MERC Online Company Interview

David D. Harry - President

MERC Online: 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?

GEMCITY: GEMCITY Engineering and Manufacturing is a leading, global, specialized equipment provider and product manufacturer. We provide seamless, secure, low cost manufacturing solutions to global markets. Through the implementation of lean strategies and innovative engineering solutions, we deliver the ability to reduce costs and time to market. Our workforce consists of 130 associates in the United States and 75 associates in Thailand.

MERC Online: What would an engineer or technician in your manufacturing operations be expected to do at your company?

GEMCITY: Engineers design our capital equipment. They work with mechanical and electrical (build) technicians during the build process. Engineers also work in applications engineering to create concepts and quotes to respond to requests from our customers.

MERC Online: What technical skills do you look for as you hire new employees?

GEMCITY: When hiring an engineer, we would look for those that have industry experience. Those with expertise in the design of capital equipment would be the most valuable to us because this is our market. Experience in mechanical, electrical and software disciplines are required.

When hiring an entry level technician (mechanical and electrical), they are required to have an adequate knowledge of their field. Their knowledge is measured by assessment in all disciplines. Senior technicians are expected to have a minimum of four years of experience. Other keys to success in our company include excellent communication skills and the ability to train and motivate others.

MERC Online: List the top three interpersonal skills that you would like to see in new employees.

GEMCITY: We like our new employees to demonstrate excellent communication skills, to be self-motivated and to enjoy working with a team.

MERC Online: What do you think is the most important skill for a manufacturing engineer to have in your company?

GEMCITY: In addition to technical expertise, individuals must be able to communicate effectively with all members of the team. This includes other engineers, technicians, managers and customers. Ethical, honest and sincere communication is paramount to our company’s success.

MERC Online: How valuable in your operation is it for a new employee to have an Associate Degree?

GEMCITY: Having a degree is not a requirement for employment in our company. That being said, when given the choice between two qualified individuals, in general, the one with the degree would be favored. A person with a degree may have acquired better organizational skills and a better understanding of their field of study. In some cases, they may have had on-the-job training, as part of their degree requirement. In essence, having the degree allows them to hit the ground running quicker, which in turn benefits our company.

MERC Online: Do you encourage your existing employees to obtain an associate degree if they do not already have one?

GEMCITY: Yes! In fact, GEMCITY has a tuition reimbursement program. If an employee maintains excellent grades, we will pay 100% of the degree.

MERC Online: How many positions in your company require an associate degree? How many require a bachelors degree?

GEMCITY: A small amount of positions within our company require a degree. We like to hire individuals who have received some additional training and/or experience beyond high school. A College degree, targeted education for specific fields, and apprenticeships are forms of education we value in our employees.

MERC Online: How is an employee's long-term advancement affected by continuing education?

GEMCITY: The majority of advancement within our company requires continuing education. In addition to our company’s tuition reimbursement program, we implement various methods of in-house training. Advancement does not occur unless an employee is willing to invest time and energy into furthering their education on some level.

MERC Online: If you could talk to manufacturing educators, what suggestions or comments would you pass on to them?

GEMCITY: When educators identify students with mechanical aptitude, they should strive to promote and strengthen these abilities through additional training in Math and the sciences. Learning interpersonal skills, planning and how employees contribute to the company’s bottom line are also important things to incorporate in education. Additional reading, should be encouraged especially when it relates to their field of study.
Presently, there is a need to incorporate discussion surrounding our global economy. Students become assets to companies if they stay abreast of the latest developments in Engineering and Manufacturing, recognize the issues of competing with low cost countries, and analyze methods for implementing change.