In Focus Archives - Taber Extrusions

7 02, 2023

In Focus Spotlight: Meet Aundrea Clayton

maria2023-02-07T23:10:57+00:00February 7th, 2023|

Name and Formal title at Taber

Aundrea Clayton, Talent Acquisition & Retention Specialist

What are your job duties & responsibilities?

Attract, recruit and guide candidates through the selection process; work with managers and supervisors to continuously improve the overall employee experience to drive retention and support turnover/stability goals. This gives the opportunity to really get to know our employees.

Where did you work prior to Taber; same industry or something totally different?

I have worked in the workforce development field for more than a decade. I am a certified Career Development Facilitator and I partnered with Taber for years in my previous position to provide staffing solutions.

What do you hope to bring to Taber in terms of leadership and company culture through your role?

In my position I am able to really get to know our employees and provide support. I am the first member of Team Taber that new employees speak and meet with, and I work diligently to ensure our employees feel valued and respected. All of us at Taber work to embody our core values of stewardship, ownership, integrity, and respect. My hope is that employees see me as someone who cares about them and about the success of Taber.

Taber Extrusions' In Focus Spotlight Aundrea Clayton in side-by-side images: with another female in red football t-shirts and blue jeans on left, in a boat holding a fish on the right

Side-by-side image of Taber Extrusions' In Focus Spotlight Aundrea Clayton with husband on the left and with daughters on the right.

When you’re not at work, what would we find you doing?

When I’m not at work, you would find me spending time with my family. We enjoy the outdoors and just spending time hanging out. During college football season you would find us watching the Hogs play…WPS! I also help coach my grandchildren’s sports teams.

Hometown?

I was born and raised here in Pope County. I am a graduate of Dover High School and Arkansas Tech University.

Family? Children?

Family is my priority! My parents are a big part of my life, my husband was one of my best friends growing up and still is today. We have 2 grown daughters; Madison and Delaney and 4 of the most amazing grandchildren; Blakeleigh, Aubree, Phoebe and Treat.

Collage with Taber Extrusions' In Focus Spotlight Aundrea Clayton: top image with extended family, four images below with Aundrea and children.

Favorite part about working for Taber so far?

My favorite part about working at Taber is definitely the people! This is the part of my job that is so much fun, I am able to get to know our employees. We have some of the hardest working individuals in the Arkansas River Valley. I am proud to have the opportunity to work with this team.

What sets Taber apart from other companies that deliver the exact same things?

We are constantly working towards improvement. In my role, I am able to recruit not only hardworking, skilled candidates but also those who have a positive attitude and embody our core values.

Taber is growing rapidly. Any advice for those looking to join the Taber team?

I would say, get to know Taber! At Taber you have a voice that will be heard by leadership. If you are hardworking and want to be a part of a great team, take a look at what we have to offer!

What do you think the future holds for Taber?

I see a strong future for Taber which includes growth and continuous improvement.

More About Taber Extrusions:

Founded in 1973, Taber Extrusions originally pioneered a process for extruding rectangular billet which enables the company to extrude solid profiles up to 31 inches wide or hollows up to 29 inches. Taber expanded with the purchase of an extrusion facility in Gulfport, MS, in 1995 which houses a new state-of-the-art cast house and two additional presses, microextrusion capabilities, and the fabrication area has been expanded multiple times.

Taber continues to extrude billet in a wide range of alloys and sizes and has diversified its markets beyond military since its inception to include aerospace, automotive, marine, infrastructure, and sporting goods, among many others. For these markets, the company supplies cast and extruded products in a variety of soft and hard alloys.

Today, Taber Extrusions has completed the addition of in-house friction stir welding capabilities, and carries on their offering of extruded aluminum components, value-added machining services, and raw material supply to the North American market – making them a vertically integrated supplier of FSW panels and assemblies never before seen in North America.

Follow Taber Extrusions

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberrecruitment

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

Learn about other team members of Taber Extrusions through our In Focus Spotlight.

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber Team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com.

Become a customer today! Visit us or request a quote: https://taberextrusions.com or call us at (888) 985-5319.

12 07, 2022

Meet Kie Kie Carter

maria2022-07-12T20:39:01+00:00July 12th, 2022|

Formal title at Taber

Sales & Marketing/ Customer Service Representative

Job duties & responsibilities

My responsibilities are to review the requests for quotes on product(s), to make certain that here at Taber we comprehend and meet our customer needs. Following the initial review, I prepare a quote based on the customers inquiry.

Where did you work prior to Taber; same industry or something totally different?

Prior to working at Taber, I was working with the State with the Mississippi Department of Human Services. The working space environment was similar, but this was totally different from what I do here at Taber. My primary responsibility with MDHS was to provide available resources and services for Mississippians that could sustain families.

When you’re not at work, what would we find you doing?

