A Company Providing Growth Opportunities, a Q+A with Christa Ward

At Hitchiner, our people define who we are. For everything we create, our team is given the freedom, education, and training needed to access new ideas, apply knowledge, and practice skills. Encouraging initiative is part of our culture. We believe in teamwork, invest in ideas and recognize success—offering equal opportunity and fair compensation to all. A Company Providing Growth Opportunities, a Q+A with Christa Ward:

·      How long have you worked at Hitchiner?

I have worked at Hitchiner for three years, six months.

·      In a nutshell, describe your job?

As a General Supervisor on first shift, I oversee day to day operations in the metal finishing, grinding and cleaning departments in the company’s Gas Turbine Operations (“GTO”) in Milford, New Hampshire. I oversee and support employees working on product needed for the daily, weekly and monthly targets.

·      How many years have you been doing it?

When starting at Hitchiner, I worked in the metal finishing cells as an operator. I moved up and became a line lead and then within a year became a team lead.

Following that I worked in the Wax Department as a Quality Inspector and eventually became a team lead in the wax department third shift.

I was a GTO Supervisor for one year on the weekend shift. After disbanding the weekend shift, I moved to GTO Supervisor of the Grind and Clean Departments on first shift. I was recently promoted to a General Supervisor on first shift, overseeing GTO Metal, Grind and Clean departments.

·      What keeps you working at Hitchiner?

I stay with Hitchiner because I enjoy what I do. I am constantly learning different aspects of manufacturing and feel challenged at my job, which keeps me from ever becoming bored.

·      What was the thing that most surprised you about your job and the workplace?

When I first started working at Hitchiner, I was most surprised that I actually enjoyed the fast pace. I take pride in my work and always felt an accomplishment every time I was given greater responsibilities.

·      What makes working at Hitchiner special?

I really feel that we are a family at Hitchiner. Prior to joining Hitchiner, I thought that working in a big company I would feel like just another employee. At Hitchiner, the supervisors, human resources, management and others I work with really want you to feel like a team. They know your name, and if they hear about something substantial, whether a new baby, wedding, funeral any life stuff, they ask you about it and show genuine interest.

·      Where do you see yourself in five years?

I would like to see myself continue to grow within the company as I learn as much as I can throughout all departments.  I would like to go back to school for management courses to help me with this goal.

At Hitchiner, our people define who we are. For everything we create, our team is given the freedom, education, and training needed to access new ideas, apply knowledge, and practice skills. Encouraging initiative is part of our culture. We believe in teamwork, invest in ideas and recognize success—offering equal opportunity and fair compensation to all. A Company Providing Growth Opportunities, a Q+A with Christa Ward: