets.  We provide high quality; cost-effective parts and products and help clients manage the multiple manufacturing processes necessary to complete complex projects and products.  We have just purchased a new laser system for cutting. CMS employs 107 employees which includes 80 direct labor employees.

MERC - What would a manufacturing technician be expected to do at your company?
CMS -    We call our manufacturing technicians, manufacturing engineers.  These engineers quote new work and manage the manufacturing process. 

MERC - What technical skills do you look for as you hire new employees?
CMS -    New employees should be able to investigate problems on their own and have great problem solving skills.  They should be able to make decisions from the data collected, analyze the data and make sound decisions.  They should also have some experience in researching new technologies and solutions.

MERC - List the top three interpersonal skills that you would like to see in new employees.
CMS -   There are primarily three things we look for:
1) Self motivation – New employees should not only be able to take assignments from the manager, they should also have the initiative to see a problem and do something to solve it.
2). Thoroughness – We want our employees to have the ability to work on a project and bring it to completion.
3). Cooperation – At CMS, we require that employees possess good team skills and the ability to work with a variety of people to get the job done.

MERC - What do you think is the most important skill for a manufacturing engineer to have in your company?
CMS –   Self- motivation and the ability to learn are the most important skills.

MERC - How valuable in your operation is it for a new employee to have an Associate Degree?
CMS –  An Associate Degree is fairly valuable but it depends on the technical degree. “College skills” don’t bring a whole lot to the table.  An Associate Degree typically represents the ability to learn, and that the employee knows support skills, such as the internal workings of the business.  Theory skills are not as valuable.

MERC - Do you encourage your existing employees to obtain an associate degree if they do not already have one?
CMS -    We generally encourage employees that show promise.  Workers and engineers are typically trained by the vendor when incorporating a new technology. 

MERC - How many positions in your company require an associate degree?  How many  require a bachelors degree?
CMS -    Most of the positions at CMS do not require an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. 

MERC - How is an employee's long-term advancement affected by continuing education?
CMS -   CMS offers tuition reimbursement, and we encourage motivated employees to pursue further education.  The company is favorable to creating opportunities for advancement for these employees. 

MERC - If you could talk to manufacturing educators, what suggestions or comments would you pass on to them?
CMS –   Projects, in the students’ college training, is valuable.  A capstone experience is good – students need real world, practical work experience.  There are good careers in manufacturing and welding.  Even CMS has had a difficult time finding applicants, but we need workers.