For Roy Bisking, 1st Shift Superintendent at York Container, keeping manufacturing operations moving takes clear direction, sound decision-making, and a team that works together. These qualities support two priorities central to his work: quality products and on-time delivery.
Leading Through Daily Decisions
Production schedules provide a plan, but each shift also relies on employees making sound decisions as work progresses.
“My role is to provide my team with the tools they need and the direction we have to go in daily,” Roy explains. “When it comes to manufacturing from day to day, it is an ever-changing environment, so decisions have to be made based on each situation.”
Those day-to-day decisions have implications beyond the production floor. They contribute to meeting the expectations of customers who rely on York's packaging.
For Roy, the priorities are clear:
“Providing the customer with a quality product and on-time delivery. These are key to keeping the operations running.”
Building a Team That Can Make Decisions
Keeping production moving is a team effort, with employees contributing to the decisions made throughout each shift. When asked what makes him most proud of his operations team, Roy says:
“Their ability to make good business decisions on their own. This is based on their own personal experiences, encouragement, and training.”
While Roy values independent judgment, he also recognizes the need for his team to rely on one another.
“Teamwork is the key to operations running safely and efficiently,” Roy says. “We have to lean on each other to be successful because one person alone cannot handle everything.”
Recognizing the People Behind Manufacturing
Roy's perspective on manufacturing extends beyond the responsibilities of a production shift. He also sees a personal side to Manufacturing Month, recognizing the contributions employees make both at work and in their everyday lives.
“Manufacturing month lets us display our capabilities as a company and the people that work in the industry,” he explains. “They are everyday people that are doing their part to support each other, their families and the community we live in.”
When asked what he wishes more people understood about those working in the industry, Roy's answer is simple: “Simply the fact that they care and want to deliver quality products to our customers.”
The People Behind Every Box
At York Container, meeting customer expectations for quality and on-time delivery depends on the people involved in daily operations. Their experience, judgment, and willingness to support one another are important parts of the work that goes into each product.
This Manufacturing Month, Roy's perspective highlights the people behind every box, recognizing not only their contributions to manufacturing, but also the care they bring to their work, their teammates, and the customers they serve.