Edward Braunig, CMfgE
Chapter Chair
To the faithful and the appreciative …
It almost sounds like the beginning of a sermon. But at times I feel that those of us in the manufacturing profession preach to ourselves and one another . Everyone one that I speak with , whether it be in engineering , design or manufacturing , production , quality assurance / control , purchasing , etc. , we all lament how our work is underappreciated by the typical person. Many of us wonder what the "typical" person does for a living. I don't have the answer. But when given the chance I will be quick to point out to them the work , the craftsmanship , the simple beauty of many of the goods that we manufacture to a person that I meet. We all are in awe of the speed of jet fighters , the power of racing car , the complexity of space craft , the good that a medical device offers a patient , a creative pharmaceutical drug produced , but as simple as it may seem , a light switch or a water faucet, are all examples of manufactured parts and goods that require and encompass all the disciplines of engineering , material science , planning, , the actual production , packaging , the purchasing , the quality assurance and control , plant facilities , maintenance , transportation and logistics. What I like to call "elegant simplicity" , when everything works out perfectly. The form , fit and "feel". So when someone asks what profession are you in or what do you do , I think we can all take great pride in our involvement in manufacturing. Take a minute to educate people as to the significance of manufacturing to the quality of life and the importance to a vibrant economy. And personally , get involved in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers , it's a great place to meet people , learn about "real world" applications and network in the business world. Recently in the Star Ledger an article on the topic of networking mentioned that 55 % of job opportunities came about through networking. So get involved, be active , and take charge of your career. See you at the next meeting.
Edward Braunig ,
Chairman of SME Chapter 14 New Jersey
President of Superior Tool & Manufacturing Co.
WANTED ! Executive Board Officers and Members.
If you have skills and expertise in areas that are of importance in running a professional organization and have 2 to 3 hours per month, we could use your assistance in running SME Chapter 14. Please call me at (908) 203-0374 or see me at the next Chapter meeting.