Developing a Career in Manufacturing: RickÂ’s Story with Kondex Corporation
Below article was published in Manufacturing Today WI. This publication is distributed to students ranging from middle school to college, and aims to introduce more students to careers in manufacturing. Kondex is featured on Page 10, with an advertisement on Page 11.
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Developing a Career in Manufacturing: Rick’s Story with Kondex Corporation
As Quality Assurance Manager at Kondex Corporation, Rick Pribnow is a stickler for getting things right. His drive for perfection applies not only to the products and processes he inspects, but also to his mentorship of helping others achieve their goals. With the current overabundant need for manufacturing talent in Wisconsin, those pursuing these careers are faced with a lot of choices. Pribnow offers his advice on getting started, developing a career, and what to look for in an employer.
You Don’t Need a Four-Year Degree to be Successful.
Kondex, and many manufacturers, offer tuition reimbursement and on-the-job training to help you succeed right out of high school or in conjunction with earning a degree. “I started working for Kondex part time the summer after I graduated high school, and continued working part time while studying Industrial Engineering,” stated Pribnow. “This time allowed me to understand and apply what I was learning in school to a real-world manufacturing environment, which proved a significant advantage once I’d obtained my degree. It wasn’t long before I was promoted to an operations shift leader.”
Keep an Open Mind.
Careers develop faster with experience, but when you’re first starting out that experience can be limited. Companies like Kondex that offer many different paths tend to see higher rates in career development. But candidates must remember to keep an open mind to varying roles and responsibilities. “Get your foot in the door, be willing to try new tasks, and develop your strengths,” Pribnow advises. “I started with Kondex in 2001 as a machine operator. I’ve worked all three shifts in numerous roles, and steadily progressed to my current managerial position. Kondex saw my initiative and work ethic, and worked with me to grow the experience needed to fulfill my goals.”
Look for an Employer That Values You.
Today’s manufacturing looks a lot different than that of past generations, and the best manufacturers have a culture that values associates. Going beyond strong benefits and compensation packages, Kondex has built its culture around its team. “Some of the things I really enjoy about working at Kondex are the continuous improvement efforts, investments in people and processes, and a management team that is approachable and looks out for you,” said Pribnow. “We’ve enjoyed bonuses in all but 1 of my 16-year tenure and I’ve never seen a mandatory layoff, despite some economic downturns. That’s very telling of a team-driven culture where top-level decisions take more than the bottom line into account.”
Kondex, a manufacturer of cutting and wear-resistant components, uses the latest technologies and manufacturing innovations to strengthen product performance and longevity. For original equipment manufacturers, this elevates market share; for end users, it extends the life of their machinery. With most of its products agriculturally based, these efforts support its mission of helping to feed and fuel the world. For additional information, please visit .