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A local company could be your key to a successful career in the manufacturing industry.
“ Some people want to go to college,” said Chris Weiser, President and CEO of J. V. Manufacturing and Cram-A- Lot.“ Others have no desire to go. This company is a way for them to earn a decent wage.”
J. V. Manufacturing, started in 1978, makes Cram-A-Lot solid-waste and recycling balers.
The company has 220 employees with distribution and service throughout North America, but needs more welders and steel fabricators so it can keep growing.
The company purchases sheets of steel, cuts it for parts and welds the parts to form the balers.
“ We build the balers, deliver if necessary, install and service them,” Weiser said.“ We provide good customer service but we can’ t do that without good people.”
Good employees can move up in the company.
Shaun Swearingen became the Information Technology Manager after working for J. V. Manufacturing as a college intern. He became a full time employee and was promoted to head of IT.
“ If you show proficiency, you can land a good job,” Swearingen said.“ This company is family-oriented. I have a relationship with everyone I work with.”
Jeff Givens, Chief Operating Officer, also moved up the ladder after beginning his career with J. V. as a steel processing equipment operator.
“ I’ ve been with the company 30 years, Givens said.“ I’ m also a former student of Northwest Technical Institute and currently serve on the advisory board for their welding program.”
Givens climbed through the ranks at the company, earning a degree from John Brown University along the way.