It’s no surprise that Nick has become such a key leader here at Conrex Steel. His experience in business development is vast, and his easy, warm, approachable style is the perfect fit for what we stand for as a company.
Last month marked Nick’s fourth anniversary with our team, beginning first as Canadian Sales Director followed by his promotion to North American Sales Director this time last year.
Nick is a top sales performer, which is a fancy way to say, he knows what it takes to ensure our customers are well served by delivering quality products on time, every time, as promised. And of course, it goes beyond just doing what you say you’re going to do. To us, those are simply the table stakes of doing business properly. It’s Nick’s deep expertise that truly makes him a valued partner in our customers’ business. As part of our team, he drives solutions and innovations, to provide service that goes above and beyond.
He’s an awesome dad to three amazing kids, and still has time for his other two passions: “everything football”, says Nick “and music”. Nick’s accomplished on the piano and guitar, writing original songs and performing.
His philosophy? “Live life deliberately,” he says. “Have a vision and a plan for your ideals and make sure you’re always making purposeful decisions to get to the next step of your journey”.
Reporting to the VP of Engineering, The Quality Assurance Supervisor will be responsible to guarantee the compliance of product manufacturing processes with the company’s standards, industry regulations (ASME), and customers’ needs, and will work with Plant management while continually improving the operational efficiency through effective use of the VP of Operations, systems and equipment while adhering to established company policies.
Job Responsibilities:
Establish control procedures for the overall production line, from raw materials to finite product
Conduct process audits to identify non-conformances when they occur and participate in finding the root cause and solution with the aim to improve the company’s manufacturing processes
Liaise effectively with customers and vendors regarding quality concerns, this includes off-site visits or audits
Liaise with Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) regarding verification our process of manufacturing to correspond with the requirements of ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Codes
Liaise with Military customer on all things quality (MTRs, VIRs, VSIs, Process controls, etc.)
Ensure customer quality concerns are visible and communicated to all involved parties
Participate in meetings to determine root cause of quality issues with all involved parties.
Issue documents to communicate quality concerns/improvements. “Quality Alert”, “Method Sheet”, “Process change”, etc.
Manage and maintain NCR forms and database while proposing and ensuring that corrective actions are applied.
Document and reply to customer “Corrective Action Requests” (CAR)
Work with the Buyer/Planner to initiate “Supplier Corrective Action Requests” (SCAR)
Work with Engineering to disposition non-conforming product as necessary
Perform “First Article Inspection” (FAI) reports. This includes assessing product quality and dimensions
Manage and maintain the Conrex Gauge Calibration Program
Monitor and ensure that the Material Test Reports (MTR) of the arriving plates correspond/are in compliance with industry standards and customer needs
Review the dimensioning and tolerance of Conrex Products Inspection Reports in order to ensure that they correspond with customer specifications and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements.
Develop and ensure compliance of internal operation standards related to product quality and testing
Review all work instructions for accuracy and completeness, ensuring that all customer standards as well as industry standards are fully understood and properly applied to products
Establish procedures and conduct studies to enhance industrial health and safety and to identify and correct hazards
Responsible for the generation of Quality documentation to ensure compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Maintaining his/her knowledge updated to the latest editions of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Ensure that all other departments, Sales, Estimating, Engineering, Production will work in compliance with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Ensure that the Welding Procedures already qualified are updated based on the latest requirements of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code
Prepare all that is needed in order to qualify new welding procedures when the necessity will arise
Work closely with the departmental supervisors to ensure employees are working in compliance with internal employee, health and safety policies and procedures, job orders and work instructions
Promote and maintain strong teamwork and positive employee relations
Use utmost discretion in dealing with company and customers’ confidential data
May advise technicians and workers, and train them on the standards that are in effect
May perform other tasks as deemed appropriate
Safety Equipment Requirement:
The use of appropriate safety equipment as described below is a condition of employment and not one of choice. Safety equipment that must be worn while in the floor as follow:
Helmet
Safety glasses
Ear plugs
Respirator as required
Safety boots
Flame Retardant Coat
Education and Skill Requirement:
University or College Graduate in Mechanical Engineering as asset
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or ASME certified
Thorough working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) or ASME Pressure Vessel Code
Experience working in a Union Environment is an asset
Self-motivated, team player, strong interpersonal skills, positive attitude
Ability to use practical problem-solving techniques and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form, including blueprint/drawings
Ability to use a variety of measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, etc.
Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of Health & Safety Legislation (OHSA), guidelines & standards
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to read, write, and speak English
Conrex Steel Ltd. (Toronto and Kingston) is a North American based company providing world-wide service. With over 150 years of engineered driven expertise Conrex Steel is a recognized leader within the tank head industry. With Conrex Steel’s unique head forming, fabrication and heat-treating capabilities, we offer a diversified range of products. Head diameters begin at 6 5/8″, with few dimensional limitations on large, segmented constructions. Pressure vessel heads and tank ends are available in a broad range of sizes, shapes, thicknesses, and material specifications. A unique aspect of the capability to form heads is that it is largely still a production floor skill. Know-how and decades of experience by dedicated upper management, engineers, and employees within the Conrex organization is what sets us apart from other companies. Combining skill, proficiency and experience with machinery, technology and state-of-the-art facility ensures our continued success in providing our customers with customized, high-quality products and services. We are a custom fabricator known for quality, accurate lead times and outstanding customer service.
Conrex Steel Ltd. is looking for a dynamic Sales Representative who is preferably located in Vermont, Michigan or NY State, who is highly adaptive to current and new markets ensuring profitable growth across our diverse product offering. This individual will be working an underserviced territory with the objective of securing stronger relationships while educating our clients on our new capabilities. This person is a strong communicator with a positive demeanor, a self-starter, that is goal driven and has an appetite for success.
The successful candidate will possess or exceed the following criteria:
Responsibilities:
Maintain and grow new and existing clients in accordance with the company’s growth plan year over year.
Service existing accounts, and establish new accounts by planning and organizing a daily/weekly call schedule to execute on existing or potential customers
Manage and track large project opportunities through the life cycle and know all partners involved.
Manage a defined territory through regular field calls.
Maintain weekly goals of new business development calls, Top Tier reoccurring calls, and follow up lead development calls and quote/inquiry follow up.
Perform Annual Business Reviews with top 10 customers each year.
Keep management informed by submitting activity and results via weekly call reports, CRM entry, weekly one on one meetings with direct report.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating in firsthand training, establishing connections with key personnel within the organization
Works closely with Estimators/Customer Service to ensure all customer expectations are met.
Cold calling potential customers both by phone and in person
Communication coverage for other reps during vacation.
Monitor competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules.
Strong written and verbal communications with both internal (employees) and external customers
Contribute daily to the overall success of the team.
Qualifications and skills:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a territory management role
Excellent communication and negotiating skills
Experience with CRM tools
Strong Presentation skills
Strong working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office programs
Steel/Manufacturing experience or similar field an asset
Experience with custom life cycle project sales (4 weeks to 6 months)
Self-starter with strong organizational skills
Able and willing to travel (35% a month) either by car or plane depending on trip and cost to travel, holding a valid passport (local and abroad) and driver’s license.
Reporting to – North American Director of Sales Strategic Team –
VP Engineering, Controller, VP Operations, Team Lead Estimation, North American Sales Director, and President
Why has Darlene been such an impressive addition to our leadership team since she joined us last year? Spend 5 minutes with her and you’ll know why.
As Vice President Operations for Conrex Steel and Aberfoyle Metal Treaters including Teff-Line Industrial Coating, she calls on her deep client service and customer experience background to keep things running smoothy.
It’s the customer service aspect of Darlene’s expertise that stood out immediately for us when we were looking for a VP of Operations. If you’re already a customer of ours, you know that service is one of the key qualities that sets us apart. (And hey, if you’re not yet a customer, you should give us a call and see for yourself).
To us, everyone is a customer, not simply our external friends but within the company as well. Every department is a customer of the next one, and that’s an idea Darlene has championed since day one. In a very short time she has become the glue that helps form our leadership team, and through her steady approach, keeps everyone accountable, with a mix of good humour and dedication toward the goals we’re striving for together.
Darlene’s career has spanned many industries including, Human Resources, Automotive, Sustainable Energy, and Events. It’s this broad range of experiences that makes Darlene the perfect leader to help us shape the future of Conrex.
“Darlene has an appetite to get things done,” says Conrex Steel President, Larry Harrison. “I really value her leadership and boundless energy. We’re committed to strengthening our position as leaders in the industry by consistently delivering the highest level of customer service. That means on time, as promised, with the quality you’ve come to trust from us. Darlene gets it, and she makes sure we’re living up to that promise every day.”
When she’s not busy with all things Conrex, Darlene spends some of her time volunteering for the cause of animal wellness. (arts and culture, humane rights…)
When asked for his title, Ken Rohan is perplexed and has to think about it. He then replies, “US Sales Director for Conrex Steel Ltd.” Living in Cincinnati, Ohio, Ken has been handling sales for Conrex Steel as a one-man operation for about 35 years. “The manufacturing industry is quite interesting,” says Ken, “even after all these years, I’m still learning, and I really enjoy touring fabrication shops.”
Ken began his career with the Canadian Lukens Steel division based in Toronto, selling their products in the United States. Lukens Steel was one of the largest steel producers in North America at the time. They manufactured thick pressure vessel heads and pressed them cold as well as hot – their ability to do both processes differentiated them from the competition. Having previously acquired Lukens’ competitor C.E. MacPherson in 1993, Canerector purchased Canadian Lukens Steel. As part of Canerector’s acquisition strategy, C.E. MacPherson focused on the production of small heads while Lukens, under their new name of Conrex Steel, manufactured larger ones, generating synergies through the years. “There might be two fabrication sites, but we work as one,” Ken asserts.
Without prior experience with manufactured engineered products, Ken had to quickly familiarize himself with the manufacturing business. He also had to overcome the challenge of convincing American companies to consider buying from a manufacturing business in Canada. However, over the years, Conrex has built a solid reputation among its competitors. “Our shop is the best at what they do. We have the best products and best quality. The shop team is making my life easier by being so good at what they do,” says Ken modestly. Despite Ken’s humility, the team at Conrex knows the work and dedication needed to attract and maintain potential customers.
Confident in the products and the team that manufactures them, Ken travels all over the USA to promote and sell Conrex’s products. Much like the company, Ken has had to adjust to the changes in the market. Shifting his focus from the pulp and paper industry, now Ken mostly targets the Southwest, a hot area for the petrochemical industry where the bulk of Conrex’s work has been in the past six years.
Ken has also had to adjust to the technological developments in sales itself. As a traditional salesperson, Ken much prefers good old fashioned cold calls – knocking on the doors of potential customers to build a relationship. “I really enjoy visiting customers in person,” Ken says before adding, “Seeing them face-to-face gives me a better understanding of their needs and it’s also easy to gain their trust.” To be a salesperson, you have to be social and enjoy people in general, interacting and building relationships with them as well as learning more about them, like visiting their fabrication shops. This is what Ken loves the most about his job. However, Ken acknowledges that a combination of both methods is best for sales—in person cold calls with visits and the use of digital communications, such as a presence on LinkedIn and using a CRM.
Walking down memory lane, Ken remembers one of the most challenging jobs in his career. More than 20 years ago, Ken came in contact with a large company in Mexico looking to build large, erected propane gas spheres. This project involved the manufacturing of about 50 spheres, specialized structures requiring unusual shop equipment to manufacture. Conrex had the necessary manufacturing equipment and knowledge to press the shell plates while TIW Steel Platework, a sister company, had sphere construction and design expertise. Working together, the companies submitted a price even if the job sounded to be too good to be true. It ended up being a very profitable and fun project! Ken recalls it as one of the toughest jobs in his career, but a very rewarding one to be part of.
With recent investment and improvements to their shops, Conrex’s team has big plans for their future, including offering sphere tanks once again. However, this time Ken will be watching from the sidelines. After 35 wonderful years at the company, Ken’s retirement is fast approaching in January 2022. Having thoroughly enjoyed his work, Ken adds that if asked, he would continue to help without any hesitation. “You see, the fact is, I don’t consider it work! It’s fun!” Feeling lucky and blessed to have worked with this fantastic team, Ken will miss the people most and the travel the least. A family man, Ken preferred to travel than uproot his family from Cincinnati, as he wanted his three children to grow up with their cousins and extended family. Now all grown up, they have begun their own families. Ken proudly speaks of his four grandkids, and fifth on the way this December. His retirement plan is to stay home and spend as much time as possible with them. Congratulations to Ken for a well-deserved retirement!
Recently, Larry Harrison, President of Conrex Steel had the opportunity to speak with Metal Forming Magazine to discuss how Conrex Steel has doubled their capabilities and capacity over the past year and what this means for their entire team, including the opportunity for growth, strategy development, and continuous improvement, as well as his plans for the future at Conrex.
