Credit: Industry Week | Jill Jusko
Employee Spotlight: Kalene Nelson
To celebrate Manufacturing Day 2023, Industry Week asked Hatch Stamping employee Kalene Nelson to tell us why she loves her vocation. Here is her story.
City/State of Residence: Mason, Mich.
Job Title: Northern Regional Materials Manager
Company: Hatch Stamping Co.
Years with Company: 12
Industry of Your Company: Automotive
Training / Education: Bachelor’s in Finance, Michigan State University
What made you decide to pursue a career in manufacturing?
When I graduated from Michigan State in 2009, the job market was very limited. I was applying anywhere and everywhere, just begging someone to take a chance on me. I applied at Hatch and the HR manager Judi Wooten must have seen something in me. She gave me that chance, and I have been in the automotive manufacturing world ever since.
What does your job entail?
As the Northern Regional materials manager, I am responsible for ensuring that our plants ship quality parts on time to our customers. THAT is the most important part of my job! In order to ensure we succeed, I use KPIs to help guide decisions by analyzing SCAR, aged, inventory valuation, and OTD, for example.
What is the most interesting part of your job? Your proudest moment?
From the beginning of my career with Hatch, I have been able to see the product launch from the pre-production stage and follow it through until SOP. I am passionate about improving processes, the flow of the parts and developing a plan for every part to ensure success. Automotive is a very fast paced industry. I must make quick decisions, critical shipments made, departments need to come together and work as a team to ENSURE we succeed. When that happens, those are my proud moments.
What do you love about manufacturing?
Manufacturing is always evolving and changing… It’s never the same thing. Technology and innovation are changing the automotive world, and it’s rewarding to be a part of.
What advice would you give to kids considering a job in manufacturing?
Explore what part of the manufacturing business interests YOU the most. There are so many different skills and people in this industry—and that is what makes it cool and fun!
What advice would you give to manufacturers to help increase kids’ interest in manufacturing as a career choice?
Manufacturing encompasses so much more than just “Building a Product.” There are SO many different roles and talents needed—there truly is something for everyone in this industry.
View the full article from Industry Week HERE.
