News from the May 2024 issue

Okuma America recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace; Appointments, promotions, new hires

Okuma America recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE COMPANIES

As a builder of computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools, controls, and automation systems, Okuma America has been recognized nationally as a Top Workplace in 2024. The company received the Top Workplace USA designation by USA Today and Energage, a purpose-driven organization developing solutions to build and brand Top Workplaces.

The Top Workplace selections were made based on feedback from participating companies’ employees. In the Spring of 2023, Okuma members were offered an opportunity to complete an anonymous employee engagement survey which polled for feedback on various topics related to job satisfaction and company culture. Nearly 80% of Okuma’s employees completed the survey, which was well beyond the minimum rate of 35% participation to be considered for a Top Workplace award. Results were then compared to other participating companies and ranked accordingly, with the highest-scoring companies receiving Top Workplace designations.

In addition to the 2024 Top Workplace USA designation, Okuma America previously received several national and regional Top Workplace awards. These awards include: a Top Workplace award for the Charlotte, N.C. metropolitan region in 2022 and 2023; national recognition as a top employer in the manufacturing industry in 2023; and national cultural excellence awards for compensation and benefits, employee appreciation, and professional development in 2023. https://www.okuma.com

 

Appointments, promotions, new hires

Susan Brandt has been appointed president at Mastercam, leveraging her extensive experience to drive the company’s growth and reinforce its market leadership in advanced manufacturing solutions. Brandt brings more than 25 years of global business leadership and GTM strategy expertise within the B2B software/SaaS domain and infrastructure design and engineering software. https://www.mastercam.com

 

 

Scott Darner has joined MC Machinery as the regional sales representative in Florida for EDM and milling equipment. Darner began his career in manufacturing nearly 40 years ago as a journeyman mold maker. He worked in applications and service for about 18 years before moving into customer service and sales for the past four years. Darner is based in Bradenton, Florida. https://www.mcmachinery.com

 

 

Andrew Epstein has been appointed vice president of human resources (HR) at Star Cutter Co. Epstein will oversee all HR functions for the Star Cutter family of companies, guiding HR resources across global locations and analyzing HR strategies. As a member of the executive leadership team, he reports to CFO Becky Grech. Epstein’s previous employers include Metaldyne, The Flint Group, and AJM Packaging. Most recently, he was the director of HR for Real Truck in Ann Arbor, Michigan, supporting more than 3,000 employees across multiple locations. https://www.starcutter.com

 

Hydromat Inc. expanded its sales team with the appointment of two new regional sales managers.

Ben Riley assumes the role of regional sales manager overseeing the mid-Atlantic, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. With more than 17 years of sales experience, Riley brings expertise in customer relationship building and a passion for providing solutions.

 

 

Joe Hajek, a recent addition to the Hydromat team, assumes the role of regional sales manager for the Southern region, including Texas, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Hajek brings 27 years of sales experience and a recent passion for the manufacturing industry. https://www.hydromat.com

 

May 2024
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