On Friday, November 19, 2021, Conrex Steel officially inaugurated their brand new 3500 Ton Hydraulic Macrodyne Press, representing a new era in steel head manufacturing.
This new behemoth now allows customers to order heads that are 1.5” to 7” thick with internal dimensions as much as 196 inches.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who spoke about Conrex Steel’s business innovation and job creation in Ontario.
Construction of the press began in early 2020 just as the pandemic shut businesses down. Contractors who were to dig the foundation were no longer able to begin work. With uncompromising safety protocols in place, the dedicated Conrex team set out to dig the foundation themselves. The foundation is 22 feet by 29 feet and as deep as 18 feet in some places.
“This press represents a huge step forward for Conrex as head manufacturing leaders in all of North America” said Larry Harrison, President of Conrex Steel. “It’s a shining example of the innovation, expanded capabilities, and customer service we’re well known for.” He added, “It also represents the dedication of our people, some of whom have been with us for decades”.
This ambitious project included the repurposing of Conrex Steel’s C-Press with two new Gantry Cranes, which allow them to form steel up to 40’ long with just one operator.
The Macrodyne press is the latest in an ever-growing suite, including a 1500 Ton hot forming press, a 600 Ton C press, 5 flangers, and 2 robotic arms that bevel edges and can cut holes in heads. This flexibility allows for almost limitless customization, such as sphere forming, ship building, and large formed elbows.
Conrex Steel Ltd. (Toronto and Kingston) is a North American based company providing world-wide service. With over 150 years of engineered driven expertise Conrex Steel is a recognized leader within the tank head industry. With Conrex Steel’s unique head forming, fabrication and heat-treating capabilities, we offer a diversified range of products. Head diameters begin at 6 5/8″, with few dimensional limitations on large segmented constructions. Pressure vessel heads and tank ends are available in a broad range of sizes, shapes, thicknesses and material specifications. A unique aspect of the capability to form heads is that it is largely still a production floor skill. Know-how and decades of experience by dedicated upper management, engineers and employees within the Conrex organization is what sets us apart from other companies. Combining skill, proficiency and experience with machinery, technology and state-of-the-art facility ensures our continued success in providing our customers with customized, high-quality products and services. We are a custom fabricator known for quality, accurate lead times and outstanding customer service.
Conrex Steel Ltd. is looking for a dynamic Sales Representative who is located in the South East United States, who is highly adaptive to current and new markets ensuring profitable growth across our diverse product offering. This person is a strong communicator with a positive demeanor, a self-starter, that is goal driven and has an appetite for success.
Responsibilities:
Maintain and grow new and existing clients in accordance with the company’s growth plan year over year.
Service existing accounts, and establish new accounts by planning and organizing a daily/weekly call schedule to execute on existing or potential customers
Manage and track large project ooportunities through the life cycle and know all partners involved.
Manage a defined territory through regular field calls.
Maintain weekly goals of new business development calls, Top Tier reoccurring calls, and follow up lead development calls and quote/inquiry follow up.
Perform Annual Business Reviews with top 10 customers each year.
Keep management informed by submitting activity and results via weekly call reports, CRM entry, weekly one on one meetings with direct report.
Monitor competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by participating in first hand training, establishing connections with key personnel within the organization
Works closely with Estimators/Customer Service to ensure all customer expectations are met.
Cold calling potential customers both by phone and in person
Strong written and verbal communications with both internal (employees) and external customers
Contribute daily to the overall success of the team.
Qualifications and skills:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a territory management role
Steel/Manufacturing experience or similar field an asset
Experience with CRM tools
Strong Presentation skills
Strong working knowledge of Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and other Microsoft Office programs
Experience with long life cycle project sales
Excellent communication and negotiating skills
Self-starter with strong organizational skills
Able and willing to travel (25% a month) either by car or plane depending on trip and cost to travel, holding a valid passport (local and abroad) and driver’s license.
