WELDING AND TUBE BENDING ARE SPECIAL SKILLS THAT CAN TAKE YEARS TO MASTER, ACCORDING TO BRYAN LUTTRELL, PRESIDENT OF LAFARGE AND EGGE( L & E). The company operates a tube bending division in Everett, WA and a welding division( purchased in 2012) in Clackamas, OR.
In the aerospace industry, work can be tedious, and in specific roles, such as welding, Luttrell said the burnout rate can be high. In their business, they specialize in bending and welding high-pressure tool assemblies. He said it takes time to develop qualified welders who specialize in different metals and types of welding. Also, he mentioned that there are many traveling welders nowadays who go from business to business.“ In aerospace you need either production volume, or a lot of certifications.” But he said even when they’ ve had attrition with welders through movement to other companies, over time, many people have come back to them.
“ There is a battle of mental( health) too with welding. People don’ t want to sit in a weld mask their whole life, they want to do something else and grow into a new role. We mix up the work to keep them interested and keep them focused. If you help us, we’ ll grow you too.” They continue to invest in employees and promote from within.
The bending of metal tubes and welding involves the use of advanced techniques and materials to create components for critical aerospace systems. However, he views the ability to retain employees in his business as crucial through the team approach. He said, for example, when keeping welders
24 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS