All Stars

M A N U F A C T U R I N G A L L S T A R S 2 0 2 2 9 S P O N S O R P A I D P R O F I L E WAUPACA FOUNDRY Waupaca | Marinette | Ironwood Waupaca Foundry is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability. W aupaca Foundry has a history of encouraging people to reach their greatest potential. This has the dual benefit of a skilled workforce that allows Waupaca Foundry to deliver innovative, best-in-class iron castings to the world's most respected manufacturers. We're proud that Waupaca Foundry has been an employer of choice, and we believe in taking care of our employees and offering opportunities for personal development. The result: cast, machined, painted, and assembled iron casting components the world uses and trusts. From operations to administration, we are dedicated to creating opportunity for our team throughout its foundries and machining operations. Many of our team members have started in entry-level positions and progressed into a variety of careers over the years. In fact, our CEO, Mike Nikolai, joined Waupaca as a metallurgist over 25 years ago. More progressively responsible positions followed until being appointed president, COO and CEO. Why have a job when you can have a career? The opportunity for career growth and personal development is a significant reason why more than half of Waupaca Foundry's employees have been with the company greater than 10 years. Cast your own future. Join the industry leader and be part of a legacy of pride. Jobs.WaupacaFoundry.com What classes and training most prepared you with the necessary skills? I received forklift certification from Heartland. I also use some math from high school. What kinds of technology do you use and interact with? I use Excel for my core log/ inventory and PIV certification tracking. My main technology involves forklifts, both electric or LP, and I use clamp, standard, stand-up or swing-mast lifts. For inventory, we use scanners to move, add or remove inventory. Are there perceptions about manufacturing careers you would like to change? I'd like to change the thought that college is always the right answer, or that there is no enjoyment in manufacturing. Manufacturing can be very rewarding, and there's a good sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. How did your mentor impact your career? My current boss, Josh, has been the biggest mentor and the person I listened to and looked up to most throughout my Heartland career. He really gave me good guidance and training and helped develop me into who I am. How did you decide on this career path? I have always been inclined toward science and engineering, and I love rockets. I really wanted to find a career that could put me in the proximity of those things and found what I was looking for at ATI. I first started at our facility in Cudahy, Wis., where many parts for space-bound vehicles and jet engines are forged and inspected. What classes and training most prepared you with the necessary skills? Trigonometry, geometry, algebra and physics are things I use every day. I also have additional technical training and certifications through work. Are there perceptions about manufacturing careers you would like to change? Sometimes manufacturing careers are looked at as "low- skill." That couldn't be further from the truth. People can enter a sector of manufacturing at an entry level and grow to be expertly skilled in that area over their career. What has been the most fulfilling experience you've had at your company? The experience of starting a new facility and seeing the team grow has been amazing. Ironically, I have learned so much from teaching, and I am very proud of the team we have.

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