Reporting to – North American Director of Sales Strategic Team – VP Engineering, Controller, VP Operations, Team Lead Estimation, North American Sales Director, and President Benefits and 401K
Conrex Steel Ltd. and C.E. Macpherson Division is a North American based company providing world-wide service. With over 150 years of engineered driven expertise Conrex Steel is a recognized leader within the tank head industry. With Conrex Steel’s unique head forming, fabrication and heat-treating capabilities, we offer a diversified range of products. Head diameters begin at 6 5/8″, with few dimensional limitations on large segmented constructions. Pressure vessel heads and tank ends are available in a broad range of sizes, shapes, thicknesses and material specifications. A unique aspect of the capability to form heads is that it is largely still a production floor skill, Know-how and decades of experience by dedicated upper management, engineers and employees within the Conrex organization is what sets us apart from other companies. Combining skill, proficiency and experience with machinery, technology and state-of-the-art facility ensures our continued success in providing our customers with customized, high-quality products and services. We are a custom fabricator known for quality, accurate lead times and outstanding customer service.
Job Description
Conrex Steel is looking for a Millwright/Industrial Mechanic with an Engineering mind. This person would be responsible for problem solving “out of service” equipment, overhaul and repair of fabrication machinery, Preventative Maintenance (while working with the maintenance person), assist in training Plant personnel on new machinery or machinery enhancements, facility and machinery compliance with regulations, creating drawings when required, and back up to robotic programming.
Assets for this role – understanding of CAD software, ability to get your hands dirty with machinery (fabrication shop), understanding of hydraulics, ability to understand machinery blueprints/drawings/schematics to determine work procedures, experience in operating hoisting/lifting devices (i.e. cranes/forklifts), knowledge of pressing metals, previous experience as a millwright or maintenance, basic knowledge of MS Excel and Word, SolidWorks.
Characteristics;
Logical, intellectual curiosity, creative/imaginary solution thought process. Someone looking for a long-term career in a company with a long history.
Duties and Responsibilities
Maintain Equipment
Involved in monitoring and maintaining plant equipment and machinery to ensure that it’s running as required. Work with the Plant Manager and Maintenance person to fix any mechanical issues with the equipment (such as Presses, Flangers, Cranes, Furnaces, Welding equipment, etc.)
Plans, directs, and coordinates activities concerned with construction, modification, and maintenance of equipment and machinery in industrial plant: Establishes standards and policies for pollution control, installation, modification, quality control, testing, operating procedure, inspection, and maintenance of equipment, according to engineering principles and safety regulations.
Directs maintenance of plant equipment and machinery and coordinates requirements for new designs, surveys, and maintenance schedules.
Prepares bid sheets and contracts for construction and facilities acquisition.
Inspect and examine machinery and equipment to detect and investigate irregularities and malfunctions
Install, troubleshoot and maintain power transmission, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and programmable logic controls
Tests newly installed machines and equipment to ensure fulfillment of contract specifications.
Review Project Plans
Review project plans prepared by the VP of Engineering to ensure that timelines and blueprints are met and that cost estimates tie in with the budget. This person will interpret developments along the way and provide advice and guidance for any necessary changes.
Ensure the Facility Complies with Regulations
Responsible for ensuring the facility is compliant with the relevant regulations and by working with the Plant manager ensure that regular check-ups are carried out to verify that machinery and processes are safe or certified.
Note: This role reports to the Vice President of Engineering but partnered with the Plant Manager.
If this job is for you, please submit your resume to Corinne@conrexsteel.com
Conrex Steel is committed to continuous improvement, improved capacity and innovation. As such we have partnered with NGen to help secure our position in the market by investing in cutting edge technology and improved intellectual property to offer a wider breadth of capabilities and expand our reach into markets such as Shipbuilding, Nuclear, and Military to name a few.
NGen is the not-for-profit organization that runs Canada’s Advanced Manufacturing Supercluster with a mandate to grow manufacturing capabilities in Canada through the development and adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes. NGen is committed to building world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities within Canada.
If you follow our LinkedIn profile you would know that we have been busy with one of our newest projects, and not only are we very excited to be aligned with NGEN on this endeavor but with our collaborative partners (Macrodyne Technologies and Source Industrial), we are also honored to have this project featured in their upcoming publication.
For more information, please contact us at 1-800-387-5820 or through email at sales@conrexsteel.com
About Conrex Steel Ltd.
Conrex Steel Ltd. is an ASME Code Head Fabricator for the Tank & Pressure Vessel industry. They are also known for fabricating Formed Elbows and have capabilities like Stress Relieving and Shot/Grit blasting. Learn more about Conrex Steel here.