Craig Attard – Purchasing / Spare Parts Manager
Craig just moved into a new role at C&B. What better time to put him in the spotlight!
What is the story behind how you came to work at C&B Machinery?
I was familiar with C&B because they were a previous customer of mine from my former employer. I knew the company and that there was a good crew of people here.
Since coming to C&B, what has been your favorite project?
The New Clamp Bore Machine Project – it has been an important product advancement for the company and I have learned a lot from the project management side of the project, as well.
Hot Sauce Meter – Mild, Medium, Hot, Fire
Medium – lots of flavor but not too much heat
How did you get involved in the grinding industry?
My first job was assembling for Wheel Dressing Incorporated. I worked there for 22 years. Future opportunities came from my connections within the grinding industry.
Town you call home:
Not where I live now: Dearborn Heights, MI
What advice would you give to someone thinking about manufacturing as a career?
Go into an area that you enjoy. I work in manufacturing because I enjoy building and fixing things. I am mechanically inclined. Look into a career where you have a talent.
I started working in assembly, then moved to inside sales, then engineering. You can climb the ladder in manufacturing, if you put in the effort.
I encourage looking at manufacturing for job opportunities. Everything needs to be built. There is a lot of variety in the manufacturing industry. I once had a position where I might call on the medical industry, automotive industry and military industry all in one day. There are opportunities for advancement unlike you see in many other industries. The variety of products is unlimited. Not everything in manufacturing is related to the automotive industry.
Blue & Gold (U of M) or Green & White (MSU)?
Blue & Gold
What roles have you held at C&B? What does your current role entail?
I started in an Inside Sales/Project Management role. About a month ago, I moved to Purchasing and Spare Parts Manager.
In my current role, I work with customers to help keep their machines running. I do this by working with them to identify the machine parts they need for repairs or maintenance. I work with our vendors to ensure timely delivery of parts to our customers.
Working with our vendors helps me keep current with product offerings and lead times. This helps me do a better job overall.