Efficiency and balance are critical roles behind DeKALB Molded Plastics’ workflow. For two DeKALB employees, Jason Marker, an Electrical Technician, and Penni Lett, a Nozzle Technician, these initiatives inspired them to continue working and improving their skillsets in and out of the workplace. For both Jason and Penni, DeKALB has played a crucial role in growing their careers.
Penni, the lead female nozzle technician, builds nozzles and blocks for the presses to keep the machinery running efficiently. Her occupation is not as common for women; in order to get her to where she is today, DeKALB’s team of experts supported her with hands-on internal training to help improve her skills. The support she received from that training, as well as team camaraderie, made starting her career at DeKALB a no-brainer. DeKALB always advocates for employees to grow in their careers, as they did for Penni.
As an electrical technician, Jason programs robots to implement more automation for safer equipment. However, Jason’s career at DeKALB didn’t start like that: he began in another position for industrial maintenance. He knew he wanted to do more for the company, and with feedback from his team, Jason left but came back when DeKALB’s equipment had a higher need for robotic integration. This inspired him to apply for the new robotics position while also going back to school, giving him the experience he needed to advance further in his career. DeKALB helped him balance work, family, and school by offering flexible hours. Such personalization for job positions is crucial in the DeKALB organization, not only to progress their robotics integration programs but also to enhance a collaborative work environment.
The team at DeKALB dedicates itself to employees, always making sure they are thriving in all aspects of their lives. This is why outreach doesn’t stop in the workplace: DeKALB consistently gives back to programs like United Way as well as to the local police and fire departments. The community has always been an extension of the workplace, and it is an integral part of the team environment that DeKALB upholds.
Through internal training programs, support of higher education for employees, and community outreach efforts, DeKALB is proud to be the foundation that has helped so many hard workers continue to thrive, both in their careers and in their lives.
Want to hear more stories about the people who inspire DeKALB in the workplace? Read more here.