Local auto manufacturer opens jobs, works to keep employees safe
HAMILTON, Ohio (WKRC) - A local automotive manufacturing company is going above and beyond to make sure their employees are safe as they work the frontlines.
Despite safety precautions, filling positions during this pandemic is a growing challenge. Bilstein is a business unit of Thyssenkrupp’s Automotive Technology business area, which produces high-tech components for the automotive industry and machinery sectors worldwide.
The company is headquartered in the City of Hamilton and serves as one of the city's largest employers. Fabian Schmahl, CEO of Bilstein of America, says they have about 50 positions to fill.
“I think it's mainly corona right now. It's really tough. It's a lot for everybody,” Schmahl said. “We always have, let's say, some open positions, but usually not as many as we have right now.
“I think one thing that may be a misperception: You can really have a safe job here. Again, we're focusing a lot on safety. Employees always come first,” Schmahl said.
Along with temperature checks, social distancing and sanitizing stations, the company 3D prints "COVID claws" which are used on high-touch surfaces.
“Our team constantly looks at what kind of innovation can we do to keep everybody safe and do it in-house?” Schmahl said.
They also have automated guided vehicles, which serve as a big help during this pandemic. It moves products throughout the plant without the assistance of an employee.
Extra efforts are driven by employee suggestions, and they’ll be the first to tell you they feel safe as they work on the factory floor.
“I've been here pre-COVID, and now during the COVID pandemic and with everything that we have in place, I feel very secure working here,” said Pat Boyle, a facilities maintenance technician. “It's an outstanding job, numerous opportunities. We have new machinery coming in every day. We stay very high-tech and excellent place to work.”
“It's a great place to work, and it's safe and it's a good place to get a job,” Teresa Durham, a team lead, said. “It's absolutely safe. I think that they've done everything they can, and we have a nurse here -- probably the best nurse. We love her...and she takes really good care of us and makes sure that everyone is safe.”
Despite COVID-19, Schmahl says their industry is booming and are looking to hire new people and grow.
If you’d like to apply for a job or learn more about Bilstein, click here.
