Just as Greg Klann marks his 20 years with Edgewater Automation, the veteran manufacturing and automation professional is retiring from a nearly 50-year career with some of Southwest Michigan’s iconic automation and manufacturing companies.
“I started at Vickers Engineering in Harbert in 1974. I was an apprentice when it was a five-man shop, graduating Lake Michigan College in ’77. I left for Weldun International, where I ran the boring mill and met future Edgewater founder Rick Blake. After Weldun was bought by Bosch, he and I ended up at Dane Systems. I was a welder / machine builder, he was a salesman. Eventually I was plant manager.”
“In 2001, Rick founded Edgewater and hired me two years later. One day, he asked his management team where we saw ourselves in five years. I said I’d like to open a fabrication shop to serve Edgewater’s needs – there were just a couple local ones at the time, and they always had a back log.
Greg Klann pictured with Rick Blake
Not long after, Rick agreed, opening Edgewater Manufacturing just as Vickers was closing its Buchanan shop. Rick took over their lease, bought their equipment at a good price, and kept some of their people. Later, Edgewater bought the building.
“At first, we thought we knew everything about fabrication,” says Greg, “then realized we didn’t. It was a steep learning curve, but we were up for the challenge. At first, we were supporting Edgewater with bracketry and weldments. Later, we took on new clients from food and pharmaceutical sectors and grew from there.”
Edgewater president Rick Blake remembers. “I asked Greg to lead this effort. Neither of us were fabricators, so we weren’t sure what we were saying yes to, but Greg jumped in enthusiastically. I was confident enough in him to make the investment. Without Greg’s willingness to take on this challenge, we wouldn’t have been able to move forward.”
How has manufacturing changed most over the past 10 years? Greg says, “The laser technology. C02s used to be the workhorses. Fiber optic lasers entered the picture but could only cut thin material. Now they cut as thick or thicker material than the old C02s – a lot faster.”
“Looking back,” Greg reflects, “it’s been an enjoyable career. I never felt like ‘Gosh, I have to go to work, I need to earn a paycheck.’ I wanted to go to work, there was so much new technology, so much going on. Each day was an adventure.
“Looking back, I set an example that learning and growing are possible. I don’t even have an Associate’s degree, yet I was a division manager. Like me, you really can work your way up from the bottom.
“I’m proud of the work we did for an industry-leading global automotive supplier. I was project manager for the first special machine for advanced automotive technology we built for them at Edgewater, and I managed several others. In 2009 I think we sold five of these systems. We’ve built 15 of them by now.”
Rick says, “Greg is a hard worker who finishes what he starts. We’ve done too many projects together over 45 years to keep track of, but I always knew he’d make sure the job was done and done right.”
If there’s a secret to longevity and success in manufacturing, Greg believes, “It’s the totality of all those skills you amass during your career. At Edgewater, you’re appreciated for what you do, and you’re given opportunities to grow. I’m very thankful for the opportunities Edgewater gave me.
“The one thing I’ll probably miss the most is bringing in people and helping them develop and grow the shop. There were challenges and headaches, but a lot of rewards, too. More than anything, I’ll miss the people. They’re good people.”
Handing over the reins to colleague James Parmer a few months ago was the first step in Greg’s transition. His next move? “Take a nice break, then come in a couple days a week. Once it’s in your blood, it’s in your blood.”
Greg’s record is one he can be proud of, says Rick Blake. “2022 was a record year for Edgewater Manufacturing, and after nine successful years, I can say I’m happy Greg said yes to leading the division. I wish him and Connie all the best in their next chapter.”
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