MAG Recognized as a “Best Place To Work”

Machine tool builder receives MANNY Award as one of Greater Cincinnati’s top workplaces.

MAG IAS (Hebron, KY), a global leader in manufacturing systems for metalworking, composites processing and renewable energy, was recently honored with a 2011 MANNY Award from Cincy Magazine, recognizing the company as a “Best Place to Work” in the Greater Cincinnati, OH area. Paul Texiera, the vice president and general manager of the company, accepted the award at the 5th Annual MANNY Awards dinner.

The MANNY Awards recognize Cincinnati-area companies for manufacturing industry accomplishments in five categories including Best Place to Work, New Product Development/Innovation, Biggest Breakthrough, Top Growth and New Job Creation. “Our commitment to cutting-edge manufacturing technology makes us a draw for potential employees, and we encourage our people to embrace the ‘art of the possible’ and think creatively,” said Texiera.

One of the unique aspects of working at this machine tool manufacturer is its “Creativity Days,” during which employees are given four hours off their regular duties each month to think of ways to improve the company. MANNY Award nominees are judged on achievement in systems/process innovation, e-business, supply-chain management, employee safety, global business, technology transfer and quality control. An independent panel representing various business sectors selects three winners in each award category.

The company was nominated by Gateway Community and Technical College (Park Hills, KY), the educational institution that helps train the company’s apprentices. The manufacturer takes a proactive approach to building its future workforce, partnering with Gateway to offer an apprenticeship program that provides on-the-job training and related classroom instruction to prepare students for a career in manufacturing.

The program includes three areas of study: Run-off Technician, Electrical Technician and Assembly Technician, and successful candidates are hired as full-time employees by the company and provided 100 percent company-paid tuition. “This is an excellent program for students who know they want to work in manufacturing,” said Bill Weier, the human resources manager for the company’s Hebron operations. “We provide specialized training and hands-on experience needed to start a career immediately upon graduation.” The apprenticeship program was featured earlier last year in an NBC Nightly News report with Tom Brokaw. www.mag-ias.com