NRTC Honors Our Women Employees

For Women’s History Month, NRTC is featuring Tosha Hornbuckle and Erica Hooks, two highly valued women employees in our warehouse. 

March marks Women’s History Month, giving us the opportunity to appreciate the struggles, hardships, and triumphs women have experienced to get to where they are today.  

Women have been advocating for themselves for centuries. With every legislative act and cultural challenge, women continue to break through the glass ceilings that have oppressed them. And although they have made great strides, there are still areas where women are underrepresented, such as in manufacturing.  

NRTC Automation offers several solutions to these challenges below. We also feature several of our own women employees to inspire future generations of women to join the manufacturing industry. 

Women’s History Month 

Honoring women’s journey to independence 

In the last few centuries, there have been amazing leaps of progress in the journey to equality and independence.  

From the suffragettes in the 19th and 20th centuries to the women's liberation movement in the 1960s and ‘70s to the #MeToo movement today, women are making great strides to achieve the equality they deserve. 

There is still much work left to be done, however. 

The challenge to encourage women in manufacturing 

There is a clear difference in the ratio of women to men in the manufacturing workforce. Women make up less than one-third of the manufacturing industry in the United States, whereas half of Bachelor's degrees come from women. 

How do we get women to join the manufacturing workforce? Could this be the way to decrease the two million unfulfilled jobs caused by a skills gap in the industry? 

Methods to encourage women to apply to manufacturing jobs include: 

• increasing visibility of women on manufacturing teams, such as quality team leads and operators 

• ensuring that women have work/life balance and programs to support their careers, such as maternity leave and continuing education 

• minimizing the gender pay gap to provide women with the pay they deserve for the skills they bring to the table 

• providing ways for women to report sexual harassment in the workplace, and taking them seriously when they do report it 

Manufacturers benefit when they hire women by gaining increasingly diverse perspectives, particularly for decision-making and problem-solving. Also, attracting and hiring women manufacturing workers will help decrease the skills gap that is currently plaguing the industry. 

Looking toward the next generation of young women is key to bringing more women into the manufacturing workforce. Hosting events like plant tours and mentoring women through internships are both great ways to encourage women to join manufacturing facilities.  

Also, nurturing girls' skills in STEM and encouraging them to express their interests in STEM in grade school and high school will set up the manufacturing industry for success. 

Women who work for NRTC 

In honor of Women’s History Month, NRTC Automation is featuring the wonderful women who work in our warehouse. 

TOSHA HORNBUCKLE, QUALITY TEAM LEAD 

Tosha Hornbuckle is the Quality Team Lead at NRTC Automation. She has been in the automotive industry for 10 years, starting as an operator in the assembly process. She later specialized in Class A Surface Inspections and metal finishing liaising for Mercedes and Kamtek. Tosha has also worked as a Quality Supervisor for a stamping company. 

At NRTC, Tosha is focused on assuring that we produce quality parts in a safe work environment. She is the person to turn to when quality issues arise in the assembly process, and she also assists the management team with ideas to become more efficient in daily operations. 

We asked Tosha what challenges she has experienced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She says, “It can be a very competitive environment. You must be assertive and consistent and stay sharp. Make your skills and abilities count!” 

Outside of NRTC, Tosha is a supremely accomplished woman with diverse interests.  

• Tosha loves to sing (and is quite good at it, too!). 

• She describes herself as a devoted wife and mother.  

• She is a certified life coach and wellness coach, as well as an author of the book, Finesse Your Fine: Transforming Your Life Heart, Mind & Body.

• Not only that, but Tosha also runs a podcast with her husband called Heart 2 Heart, touching on relationships and life purpose. 

Tosha’s favorite thing about working with NRTC is being able to bring her ideas to the table and helping our customers grow their business: “I enjoy being a part of cultivating a work environment that will set the company up for success.” 

Ultimately, Tosha’s drive for success and helping others achieve their goals, both personally and professionally, make her a great fit at NRTC Automation. 

ERICA HOOKS, SHIPPING COORDINATOR  

Erica Hooks works in shipping for our Service Parts department, providing our customers with the parts they need, when they need them.  

She worked in healthcare for 15 years before starting her first warehouse job at Auto Car as a material handler. After proving herself with hard work, self-education, and determination, she was promoted to shipping coordinator. Despite her promotion, Erica struggled to be respected by her male coworkers. She had to do heavy labor late into her pregnancy, and, unable to get the help she needed from her team, she ended up having an early labor. Thankfully, her 1-year-old son is now a healthy 28-pound baby. 

Erica has a very different experience working at NRTC. She says that she has the “best supervisor” and couldn’t ask for a better person to lead her team. Her other team leads and managers make her feel like her work is appreciated, and she feels like she’s “finally a part of a team.” 

Every day at NRTC Automation, Erica communicates with drivers, from UPS to FedEx to truck drivers, to make sure all incoming and outgoing packages are accounted for. She communicates with the team and stays on top of NRTC’s goals with a daily morning meeting to go over work objectives. 

According to Erica, working in a male-dominated field can be intimidating. She says, “I feel like I have to work extra hard just to prove I belong. I have to stand firm on whatever I believe in.” This perspective is common for many women in any male-dominated field. Even though she loves the atmosphere at NRTC—it is a very family-oriented environment, she says—being a woman in a mostly-male environment has its challenges. 

What are some fun facts about Erica? 

• She is a die-hard Alabama fan. In her own words, “ROLL TIDE!” 

• Erica is a proud sports mom of two teenage boys and one pre-teen boy. Her sons play basketball, football, and baseball, and she loves being able to watch and support their interests. 

• She has a strong relationship with her loving husband who helps her weather any phase of life. She says, “He’s my calming spirit to any storm I face; he always lets me know we got this.” 

Overall, Erica is an enthusiastic and down-to-earth mother, wife, and NRTC team member, giving her best in every area of her life. 

NRTC appreciates the diligent women on our team 

The women who work for NRTC are valued members of the warehouse, offering their insights, experience, and expertise to help us provide the best service possible.  

With Tosha and Erica, as well as all our employees at NRTC, we give our customers the service that we’ve been recognized for by partners like Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, and more. Join us to meet your production goals by scheduling a free consultation today. 

VISIT NRTC AUTOMATION TODAY 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Visit our website today to learn more about our comprehensive decommissioning and automation services. 

3 Reasons to Provide Your Own Production Support

“Engaging the hearts, minds, and hands of talent is the most sustainable source of competitive advantage.” -George Harris, President and CEO of Quantum Workplace 

It’s no secret that a strong workforce will compound a company’s success. 

While automation is important to enable growth in today’s manufacturing lines, establishing a connected and engaged staff is necessary to support that growth. 

NRTC Automation preaches the value of having both in manufacturing businesses of any industry. Learn more about how to build a strong production team and its benefits below. 

Building a Thriving Team in Manufacturing 

Importance of strong and connected employees 

Having a staff that is connected and can communicate effectively is the cornerstone of a successful business.  

No matter how well-built your automated production line is, if your employees are unable to support each other throughout the entire supply chain, then your company will crumble. 

A study shows that in companies across America, over 70% of workers feel disconnected from their jobs. This rings true for manufacturing workers as well who feel disengaged from their jobs daily. 

Not only is this dangerous for your company’s success, but it is also dangerous for your employees’ safety and well-being. 

That’s why taking measures to build up your staff and encourage better communication is vital for both your business and each individual working for your company. 

How to build a strong production team 

If you want to build a strong production team, practice these tips: 

• Provide cross-training: Give your employees the power to make decisions and take action across the supply chain by training them outside of their daily tasks. Cross-training will deepen your workers’ understanding of the entire production process and enable them to assist others in different roles if needed. 

