MERC Online Company Interview

Gray America Corp.

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

Gray America Corp.: Gray America Corp. is the parent company of four subsidiaries whose mission is to fulfill specific metals requirements. In doing so, the four separate entities accomplish their goals in a way that complement each other and help each of them achieve a higher level of success than if done separately. The workforce is around 150-175 employees.

MERC Online: What would a manufacturing technician be expected to do at your company?

GAC: They should provide technical help through engineering practices and manufacturing experience, specifically troubleshooting quality and manufacturing issues. They would develop changes and continuous improvements throughout the corporation.

MERC Online: Could you give a brief example?

GAC: For example, if we have a quality issue with the length of one of our products, the techs should be able to identify all the variables that impact the length and then start troubleshooting and narrowing down to the root causes.

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

GAC: We look for basic knowledge of manufacturing processes & inspection methods, and hands on understanding of basic shop practices & skills. We also look for up-to-date experience with today’s business software, specifically in the CAD/CAM industry.

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

GAC:
Communication - Technicians should be able to communicate with the process owners and operators.
Initiative - It’s important to not have to push new hires along. They should be eager and forthcoming with new ideas.
Teamwork - Technicians should come onboard as a member of the team, open with ideas and willing to share in the responsibilities.

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

GAC: They should have basic understandings of today’s business & quality systems.

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

GAC: Although we do not require the degree, the experience I have had is that applicants from our local colleges and Associate Degree programs come into the work force more prepared and with a better understanding of manufacturing in today’s modern world.

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

GAC: The corporation encourages all level of employees to continue their education. It benefits both the employer and employee. 

MERC Online: Approximately what percentage of the positions in your company requires an associate degree? A bachelor degree?

GAC: It completely depends on the applicants and the skills they have. Some schools do a better job of preparing students for “real” world solutions than others.

 MERC Online: Would it be accurate to say that you typically look first at the applicant's skills for the new job, and the degree is of secondary importance?

GAC: Yes, we look at skills and experience first, and education second.

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

GAC: On the job experience will only get you the experience that one company has to offer. Continuing education exposes you to more tools, and through classes and professors, you gain a wealth of knowledge that allows you to bring new ideas in the company. Those individuals are the ones who continue to grow and advance.

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

GAC: Continue to strive to get your students out of the lecture halls and into practical manufacturing labs, simulations, or better yet on the floor of some of your area’s best and worst companies.