US Airways - July 2012 - (Page 67)

Jobs Alert MSI operates in 160,000 square feet of spotless space, assembling multipart units, applying protective chemical coatings, and performing hundreds of quality checks. To deliver all this work to exacting stan- dards, MSI recruits and trains machinists and engineers from throughout the eastern United States, often targeting graduates at N.C. State University, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and the University of South Carolina. In-house training is extensive, and enables the company to retain some nine out of ten new hires. And given the high demand for such employees, MSI salaries are competitive industry-wide. “Finding qualified people has been the biggest challenge in our growth,” says Tammy Simmons, MSI’s vice president of marketing and culture, and wife of CEO Rob Simmons. “You can buy equipment if you have cash flow, but you can’t buy good employees.” “And right now,” she adds, “we could use 30 more employees. At least.” General Dynamics, and Curtis Wright as regular customers. “To keep up with demand, we’re always on the cutting edge of equipment and pursue the hottest research trends,” Simmons says. “Our engineers and machinists are masters of their craft.” MSI’s growth curve is impressive. In 1990, when it mostly made parts for the textile industry, it had 28 employees and $4 million in sales. Today, with aviation and aerospace accounting for 56 percent of its revenue, it boasts 140 employees and $32 million in sales. It’s been a rapid ascent for Simmons, who joined MSI as a teen in 1980 to run a drill press. He is now the guiding force behind a company predicted to hit $50 million in sales in three years. “We’re just starting to get into the overseas market, where there are lots of opportunities,” Simmons says. “Our growth now depends on how quickly we can train new employees.” Clockwise from top left: MSI’s Machining-Turning Center, which makes large landing gear; Machine Specialties Inc., located 10 miles east of Greensboro; president Robert Simmons overlooks plant floor usairwaysmag.com JULY 2012 67 http://www.usairwaysmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of US Airways - July 2012

US Airways - July 2012
Table of Contents
CEO Letter
From the Editor
Did You Know?
Making It Happen
Hot Spots: Best Beaches
Wine & Dine: Table to Farm
Adventure: Home-Court Advantage
Great Escapes: Mayan Adventure
Destination Fabulous
Gear Up: Activate!
London Calling
Room with a View
Chefs Tell: Water's Edge
Charlotte in 2012
Best of Health
Flying High in North Carolina
Charlotte U.S.A.: From Crackers to Gelato
University Spotlight: Grand Canyon University
Must Read: Better, Stronger, Faster
Puzzles
Readers Resource Index
Your US Airways Guide
Video Entertainment
Audio Entertainment
U.S. and Caribbean Service Map
International Service Map
Airport Terminal Maps
US Airways Fleet/Customs & Immigration
Passenger Info/Contact US Airways
US Airways MarketPlace™
Window or Aisle?

US Airways - July 2012