• Encourage social connection: Hold after-work events that encourage your employees to connect with each other. Also, hold trainings that show employees how to foster friendships with their co-workers with skills such as active listening. 

• Establish real-time modes of communication: While face-to-face meetings are preferred, sometimes that isn’t available in a busy manufacturing company. If employees need help or have a question, make it easy for them to reach out to their team member, supervisor, or manager with employee communication apps that support mobile messaging. 

• Get feedback on how to improve: Your employees are in the thick of the production process. Use their valuable insight to improve their daily experience. 

• Hold regular meetings to keep employees updated: It’s easy to feel disconnected in a company when you don’t feel involved. To keep employees engaged, hold regular meetings to be as transparent as possible with the company’s growth and latest projects. This will provide inspiration for your staff to work toward a unified goal. 

• Make sure your employees know their value in your company: By showing your employees how important they are to the success of your business, they will feel like an integral part of the company. Recognize employees publicly who have excelled and provide support for those who are struggling. 

Taking the time to understand your staff’s needs and honor their efforts will develop the foundation your company needs to grow. 

NRTC Automation can help you craft a connected and engaged staff. Learn more about our Engineering Services and Robotic Training Services in the “How to Do It” section below. 

3 reasons to provide your own production support 

Now that you know why having a strong staff is important, we’ll show the three reasons why providing your own production support, as opposed to outsourcing, will benefit your company. 

IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY 

Having a full team to support the production process under your own roof will improve productivity.  

For example, there will be less downtime when a machine fails since your in-house technician will be immediately available to repair it within the workday. 

You don’t have to send the equipment to outside help, which could potentially take days or even weeks to return. 

MORE SATISFIED EMPLOYEES 

When your employees can complete tasks on their own, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for them, they will feel empowered and capable in their role. 

Also, a production support team knows that they are needed to keep the manufacturing process running, so they also don’t feel that their jobs are threatened. They are an integral part of your business and have job security that offers peace of mind. 

Finally, your employees develop stronger connections with each other because their daily tasks are interwoven to support the company. Studies have shown the having strong social connections in the workplace boost employee satisfaction. 

COST-EFFICIENT 

Finally, having your own production support will save you money in the long run. 

While onboarding, training, and employing people is an expense, consider it an upfront investment. The cost savings include: 

• Having your own in-house technical support rather than hiring out for each event 

• Decreased downtime, which can save up to $22,000 per minute 

• Improved employee ability to train each other, reducing costs due to longer training times 

• Reduced employee turnover 

It is well worth the investment to hire your team and upskill as necessary rather than paying to outsource your work to others. 

How to do it 

If you want to start hiring but don’t know where to start, then consider working with NRTC Automation’s Engineering Services. 

We have the resources to find, interview, and hire the right individuals with the background and experience your company needs to thrive. 

Plus, you can train your employees for a more diverse staff by using our Robotic Training Services. NRTC Automation will develop a personalized training program for your company’s specific needs so your staff can perform the work you need in-house. 

NRTC Automation’s comprehensive automation services ensure that your production line will boost your company’s growth beyond the equipment output. Learn more about our services by contacting NRTC Automation for a free consultation. 

FIND THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR YOUR COMPANY WITH NRTC AUTOMATION. 

NRTC Automation is a trusted partner providing comprehensive industrial automation and manufacturing services. After delivering our services to top automobile manufacturers across the world for more than a decade, NRTC Automation is the destination for tear out services and robotic solutions. 

Visit us today at www.nrtcautomation.com. 

4 Tips to Hire a Manufacturing Professional

The market for manufacturing professionals is waning, but you can still recruit quality employees for your business by changing your strategy. 

Setting and forgetting a job application online to attract candidates doesn’t work the way it used to. There is a flooded job market, and yet manufacturing professionals are becoming sparser. 

With NRTC Automation’s Engineering Services, you can get quality technicians and other employees for your business. We also offer a few tips on how to recruit applicants on your own. 

Learn more about hiring manufacturing professionals below! 

