This blog series intends to shatter some "manufacturing myths". Sometimes there is a perception of manufacturing being dirty, dead-end, unskilled, monotonous and boring. The reality is, it's bright, clean, fulfilling, hi-tech, versatile and rewarding!
I had the privilege of interviewing some Zentech employees - a way of humanizing the manufacturing industry to demonstrate why you may want to consider a manufacturing career.
What I noticed most about Robin is her cheerful attitude and the value she contributes to the team. She truly embodies what it means to be a part of the manufacturing process!
Robin, Shipping and Receiving Lead, Zentech Bloomington
Stephanie: How long have you been at Zentech?
Stephanie: Were you in manufacturing before this?
Robin: Yes – I worked in automotive manufacturing for 27 years; I was a Production Coordinator.
Stephanie: How did you come to work in manufacturing?
Robin: It fell in my lap, and I just loved it.
Stephanie: Why do you love it?
Robin: I love the challenge, and I like the preciseness of it and how detailed it is.
Stephanie: What’s your title now? Because you just got promoted!
Robin: Yes, I did. I was promoted to Shipping and Receiving Lead.
Stephanie: So, what was your progression?
Robin: I started out as Clerk I, picking kits and putting them on the floor, and excelled at that. So, the Inventory Manager expanded my role, and I started learning new tasks. I really liked the hands-on learning.
Stephanie: What does a typical day look like?
Robin: Manufacturing is a very detailed process, and each department depends on others to get the work done. Kitting the parts is one of the first important processes on the list. So, when I arrive in the morning, I pick priority kits, so we stay ahead, and look at receiving reports, scrap reports.
Stephanie: It requires a lot of planning.
Robin: Yes, and communication.
Stephanie: Yes, because everything has to keep flowing and you can’t have bottlenecks.
Robin: Yes, and we work as a team, we communicate, and we are a family.
If you would like to know more about careers at Zentech, visit our Zentech Careers website.
Additional Resources:
IPC Educational Foundation - Electronics Career Profiles
Creators Wanted - Find manufacturing jobs, career pathways and training programs
About Zentech:
Zentech Manufacturing, an Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) small business, is primarily focused on the defense, aerospace, and medical industries, specializing in producing highly complex electronic and electromechanical circuit card assemblies. The company has locations in Baltimore, MD, Richardson, TX, and Bloomington, IL and maintains several key electronics industry certifications. In January 2023, Zentech received the Stan Plzak Corporate Recognition Award from the IPC.