The Metal Fabrication class from the Erie County Technical School visited The Warren Company on Friday, October 7th for national MFG Day. Representatives of Northwest Industrial Resource Center (NWIRC) were also happy to be along, including President, Bob Zaruta.
The Warren Company is a fourth generation, family-owned business that offers customized fabrication and cutting services of stainless and tool steel, aluminum and other ferrous and non-ferrous materials. The Warren Company President, Bob Warren, provided the students with the history of the company. Human Resources Manager, Cat Doty, shared her thoughts on what the company looks for in a new employee. She explained “it’s not just knowing about the skill required, but also about fitting in with their culture and getting along with the other employees because we work together as a team.” She said during their hiring process they also do some pre-testing to be sure competency with basic reading, math, and measuring skills.
MFG DAY addresses common misperceptions about manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after MFG DAY, manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.
NWIRC supports the MFG Day initiative by offering mini-grant assistance to offset expenses for field trips on this day for technical schools in 13 counties of Northwest PA. Kim Thomas, Director of the Northwest Regional Office of PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED), also attended to culminate PA Manufacturing Week. See just a few of our tour photos below:
