Paying It Forward: SilMan Industries Supports Local 102 Millwrights with State-of-the-Art Donation
Images from the PEMC’s journey to the Local 102 Millwright Training Center. (Photo/Video: Mike Watchers)
SilMan Industries reinforces its commitment to nurturing skilled trades by donating a prototype of SilMan’s parcel handling Pre-Engineered Modular Conveyor (PEMC) to the NorCal Local 102 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC). This strategic contribution enhances training capabilities at UBC’s Pleasanton facility, benefiting apprentices and journeymen alike.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow to Serve the Parcel Handling Community
SilMan’s San Leandro headquarters has long been a launch pad for talented millwrights emerging from Local 102’s rigorous apprenticeship program. This donation honors the relationship and represents the company’s investments in our industry’s future.
On August 8, 2024, SilMan’s team seamlessly executed the equipment transfer, showcasing our in-house expertise and union-driven efficiency. No third parties required!
SilMan team member and longtime Local 102 champion John Burns spearheaded the initiative, collaborating closely with Mario Santacruz of the NorCal Carpenter Training Center. Richard Mangin and Tyler Tanner expertly orchestrated the logistics.
Local 102 Millwrights form the backbone of SilMan’s team and leadership. Our management roster highlights the deep connection between the two organizations, including SilMan leaders Jim Smith, Mike Watchers, Regional Vice-President Jeff Piazza, and co-founder Tom Mangin. Notably, SilMan program manager and Millwright Nick Goulart is a vice chairperson with the Joint Apprenticeship Training Center Committee and is the originator of the idea to pass the equipment to the JATC.
This deep-rooted connection underscores SilMan’s commitment to Union excellence and building the workforce of the future.
Self-performance is a pillar of SilMan’s offerings and a point of pride. Learn more about our Specialized Trade Services team.
Click on images to view fullscreen (Photos: Jim Serra, Kyle Latendresse).
Team Member Reflection
The final word goes to SilMan Senior Millwright Leader John Burns (excerpt from an internal communication):
Thanks to Nick G. for his suggestion to direct the donation to our local JATC and to Tom and Rick for this gracious and well-intended gesture as an alternative to dismantling and scrapping the PEMC, which represents a significant investment for our team. Tom and Nick have had or are currently involved with our JATC. Their roles and involvement provide support, direction, and guidance for persons enrolled in our apprenticeship program.
We also appreciate the team who did the real work – Mike Watchers, Richie Mangin, Tyler Tanner, and others – for their efforts with the execution and delivery of the product to our Local JATC.
About the Company
SilMan Industries (previously SilMan Construction) is based in San Leandro, Calif., with Engineering and Field Operations offices in Tupelo, Miss. The firm provides integrated turnkey solutions in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Public Works sectors.
Notably, in 2010 SilMan Industries was contracted to dismantle and remove the NUMMI assembly line in Fremont, Calif., transport the equipment, and reinstall the system in Blue Spring, Miss., establishing Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi (TMMMS). This high-visibility project ignited the company’s meteoric growth, laying the foundation for SilMan’s national service area.
For more information, please visit www.silmanindustries.com/about.
