Page 28 - Fall 2023 EDM Today

P. 28

EDM Today Magazine EDM Today Magazine EDM Today Magazine

Wire EDM Operator and Teammate – Glenn Payne

Julie went on to explain that the Hanson manufacturing team is also one of the major factors in their success. Han-
son does things a little differently when it comes to their people. They don’t consider them as employees, they con-
sider them teammates and treat them that way. While the industry as a whole is suffering from a shortage of skilled
labor, Hanson has no such problem. Within the community, Hanson is known as the place that you want to work.
Hanson has no shortage of applicants. Of course, not everyone has the skillset to become a precision toolmaker.
EDM Today Magazine
EDM Today Magazine learn, EDM Today Magazine
To ensure that there is a good ﬁ t, new employees spend the ﬁ rst six to nine months as general laborer where they
are exposed to a manufacturing environment. For those who demonstrate a good work ethic and willingness to
learn, they are transitioned into Hanson’s apprentice program. By the time they are transitioned into Hanson’s apprentice program. By the time
they ﬁ nish the apprentice program, they have developed their skills to the nish the apprentice program, they have developed their skills to the
they ﬁ
point where they can take their place alongside of their teammates and
point where they can take their place alongside of their teammates and
star
start a lifelong career as a precision tool maker. t a lifelong career as a precision tool maker.
Julie explained another reason Hanson has no pr
Julie explained another reason Hanson has no problem ﬁ nding talent is oblem ﬁ nding talent is
that they offer a great beneﬁ ts package. Recognizing that life happens,
that they offer a great beneﬁ ts package. Recognizing that life happens,
they offer perks such as overtime after eight hours, and will even make
they offer perks such as overtime after eight hours, and will even make
contributions to a teammate’s retirement program with or without a
contributions to a teammate’s retirement program with or without a
contribution directly from the teammate. By treating people right and
contribution directly from the teammate. By treating people right and
offering beneﬁ ts that are among the best in the industry, Hanson not only
offering beneﬁ ts that are among the best in the industry, Hanson not only
EDM Today Magazine
EDM Today Magazine EDM Today asked Julie where these management practices
EDM Today Magazine
attract the best talent, they retain those good people.
attract the best talent, they retain those good people.
EDM Today asked Julie where these management practices
originated. She revealed that they go all the way back to Merlin
originated. She revealed that they go all the way back to Merlin
Hanson, who founded the company in 1966. From the very early
Hanson, who founded the company in 1966. From the very early
days of the company, Merlin developed a culture where the Hanson team
days of the company, Merlin developed a culture where the Hanson team
were considered one family. For many years, Merlin guided the company
were considered one family. For many years, Merlin guided the company
and instilled the core values that are still in place today.
and instilled the core values that are still in place today.
Merlin was a larger-than-life ﬁ gure in the community. His business
Merlin was a larger-than-life ﬁ gure in the community. His business
ventures went well beyond Hanson International. He is regarded as a
ventures went well beyond Hanson International. He is regarded as a
successful CEO, entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman. But when
successful CEO, entrepreneur, philanthropist and businessman. But when
asked, he would always say, “I’m just a tool maker.” Merlin passed away
asked, he would always say, “I’m just a tool maker.” Merlin passed away
EDM Today Magazine EDM Today Magazine EDM Today, Fall 2023 Issue
EDM Today Magazine
in 2022, but he left behind a legacy that will continue into the future.
in 2022, but he left behind a legacy that will continue into the future.
Merlin Hanson | Founder
26

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33