Hiring Manufacturing Professionals for Your Business 

Hiring employees in manufacturing is becoming more difficult. 

Not only are there fewer people looking for jobs in manufacturing, particularly people with robotics degrees, but there are even fewer people who are qualified for the jobs they are applying for. 

This can be problematic for companies looking to hire manufacturing professionals to run and lead their businesses. A lack of workers means manufacturing businesses can’t grow to the extent that they may be able to otherwise. 

NRTC Automation’s Robotic Engineering Services 

A shortage of manufacturing workers doesn’t mean you have to suffer, though. You can find companies, like NRTC Automation’s Robotic Engineering Services, to recruit employees for you. NRTC uses specialized databases and applications to find qualified and dependable technicians and other professionals for your business. 

If you want to recruit manufacturing professionals yourself, then consider our tips for recruiting and what to look for in applicants below. 

How to Recruit Manufacturing Professionals 

Use these tips to hire manufacturing professionals and make it easier to recruit the qualified people you need for your company. 

1. Build your pipeline by offering training to young workers. Hiring younger people, and giving them industry training, is worth the frontload investment. By training new graduates and other young people, you can keep employees long-term that will be able to train new employees hired after them. 

2. Use social media to recruit professionals. While it may not seem like it at first glance, social media is an excellent way to attract potential employees. Most people are on social media and use their phones daily to scroll and find new content. You can post your hiring advertisement on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and any other platform you use. With social media, you can broaden your audience and engage the right people for your company. 

3. Expand your pool. Until recently, the majority of people working in manufacturing have been men. However, in recent years, women have been encouraged to apply themselves to STEM jobs like industrial automation and manufacturing. Seek out women in the field, as well as other minorities such as veterans and people of color, to expand your hiring pool and get qualified professionals into your company. 

4. Share your employees’ stories. To make your company more appealing to applicants, try crafting a story out of your employees’ experiences. You can show your company culture while displaying the day-to-day activities of an employee in your business. Storytelling humanizes the job application and makes it more enticing to your audience. 

The hiring process requires more creativity now more than ever due to increasing competition between companies. The tips above will allow your company to eclipse other applications and get the qualified professionals you need to succeed. 

What to Look for When Hiring a Manufacturing Professional 

When looking through applications and interviewing, you should consider what qualities your ideal candidate should have. 

Along with technical skills, we suggest that your candidate has all these attributes to benefit your company: 

• Timeliness: Being punctual is necessary in manufacturing. The ideal candidate will be committed to timeliness to ensure that your production line is working as it should at all times.  

• Attention to detail: Working on products and with machines requires attention to detail to complete the task properly. Overlooking tasks or forgetting a necessary step in the process is not only dangerous, but it compromises the quality of your product. That’s why your candidate should be detail-oriented. 

• A penchant for safety: As mentioned above, overlooking tasks can be dangerous. Your manufacturing team relies on each individual to practice safety precautions so the work can be done properly and without accidents. When interviewing your candidate, see how they feel about safety standards and ask how they have upheld them in the past. 

• Experience: Look for candidates who not only have experience in the job you are interviewing for, but try to get applicants who have broader experience in similar fields. You can utilize a well-rounded employee in more than one area of your business. 

• Soft skills: Last but not least, you should always look for candidates who have soft skills on top of the other attributes we mentioned. Soft skills are the key to communication between teams, good leadership, and better customer relations. Observe how your candidate interacts with you during the interview and ask several situational questions to see how they may react. 

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of traits your candidate should have, these are the major qualities your candidate should have to bring the most value to your company. 

GET HELP WITH HIRING WITH NRTC AUTOMATION. 

NRTC Automation can help you find skillful and experienced technicians for your manufacturing company with our Robotic Engineering Services. We’ll do the recruiting work for you and find the best candidate to fit your needs. 

We also offer automation services like industrial robot refurbishing, robotic training, and service parts manufacturing so you can build your manufacturing company. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to learn more about how we can transform your business.