Employee Highlight - Chris's Story
From the workshop floor to driving smarter ways of working, Chris’ journey at Kotzur is a great example of what growth can look like when opportunity meets experience.
Chris has been part of the Kotzur team at our Walla Walla site for 11 years, working as a Welder/Fabricator. His days start like many others, with the morning DSUM, before heading to the jig table where no two days are quite the same. “I can be working on anything from small parts to handrails, chutes or walkways. That’s what I enjoy most, the variety. You’re not doing the same thing every day.”
That variety has been matched by growth over time. One of the key turning points in Chris’ career at Kotzur was the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship. “Kotzur gave me the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship, which added to the skills I’d already built over many years in metal fabrication. That’s something I’ve really valued.”
Since then, Chris has continued to build on those skills, not just in his own work, but by contributing ideas that have made a real impact on production. “I’ve challenged the thinking at times to try new ways of doing things. There have been opportunities to look at how we can improve our processes and make components more efficient to manufacture and handle. Some of the solutions we’ve developed have been adopted into production, making things more versatile and easier to transport to site.”
For Chris, one of the things that sets Kotzur apart is the willingness to listen. “Management will listen to well thought out ideas. Whilst they aren’t always adopted, they’ll hear you out with an open mind.”
That openness, combined with a strong team culture, has helped create an environment where people take pride in their work and are willing to speak up. “The team aspect means people care about what they’re doing. You can have robust discussions to find solutions because there’s a level of trust there. Everyone is working towards the same end result.”
Chris also recognises the support he has received along the way, both professionally and personally. “Kotzur have been supportive when things come up outside of work, and they’ve helped me through some recent health issues as well. That makes a difference.”
Outside of work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and their two Kelpies, along with lawn bowls and swimming. But when winter rolls around, that’s when he’s in his element. “Winter is when I come alive. I love snow skiing and the mountains. If I won Lotto, I don’t think I’d ever see another summer.”
After more than a decade with Kotzur, Chris’ journey reflects what can be achieved with the right opportunities, a willingness to learn, and the confidence to challenge the way things are done.