When I’m not at work, I am spending time with my children. I have (2), a daughter (17) and a son (8). I love to fish for catfish. I love to workout, or go for bike rides. My son keeps me active. My daughter is a movie buff, so when it’s time to wind down, you can find us on the couch binge watching movies, or shopping.

Hometown?

I was born and raised in Saginaw, Mi. I joined the U.S Navy immediately after high school, where my MOS was a cook. I have been stationed in Sigonella, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, and few shore duties. I am not a fan of the snow or the cold, which is why Mississippi has been home for almost 20 years now.

Favorite part about working for Taber so far?

What I enjoy best from working here at Taber, is that no one is a stranger. Everyone that you meet becomes friend, and that friend becomes family.

In my opinion, that is what the backbone of an organization builds on, people that you can trust and depend on to get the job done.

What sets Taber apart from other companies that deliver the exact same things?

Our outstanding teamwork, our customer service, and our ability to provide our customers with exactly what they are looking for.

Taber is growing rapidly. Any advice for those looking to join the Taber team?

For those looking to join the team I would say, come ready and with an open mind to experience the dynamic of what teamwork stands for. When we work together is when we can be effective and efficient to the best of our ability. Every member, department must be able to count on one another in order to get the job done safely and correctly.

More About Taber Extrusions:

Follow Taber Extrusions

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/8843183/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/taberextrusions/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/taberextrusions

Interested in becoming a part of the Taber Team? Submit your resume to careers@taberextrusions.com.

Become a customer today! Visit us or request a quote: https://taberextrusions.com or call us at (888) 985-5319.

9 10, 2018

IN FOCUS: Mike Keenan

Kelly Smith2018-10-09T00:57:52+00:00October 9th, 2018|

Your formal title at Taber

Plant Manager

Your job duties & responsibilities

Presently responsible for all manufacturing activities for the Taber Gulfport location.

How long have you been at Taber?

May 8, 2018 made 40 years. I started in Extrusion as a helper. After a couple of years was lucky enough to be selected for a Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship program; learning to build extrusion dies. After 8 years I moved back to Extrusion as a Shift Supervisor; then to Fabrication, later Production Control/Shipping and finally into Operations Management.

Where did you work prior to Taber; was it in the same industry or something totally different?

I came to the Gulfport plant for a summer job after finishing JR College and never left. Prior to that I was a Short Order Cook thru high school and college. This is basically the only place I have worked as an adult.

When you’re not at work, what would we find you doing?

In my off time I enjoy fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and spending time with our local grandchildren. When there is time for travel my favorite destination is anywhere in the Caribbean. As well as the Smoky Mountains.

Hometown?

I grew up and have lived most of my life in Long Beach, MS. I have never lived anywhere off the Mississippi Coast.

Family, children?

My Wife Sharon and I celebrated our 30^th wedding anniversary in June of this year. We have 6 children who are all grown. 2 are mine, 2 are hers, and 2 we informally adopted after we decided not have children of our own. We have 6 grandchildren and are expecting the arrival of 2 more around the end of this year.

What would “your perfect day” consist of?

Wade fishing for Speckled Trout around the barrier islands off the Mississippi coast with my son’s. Then having a fish fry if we returned with a good catch.

What’s your favorite part about working for Taber so far?

The Gulfport plant has a very diverse customer base. It is something different just about every day. Also working with my co-workers. Many who have been at Taber for many years. Seeing products develop from a customer drawing to a finished product for our customers is very rewarding.

What sets Taber apart from other companies that deliver the exact same things?

Taber is different than most extruders. Between the two plants we have very broad capabilities. WE manufacture products that other extruders would not even consider. The upgrade to the Cast House is also a huge advantage. We are fully captive and self-supporting from a raw material perspective.

We will always be impacted by the worldwide aluminum market. However; when you consider the recent “billet shortage” we were able to keep our plants supplied with billet where some other companies in our industry have really struggled to keep their raw material supply chain full without business interruptions.

What do you hope to bring to Taber in terms of leadership and company culture?

I have always tried to lead by example. I am hands on and want to be involved and help our management team be successful. We are all linked together and each member of management has a very important role leading to the success and longevity of Taber. I always want to be available to help fill in the gaps where needed.

If you weren’t working for Taber, what job would you probably have?

More than likely working for or owning a machine shop. Both My Father and Grand Father worked at the Gulfport Plant. My Father a Tool and Die Maker and My Grandfather a Machinist. Earlier in my working career I was a Tool and Die Maker at the plant; building extrusion dies. It is something I really enjoyed; building something from a piece of steel and seeing how the finished product performed. When I retire perhaps I can take that back up as a hobby?

What do you think the future holds for Taber?

