Justin – Operator
Justin has been with PRESS GLASS for a year. He started as an Operator’s Assistant and is now the Operator of digital printing.
Interview
How did you find out about working at PRESS GLASS?
I found out about PRESS GLASS through their employees – they were talking about enjoying working there when visiting my previous job. So, I decided to apply, and it took some time before I received the phone call with an invitation to interview. The hiring process was smooth, and the people were friendly. During the interview I was informed about the pay and benefits.
Could you talk more about your work and the training process?
The training process was good. I got a lot of training based on the experience of my peers and through hands on learning. I am operating the digital printer and I had never tried my hand at that kind of machine. My job requires working on a computer and I had experience there. Every day I need to prepare and clean my machine before the shift. Throughout the day while I am completing my tasks, I stay in communication with my supervisor about my progress and any issues I may be having. My supervisor is always supportive in helping my fix any issues or answer any questions I have.
What do you like about working at PRESS GLASS?
I like that the company is still young and has a lot of room to grow. I was excited for the opportunity to move up. I started as an Operator’s Assistant, and I have since moved into the Operator role. The work attitude here is positive and it is nice to be on a team where everyone is working toward a common goal.
What kind of person would you recommend working at PRESS GLASS?
If you desire to work in a positive and productive environment, then PRESS GLASS is for you. At PRESS GLASS you work to earn your pay, so you must show up on time and ready to work. The more initiative you show in your position, the more opportunities to move up will be presented to you.
Chris – Foreman
Chris has been working in the Stoneville location for 8 years. He is the production foreman over inspection.
Interview
What is your role at PRESS GLASS?
I am a production foreman and I oversee a group of 15 employees in which my two main objectives are efficiency and quality. So, I lead that group and make sure they are focusing on quality and producing efficiently. I want to ensure they are working normal 40 – hour schedules as much as possible.
How do you describe the job your employees do?
I oversee various positions from operators, operator’s assistants, to material handlers. Material handling and inspection are simple, the inspector will need to have good vision and attention to detail so they can see the imperfections. The most difficult process that I oversee is drilling. This does require skill and knowledge about the process. This person is responsible for matching the CAD drawings to the Customer’s order.
Is moving up difficult?
The more eager you are to learn and the better job you do, the easier it is to move up. You need to show initiative and respect toward your position.
Could you talk more about supervision at PRESS GLASS?
Both leaders I had were very helpful and each one had different leadership styles. I feel like I learned a lot about being a leader from them and took aspects from each to create my leadership style.
What is your most memorable moment?
When I got moved up to foreman because everything I had worked toward paid off. I came in everyday and challenged myself to be better, so getting moved up to a management position was really fulfilling.
What do you enjoy most about working at PRESS GLASS?
The people and how everyday is different. It is also very important to me to help the ones I have on my team grow every day.
Lucio – Inspection Operator
Lucio is an Operator at our Stoneville facility. Lucio has a very good eye and catches all imperfections in the glass. He has been with the company for a year and a half.
Interview
What is your role at PRESS GLASS?
I work in inspection. Each morning I take inventory of the glass on racks and ensure the glass there is ready for production. If there are any imperfections, I make the decision whether it can be repaired or if it should be re-cut.
What do you like about your job?
I like that I have responsibility and the opportunity to move up.
What skills does someone who wants to work at PRESS GLASS need?
They need a good work ethic and to take initiative in asking if there is anything they can do to further help. Detail oriented people who can make their own decisions will be successful here. Overall, people who take charge and are conscious about doing a good job.
Is there any opportunity to grow?
There is a lot of opportunity to move to different departments and learn every process.
What do you like most about working here?
The pay, hours, and benefits are great! I like that I work a normal 40 – hour schedule.
Do you feel like you have a good relationship with your supervisor?
Yes, I get a lot of help and I get pushed to be the best I can. I get offered a lot of new opportunities.
How is the training?
Whenever I have a question, my supervisor always answers to the best of his knowledge. I can access the plant manager to have my questions answered as well.
Chris – Production Supervisor
He has been an employee with the company for 14 years. His career began in production as a Team Lead and then promoted to Department Supervisor.
