For greater than three many years, Bob Birch has been a gentle presence on the store flooring at Miller Fabrication Options. Since becoming a member of the staff in 1994, he has labored throughout a number of machines and roles, in the end discovering his area of interest operating the brake press.
On this Q&A, Bob displays on his profession and what has stored him at Miller for greater than 30 years.
Q: What’s your title, and what does your function contain at the moment?
I’m a press operator. I’ve been operating the brake press for greater than 25 years – bending elements, ensuring the whole lot is true and getting them out the door.
Q: When did you be a part of Miller, and the way did you get began right here?
I joined in June of 1994 as a machinist. My oldest brother inspired me and my different brother to work at Miller. We each began on the similar time, and my brother was right here for about 10 years. The chance to learn to run the machines appealed to me, so I’m glad I listened to my brother.
Q: What led you to maneuver from machining into press operation?
Round 2000, Miller wanted somebody to run the press, and I volunteered. Again then, you needed to do all of the programming your self – determining levels and getting into the whole lot manually. I loved operating the press and studying one thing new, and I’ve stayed with it ever since.
Q: How has the function modified as Miller has invested in new know-how?
It’s gotten simpler and extra enjoyable over time. With the laser and the upgraded plasma desk, there’s much less deburring, and elements bend nicer coming off the laser. The presses have additionally been upgraded with new laptop boards and motors. The elements run extra precisely now, which makes a giant distinction each day. You don’t have to face there and mess with small particulars and changes as a lot, as a result of the press does extra work robotically. Principally, the whole lot runs smoother.
Q: Is there a second out of your time at Miller that basically stands out?
The flood of 1996. We might see the water developing at round 8 within the morning, and by 10 a.m., it was pouring in by means of the doorways. We spent the day transferring welders, instruments and workplace recordsdata upstairs. After that, it took about three months to get the whole lot cleaned up and operating once more. Cleansing mud and silt out of the machines was principally my full-time job throughout that point. I had one brake press operating inside a month, nevertheless it took longer to get the whole lot else absolutely again on-line.
Q: You’ve had alternatives to maneuver into different roles. Why did you select to remain on the press?
I might have moved right into a lead function, however I needed to remain hands-on. I like operating the press and producing elements. I additionally like coaching individuals and displaying them the best way to do the work.
Q: After greater than three many years, what’s stored you at Miller?
Miller is a superb place to work, the wages and advantages are good and my job is attention-grabbing. It’s profession. If you wish to be taught a sure ability, they’ll prepare you. If you wish to run a machine or strive one thing new, they provide the likelihood. They don’t maintain anyone again.
