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MANUFACTURING SUCCESS WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY Start your career at a growing company that teaches the skills for success CHANDLER EQUIPMENT makes components and aftermarket accessories for trucks, trailers and off-road vehicles and is looking for team players to help grow its business. The company has been in Northwest Arkansas since the early 1980s and grew its business by producing industrial truck parts. “Now we’re focused on truck and off-road vehicle accessories, which include high quality tool boxes, aftermarket bumpers, entry steps, and roof racks that are sold under our different brands across the country,” CEO Chris Chandler says. The company designs and manufactures all its products at its Springdale headquarters. “Our engineers use computer-aided drafting software to design new products. The production team then cuts, forms, welds and assembles the steel parts before we send the finished products to customers nationwide,” Chandler says. As the company evolves, so does the technology it uses. “We’re becoming more automated,” Chandler explains. “We have 15 robots used for material handling and welding to improve our speed and capacity.” Chandler says automation changes how the team works and the skills they need. “We’ll need robotics engineers and programmers in the future as we move toward becoming more automated,” Chandler says. “Getting involved with your school’s robotics team can teach you a lot of the skills we need. Also, take classes that teach you skilled trades like welding. Any certification in welding or machine operation is helpful because it shows you’re willing to work and achieve something.“ Chandler says business classes can also be useful. “Having a general knowledge of business and economics can help you understand supply and demand and how the real world works. That’s beneficial in any job.” Starting pay for production positions at Chandler Equipment is at least $15 an hour with the potential to earn much more. “We evaluate our employees regularly and give pay raises based on merit, attendance and attitude. When positions become available, we like to promote from within when we can,” Chandler explains. When it comes to hiring new employees, having a good work ethic and positive attitude are the most important things. “We are different in that we place a lot of value on a good attitude and real world experience. For me, seeing that you have a drive to succeed is more important than seeing that you have a degree. We have 75 employees, and I’d say less than 10 of those have a college degree.” Chandler Equipment will help you learn the skills you need to build a career. “Everyone is on the same team, and we’ll teach you what you need to know to be successful at our company,” Chandler says. Team members have the opportunity to learn different jobs, so they can help out when needed. “You may be hired as a robotic operator, but that doesn’t mean that’s what you’ll do each day. We’ll move you around to different positions so you can learn many skills.” Chandler Equipment also needs people focused on customer service. “We’re old school,” Chandler explains. “Most of our business deals are done over the phone and in person. You need to communicate well so you can build a strong relationship with each customer. You also need to be able to follow directions and give feedback, so I’d recommend taking classes that help improve your social and communication skills.” Chandler Equipment is a family-oriented company and believes in taking care of its employees with 100 percent company paid health, vision and dental insurance, paid vacation time and a retirement savings plan. “We support each other because everything we do impacts everybody else in the company,” Chandler says. “We focus on giving back to our team.” You can learn more about Chandler Equipment’s brands and products by scanning the code. FAYETTEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | 13