Q:  Hi Ron! Could you please tell a bit about your story? What do you do at Kadant Johnson Europe?

A: At Kadant Johnson I am working with different types of computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Most of the time I am standing behind a lathe/milling machine Mazak I300. At Kadant Johnson we have two of these Mazak machines.

Q: How long have you worked for Kadant Johnson Europe?

A: I started at Kadant Johnson in January 2010 through an employment office. In August of 2010, I became a Kadant Johnson Europe employee.

Q: What was the first part you produced at a CNC machinist at Kadant Johnson Europe?

A: The first part I produced I believe it was a nipple. The nipple, a primary component of a rotary joint, is the main connection to the machine in which the rotary joint will be installed on. I was trained by a colleague. It felt good to finish the part without mistakes.

Q: What is the best part of your job?

A: My job is split in three parts:

• Making a program if required
• Setting up all the tools needed to get the job done
• Running the program and making the parts according to drawings and ISO regulations

All three are good to perform but the biggest satisfaction for me is to produce a product part from start to finish.

Q: What would you tell your future colleagues about Kadant Johnson’s culture?

A: Kadant Johnson’s culture is low-pressure: you have a lot of freedom but, at the same time, you also must take your responsibility and commit to the production planning.

Q: What does a CNC machine operator need to know to be successful in their work?

A: You need to know how to read drawings, looking for the best way to a machine part, and that does not always have to be the fastest way. You must have knowledge about different types of materials like cast iron, steel, stainless steel, brass, among others, because different materials require different speeds and feeds to a machine part. Besides that, you also must have knowledge about how to use measuring tools like a caliper or micrometer, because some parts have tolerance of 0.01mm (0.004"inch).

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

A: I like to watch soccer; Ajax Amsterdam is my favorite team. I also like spending time at the computer on social media, specifically Facebook and LinkedIn and going out for dinner at a good restaurant. Also spending time with my kids and grandkids, watching movies, going to concerts, and going for walks or bike rides are things I enjoy doing.

Q: What makes you proud?

A: I am proud of all the knowledge I have built up over the last 40+ years doing this work. I started working on a manual Lathe machine and worked my way up to where I am standing now. I am also proud of the way I see that my children have developed and became the people that they are today.