Tyler Hearrell

At Komatsu, there was a big difference in learning how a factory works, and being part of it was educational and fun.

My job was setting up the cap to be put on the frame of the machine. We get parts to build in a box to our liking, and build the machine with it. I use a crane to lift up the cab, bring it over to the frame, and pull out lines and hoses. After that, start building your part of the machine using clips and bolts of different types. I would put the lines in place, the wiring in its place, and keep it neat and to the book.

As part of that job, I learned other jobs on the line to help if someone needed or was out. We, as a team, kept the line clean or painted the floor.

Gestamp was a big factory that I played a small part in. Car parts would come in baskets to be cleaned. They would have sharp edges, very sharp. So, we use a die grinder to clean them so the next guy could put one in a safe manner. Keep our area clean and stack parts in place for the forklift and wait for more to clean. It was a small job, but it kept me busy and on my feet.

When I say cleaner, I mean cleaning metal for parts.

They have a laser machine that cuts big pieces of metal. We break them out with hammers, get them over to our stations, and begin using a die grinder to clean sharp edges, burrs, or jagged edges.

After, load up on pallets and keep paperwork with the load of parts. It was a repeat work, but a steady job. There's the usual clean up, sweeping, keep work area clean and safe, and put up tools.

Sometimes there was other jobs to do, fill in for others while gone.

I learned a lot at this job, and let me say, it was a good experience. The skills and knowledge I learned there were painting, drilling, cutting, and using cranes. I needed to make sure, first, was safety. It was heavy equipment. Boiler tubes had to be moved carefully and set down. Painting and wrapping, capping the ends, holes, and tagging them.

I learned what I called the water pressure test. It, when all tubes are capped, and water is put in, check for leaks or cracks. also cutting the edge or beveling to the customers request

Everyday, working the lumber aisles needed to be restacked, cleaned, and restocked with wood. Along with helping customers find the right size of wood for their project.

Cleaning the floors and picking up trash, keeping a clean workspace. My best experience was unloading the truck when needed or dropping wood down for a customer.

Sometimes, or daily, cutting plywood and learning measurements so I could have the exact cut for the customer.