Manufacturing Success
Employee Journeys of Growth and Leadership
At the heart of the manufacturing facility at INFICON Syracuse are stories of people that show perseverance as they achieve growth and achievement in their careers. The following story highlights employees who have chosen careers in manufacturing and have succeeded in growing and developing into roles that continue to motivate and challenge them. From the assembly line to leadership roles, our production workers embody the growth mindset that helps INFICON succeed, and we applaud their journeys as they achieve their goals.
A Journey of Dedication and Proficiency
Ryan Richards began his INFICON career in 2021, as a technician working on residual gas analysis (RGA) products. His time in RGA production was a foundational period that offered him insights into the fundamental principles of mass spectrometry and the intricacies of the production line. His time as a technician was a discovery period for his skills that concentrated on diagnosing the sensor rather than multiple components. This experience also taught him the skills needed to scale production volumes without compromising on meticulous attention to detail.
Now, as a Manufacturing Supervisor, Ryan continues to build upon this foundation. His promotion recognizes his dedication and proficiency, earned through three years on the weekend shift, with the last two years spent as Team Captain. “I am a hands-on supervisor; I do not ask my team to do something that I would not go do myself.” His approach emphasizes continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring operational efficiency even during quieter periods. “I worked hard to get to where I am at and serve this role, and I want to show my team that I am still going to continue to put in the work on the floor; I am a firm believer in leading by example.”
Personal Growth Through Knowledge and Passion
John Albanese has a wealth of experience and expertise in mass spectrometers and semi sensor technologies. Since 2010, he has held various positions at INFICON, such as Senior Test Specialist, Lead Process Engineer and Manufacturing Engineer. His deep technical knowledge and passion for electrical engineering and manufacturing helped him develop through these roles into Manufacturing Supervisor.
John's blend of mechanical and electrical skills has been essential to his career growth. John says the product line transfer from a European location to INFICON Syracuse was pivotal to his career. This project broadened his technical capabilities and set him on the path to success in leadership and management.
For John, INFICON is set apart from other companies because of its commitment to promoting from within and fostering a supportive work culture. His approach to leadership and teamwork is empowerment and not to micromanage. "For your team to grow, you must let them make decisions as individuals and as a team. We always gain valuable lessons from our decisions, regardless of the outcome. I set the expectations and then support them by clearing any roadblocks that may impede us. It is one of the most gratifying feelings when your team can achieve more than they thought possible!"
A Testament of Leadership and Determination
Layne Bolton began his manufacturing journey as a mechanical technology student at the local community college. In 2018, before completing his degree, Layne began working at INFICON as an assembler and gradually progressed to a mechanical technician position. Layne was eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible and took every opportunity to work in the clean rooms.
Once he was promoted to Team Captain, Layne fostered a culture of equality and teamwork, ensuring every team member felt valued and respected. He emphasizes the importance of patience, organization and goal setting for those aspiring to succeed in manufacturing. As a result, Layne was recently promoted to Supervisor in Energy and Security and Thin Film Value Streams.
Layne admires the supportive culture that INFICON fosters. “INFICON made it easy for me to grow my roots. I have never felt intimidated because we have the flexibility to ask questions, learn new things, and progress within our careers.” Layne's vision for the future reflects his ambition and dedication to drive positive change within the company, mainly through his strategic hiring decisions, which include hiring "the right people, for the right places, at the right times."
The journeys of Ryan, John and Layne exemplify the opportunities for growth and advancement that are possible when choosing a career in manufacturing. These employees remind us that success is possible through resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to excellence. From starting as entry-level technicians to assuming more advanced technical roles and reaching leadership positions, their progression underscores the company's commitment to nurturing talent where talent thrives.
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Our talented team is focused on bringing innovative products to a variety of high-tech markets and applications. Visit our careers page to learn more.