The future of Taber looks very bright. With the support of National Material WE continue to position ourselves with capabilities that separate Taber from a lot of our competitors. Modern Billet Casting, Micro Extrusion, Fabrication Capabilities, a Broad range of alloy offers and press container sizes. All of this enables us to change and evolve with the everchanging worldwide aluminum market.

29 01, 2018

IN FOCUS: Jason Weber

marshall2018-01-29T17:21:06+00:00January 29th, 2018|

Your formal title at Taber

VP Sales and Marketing

Your job duties & responsibilities

Sales and Marketing. I’m excited to build upon the incredible industry reputation of Taber as we forge onward.

How long have you been at Taber?

My first day with Taber was December 4th, so I am just over two months of service.

Where did you work prior to Taber; was it in the same industry or something totally different?

The summer before my senior year of college I worked 12 hour shifts on a large press for the aluminum extruder Alumax in Yankton, South Dakota. My fascination with the aluminum industry quickly grew into a passion for this industry, and I returned to Alumax after graduation as a sales trainee. 22 years and multiple acquisitions later I found myself a Director at the company now known as Hydro Extrusions, and I was ready for a new challenge.

When you’re not at work, what would we find you doing?

I started running in 2012 and now try to fit in one or two 1/2 marathons each year. Both of our boys love baseball, so during baseball season you will typically catch us at the ball fields.

Hometown?

I come from a long line of Webers around Lesterville, South Dakota. It’s a small town of about 150 people in the southeast part of South Dakota that actually feels more like a big family than a municipality. Everyone gathers together on Sunday nights in the summer to watch town team baseball.

Family, children?

I met my wife Joni when we were in 5th grade and after many years of friendship and courtship we tied the knot in 1993. We have two boys – Chris (18) a freshman at University of Kansas, and Max (13) a 7th grader at Monticello Trails Middle School in Shawnee, Kansas. We also have two precocious and very devoted Cavaliers, Oscar and Oliver.

What would “your perfect day” consist of?

My wife and I love to travel and explore, so any day exploring somewhere new with her is a perfect day.

What’s your favorite part about working for Taber so far?

I have an appreciation for any company that hasn’t forgotten its roots. As I have gotten to know the great people that make this company run I can see why that is.

What sets Taber apart from other companies that deliver the exact same things?

Quality. Taber’s ability to deliver complex specification in a efficient and timely manner.

What do you hope to bring to Taber in terms of leadership and company culture?

I want to support the Taber team as we continue delivering quality products to our current customers while expanding into new markets. Always doing the right things for the right reasons, while hopefully not taking myself too seriously ;-)

If you weren’t working for Taber, what job would you probably have?

Well I do love to travel, so I would probably have become an airline pilot.

What do you think the future holds for Taber?

The sky (or maybe space) is the limit for Taber. This company has truly unique capabilities within the aluminum extrusion industry, which was why I was so excited to join. It is my professional opinion our future success will only be limited by our imaginations in determining how to deliver on our customers needs.

6 10, 2017

IN FOCUS: Leslie Christy

marshall2017-11-09T21:20:37+00:00October 6th, 2017|

Taber Employee Spotlight – Leslie Christy – Shipping / Supply Chain Clerk “Wearer of Many Hats”

Since starting at Taber Extrusions in August of 2015, Leslie Christy has, shall we say, worn a colorful collection of hats. She entered Taber as a shipping coordinator for the extrusion plant, and has since gained experience in sales, inventory, shipping, scheduling the metlsaw, and various responsibilities in the fabrication department.

“I love working at Taber,” says Leslie, “Most people spend more time with their ‘work-family’ than with their ‘home- family.’ I feel very fortunate that I really enjoy spending time with my work family. Everyone here at Taber shares similar interests and ethics. Most of the employees here in Russellville appreciate the outdoors, and all the activities that come along with living in an area rich in nature.” In her spare time, Leslie and her family love exploring local spots like Lake Dardanelle, Mount Nebo State Park, and Mount Magazine. Christy is married, with a daughter, son, and 3 grandkids – all located in the Russellville area. “We all have the best time together. My husband and I love a good ride through the countryside on the motorcycle – and nothing beats spending time outside with the whole family. We are pretty blessed.”

A Russellville native, Leslie Christy knows exactly which neighborhood spots to recommend for a good burger & cheesy potatoes (Fat Daddy) or the best sweeping sunset view in Russellville (Mt. Nebo) – but she also has some recommendations concerning her work family at Taber. “I think Taber Extrusions needs to keep doing exactly what we’ve been doing, and the sky will be the limit. The cast house expansion and upgraded fabrication facility has made everyone really excited. We are a close knit group, and want to share a successful future together.”

For more about Taber, or to receive a quarterly dose of “all things aluminum extrusion” (and then some) subscribe to our newsletter. You can also contact us directly by e-mailing us at info@taberextrusions.com