Kawasaki values hard work

MARYVILLE, Mo. — Continuing to improve and upgrade its local facility, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp. recently reinvested in two production areas and in turn the employees who work in them.

With the opening of the plant in Boonville, the local plant has been able to focus on increasing production in its machining and die casting areas.

In machining, which has several openings available, the plant has installed several more automated lines that not only help those managing them, but also make production smoother and quicker.

Jason Duncan, FX Aluminum team lead, moved one of the aluminum parts easily through the line, while the machine handled most of the cleaning and manipulating of the piece.

On staff for four years now, Duncan said he started working at Kawasaki because it offers a career, rather than just a job.

Upon arriving he knew nothing about motors, but said with training he began to understand how they worked and how what he was doing helped create the motors.

“I never thought about being a team leader in the beginning when I got here,” he said. “... Within three months they asked me to start team training.”

Machining Supervisor Chris Sowards started his career at Kawasaki on third shift and after 21 years is dedicated to leading his department. He said that 21 years ago it had been hard to find a job.

“So it feels as if I still owe ’em for giving me that opportunity,” he said.

But it’s more than that too. Sowards said he really enjoys being able to learn the different aspects of the many jobs available at the facility and how there is always something new to learn.

“There’s just unlimited opportunity for growth, opportunity to move up,” he said.

Sowards said during engine building class, employees learn all the parts of an engine so that they can assemble the entire motor and know which part you’re making and how it plays a pivotal role in the full motor.

“They’re actually showing you what it does so you can be proud of your product,” he said.

In die casting, Kawasaki has added three new production lines to help keep up with production needs.

For two years, Turner Maranville has worked in the department learning how to keep the machinery running and the molten aluminum flowing into dies to produce parts. But when he first arrived he knew nothing of the die casting.

“If you’re brand new to any of this, it’s OK,” he said. “You’re not gonna know all of it. They train you so you feel confident in what you’re doing day to day.”

He said that while die casting isn’t for everyone, he really enjoys it and would suggest working at Kawasaki because it has a lot of different job opportunities.

Die casting Supervisor Eric Hornbuckle has worked 24 years at the facility most of which has been in die casting.

“Every day’s a new challenge,” he said. “That’s what’s fun about it. Even though you know what you’re doing it’s still a new challenge every day.”

Hornbuckle said the three new lines will help them meet demand for machining and assembly, but also offer an opportunity to meet new teammates as they’re hired to fill open positions.

“I get to train, develop people on what I’ve learned over the last five years (as supervisor) and pass it on to them,” he said. “Like I said, it’s never the same thing over and over again. It’s always something new.”

Kawasaki has worked to create and break up shifts; both part-time and full-time, to better accommodate anyone looking to create a better future for themselves and their families. There aren’t just three shifts, there are also part-time shifts within those shifts to help employees find the work/life balance that fits them best.

The company also recently announced an increase in its shift differential, which is now set at $4.35 per hour.

To apply, call 660-582-5829 or find jobs online at kawasakicareers.com.