Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/907588
4 N E W M A N U F A C T U R I N G A L L I A N C E C O U R T E S Y O F A L E X Z A C A R I A S , 3 N P R O D U C T I O N S , L LC Jacob Becker Rockline Industries, Sheboygan What does your company make? Coffee filters and wet wipes. What do you do there? I blend solutions based on production demand to be used to create finished goods. How did you decide on this career path? I enjoyed math and science classes while in high school and knew I wanted to work in a technical field. What kind of education and training do you have? I have a bachelor of science degree in chemistry with a business emphasis from UW-Eau Claire. Are there any negative perceptions about manufacturing that you would like to change? Yes: that when you work in a factory, you do the same thing all day long. This is far from the truth, because your work environment changes continually. You never know what challenges will come your way and what decisions you will have to make. How does your company promote teamwork? Rockline promotes teamwork through its RRITE values (Renew, Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence). All employees must follow RRITE, and when doing so help each other achieve exceptional results. What has been the most fulfilling experience you have had at your company? Being given the opportunity every day to ASSOCIATE SCIENTIST Online: Watch Jacob talk about being a scientist at Rockline Industries. newmfgalliance.org Check out Rockline's website at rocklineind.com. N E W M A N U FA C T U R I N G A L L I A N C E ALL STAR O What does your company make? Folding solid fiber laminated cartons. What do you do there? I design cartons, cut and score prototype samples, conduct ECT (edge crush test) and compression testing, create bleed overlays and pallet configurations. How did you decide on this career path? After finishing college, I worked a couple different jobs and was looking for something more challenging. I first came on as a Design Assistant and was able to watch and learn and work my way up to where I am today. What kind of education and training do you have? What prepared you for this job? I have a bachelor's of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Regional Analysis and Community Development with a minor in G.I.S. and Spatial Analysis. I've also attended training conferences through our graphics and packaging software division on new software upgrades, in addition to brushing up on existing software. Are there any negative perceptions about manufacturing that you would like to change? There may be a perception that all manufacturing jobs are physically demanding and in unclean dark and dingy buildings, but there are lots of technically skilled jobs within the manufacturing sector. Working conditions are very professional, and in many cases environmentally controlled. What kind of technology do you use? I use graphic and packaging design software on a daily basis as well as Adobe Illustrator. I also use Mark Buechel Great Northern-StrataGraph, Oshkosh DESIGNER N E W M A N U FA C T U R I N G A L L I A N C E ALL STAR O Online: Watch Mark talk about his work as a designer at Great Northern Corp.-StrataGraph. newmfgalliance.org Check out GNC's website at gncstratagraph.com.