Interview
Could you describe your typical day at PRESS GLASS?
I oversee a few different departments: CNC, digital print and laminating. The day is always full of activity, which includes making sure the job is done correctly and in a safe manner. I make sure that orders meet customer requirements. I feel in my role it is very important to set a good example for my people.
What do you like most about your job?
First… is my team. I have a good group of employees with a lot of different personalities, I feel they’re my second family. Secondly are the working hours, which allows time for daily family activities and hobbies.
What is your advice for candidates?
If candidates are flexible and eager to learn, they will find co-workers who not only care about their work, but also one another. PRESS GLASS is the place to come.
Jaime – Estimator
She has been working in PRESS GLASS in Stoneville for 14 years. She has started as a Customer Service, and now she is an Estimator.
Interview
Could you describe your typical day at PRESS GLASS?
I estimate for the insulated glass projects. Every day I use Excel to calculate the best prices for our customers. I also contact clients and work with them to resolve any questions or issues I complete the orders, get them prepared and ready for the next steps which is optimization and production. The day is always full with different challenges.
What do you like most about your job?
I like working with customers. It is very motivating when I get positive feedback from them. It is the biggest compliment for me when the clients are satisfied with the service. I also enjoy working with a great team. A lot of people have been here for years and they do a really great job. We know each other very well and we are like a family.
What skills are needed to be an estimator at PRESS GLASS?
Estimators work both with numbers and clients, so the perfect skill set is detail orientation and great communication. If candidates value teamwork and focuses on obtaining new knowledge, the position of estimator will be good choice.
Robert – Optimizer/Schedule
He has been with PRESS GLASS since 2006. He used to work as a plant superintendent on 2nd shift and now he is an Optimizer/Schedule.
Interview
Could you describe your typical day at PRESS GLASS?
I’m a Production Optimizer and Scheduler so my responsibility is to schedule the orders for production processes. I start my work by checking all the orders – which type of glass they require (eg. spandrel, glass with special coating etc.) and what processes we will use (eg. tempering, insulating, laminating etc.). Then I need to check the available inventory and if it is necessarily to order the missing one. I use a different type of software to optimize the glass sheets.
What do you like most about your job?
My work is full of challenges. I like that I need to solve a lot of problems and come up with new solutions every day. It is never boring. I need to make sure we have everything that is necessary to get the production done.
What has been your most memorable moment at PRESS GLASS?
I can’t think about a particular moment, but I just like this job and people. I make friends here very easily.
It looks like scheduling is a great job. What kind of person do you have to be to be successful in this position?
You have to be self-motivated and open to changes. There are many situations when you have to adjust yourself and your plans to present circumstances. This is the perfect job for somebody who loves solving problems.
Maria – Shipping clerk
She has been working at PRESS GLASS for 16 years and she loves this place. Maria started as a production worker and after 1 year she was promoted to shipping clerk.
Interview
Could you describe your typical day at PRESS GLASS?
I work in the shipping department. I am responsible for shipping and receiving. That’s mean I organize all deliveries to the customers, schedule transportation and work with carriers and brokers companies. I also contact customers and together we set the best delivery date. Then I prepare paperwork for drivers. I also coordinate with our customer service team to quote delivery costs. I contact the brokers to provide the best price and strive to keep our customers happy. My day is full of various activities and there is no time for boredom.
What do you like most about your job?
I like flexible working hours and location – I am very glad that it takes me only 10 minutes to get to work. But what I like the most is our team. I have been working with a lot of great people over the years. We have the same values and vision and team work makes this place great.
What was your most exciting moment in PRESS GLASS?
The most exciting fact is that the employees are very close: we solve problems together and we care about each other. If I have to give one example that would be birthdays. We celebrate it together and it is always a special day to everyone. We gather together, singing happy birthday and it makes me feel happy and important to be part of this family.
What can candidates and new employees expect when working at PRESS GLASS?
That we are a team and we are working together. Strong work ethic is a key element. So if you are a team player, this could be a perfect place for you.
Fernando – Foreman
He currently oversees the CMSMachines, Laminating line and Digital Printing.
Interview
How long have you been working with PGI?
I started 8 years ago as a Production Operator Assistant. I had the opportunity to work on a variety of machines. I started on the cutting table, than I worked on seaming and operated the tempering oven. After 4 years I was promoted to a Foreman position.
What do you like most about your job?
I like to train the new employees and help them to be better operators. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience. It gives me tons of satisfaction and makes me happy.
What would you say about PRESS GLASS as an employer?
I think PRESS GLASS is one of the best local employers. We have a lot of benefits and opportunities for growth. There are many positions where you can learn – there is no place for boredom. What’s more is that it’s a safe and great work place.
Rob – Maintenance Technician
Brandon – Maintenance Technician
Interview
Could you describe your typical day?
Rob: We do whatever production needs to operate. Production supervisors and operators call us for help if there’s a breakdown. The most common type are software and electrical issues. We need to troubleshoot and repair the machines.
Brandon: We also work on the new machine installations. Actually we’ve just got the HST oven and we need to install and wire. And next we have to do the autoclave this week.
What do you like about your work?
Brandon: I like the environment. Everybody is friendly, nice to talk to, fun to be around. It makes the day go by quicker.
Rob: It’s a new company with a nice, new technology. I like taking what I know and applying it to tasks. I’m also learning new skills every day.
How would you compare the machines here with machines you’ve previously worked with?
Rob: It’s a new process for me, working with glass. Some of the machinery are similar to my other jobs. We use wood, like a saw mill. Here, working on the glass, they need to be a little more precise. It’s definitely a little slower.
Brandon. A lot more advanced than anything I’ve dealt with in the past. There’s a whole lot more to run a machine and to keep it running. It’s a long process with a lot of moving parts.
What would you say are the best memories so far about this job?
Rob: Hm.. I remember wiring up the tempering oven. We did that for a long time. And then, when they turned it on and everything seemed to work was really nice.
Brandon: About the same for me. That’s the machine I stayed on when I first started until it was done. It was nice to see it all come together and see it actually work once we were done with everything.
What can candidates expect from working in Maintenance Team at PRESS GLASS?
Rob: You can learn on new technology in the glass industry. The Supervisor’s fair about how they dictate the work. Just work hard. Candidates should have strong electrical and mechanical background. If they know PLC that is plus. It’s a great place to learn, even if somebody doesn’t have a lot of experience, they can come in and learn it.
Brandon: Work hard and keep good attitude about everything. Be open to learn and try new things.
Ivan – Production Operator Assistant
Na – Production Operator Assistant
Interview
Why did you decide to join PRESS GLASS?
Na: I was looking for a new stabile environment to start work. So I came to the Meet’n’Greet and listened to the presentation. It sounded good and since I’ve been here, everything I heard was true – no surprises, always know what is going on. I’ve got plenty of room to grow. That was what I was looking for.
Ivan: When I saw the information of the recruitment on Facebook, I thought it is a great opportunity for me. Starting from the very beginning and being part of it.
What do you like about PG?
Ivan: Everything! Personally for me, this is everything new – the machines, setting up. I have never done this before. I like that we started working at PRESS GLASS during the installation – I’ve a chance to learn everything, from assembling racks to helping technicians with new machinery.
Na: I like the fact that no one here just leave you standing. Everyone tries to help everyone. And if you are given a task, they don’t just tell you to do it and walk away– they guide you through everything. We’re starting from the ground up so we have a chance to learn EVERYTHING. It’s pretty neat, I would’ve never imagined myself doing this. I’ve learned so much. I look forward to another day, because every day is different.
What do you think about our international team? We have team members from Poland, Finland, German and Italy working under one roof.
Na: They are very good guys and very smart. They teach us a lot. They know eventually they’re going to leave so they are trying to give us all the knowledge they can.
Ivan: They teach us how we can do a lot of different things. They are very helpful and clever.
What advise would you give to future employees?
Na: They should be very openminded, ready to work and learn daily as much as they can. Don’t think: “Ok, this what I’m here for, just this one job”. Be flexible, learn one job, then the next job, and then the next. The more you know, the more you put into the company. We try to catch-on as quickly as possible. This will be a great work as long as you ready to work and learn.