At Cresswood Shredding Machinery, the heart of our innovation and quality lies within our Fabrication Shop team. This dedicated group of professionals brings together a wealth of experience, unparalleled skills, and a commitment to excellence that defines the operations of our American made industrial shredding company. From seasoned experts like Ron Whitney and Harvey Brown, who have shaped our fabrication processes over decades, to rising stars such as Sawyer Forest and Conner O’Donnell, each team member plays a crucial role in maintaining our high standards. Their collective expertise spans from mastering advanced welding techniques to pioneering new fabrication methods, all while fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration. In this spotlight, we delve into the stories and contributions of these exceptional individuals who drive Cresswood’s success and uphold our mission of crafting top-tier industrial shredding machinery.
RON WHITNEY – 39 Years
Ron Whitney is our main frame specialist and lead fabricator, renowned for his expertise in all parts of fabrication and his mastery of MIG (GMAW) welding, including dual shield techniques. As a press brake expert and a dedicated mentor, Ron plays a crucial role in maintaining our tight schedule and managing meetings, files, and organization. Always ready to offer advice and assist with cross-training, Ron’s willingness to lend a helping hand exemplifies his commitment to both his craft and his colleagues.
HARVEY BROWN – 37 Years
Harvey Brown is a cutter head specialist and lead fabricator with extensive expertise in all aspects of fabrication. As a press brake expert and master of MIG (GMAW) welding, including dual shield and spray transfer techniques, Harvey has been instrumental in sharing his knowledge and mentoring others. His significant contributions include cross-training fabricators and supporting the development of new skills within the team.
RAY BROWN – 18 Years
Ray is our burn table expert knowledgeable in operating programmed drawings on the burn tables, working in connection with our engineering department. This is a critical operation as all our parts are made from raw materials right here at Cresswood—100% American made shredders and grinders. Ray also helps with our tooling department, running our custom Laser engraved items. Ray helps unload material delivery trucks and is always one to accurately label and organize all of our production parts and work orders.
MATT CORNELL – 6 Years
“Every day I feel blessed to be surrounded by like-minded people that are motivated to serve each other in an attempt to make the world a better, cleaner place utilizing our unique collaborative skillsets to innovate and create new solutions to one of today’s most impactful and dangerous long-term problems, waste.”
A Kishwaukee College graduate, Matt has been with Cresswood for 6 years. Over this time, he has gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with all of Cresswood’s machinery. Matt specializes in our vibration shaker tables, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail. His experience shadowing Ron and Harvey has allowed him to transition into a mentorship role, assisting in the cross-training of new hires. Matt’s expertise in fabrication and MIG (GMAW) welding has been invaluable to Cresswood. Additionally, he contributes to our safety team, actively brainstorming and implementing strategies to enhance our workplace safety.
SAWYER FOREST – 2.5 Years
“After taking classes at Kish for welding, the folks over at Kishwaukee College suggested that I apply at Cresswood and kick-start my career here. I have learned a lot from Harvey which has also helped me to excel on my personal welding projects by learning different ways to accomplish multiple things.”
Sawyer has been with Cresswood for two and a half years, bringing exceptional precision and expertise to our fabrication process. Her skill set and warm personality greatly enhance the manufacturing environment at Cresswood Shredding Machinery.
Sawyer holds both Basic and Advanced Automotive certifications, as well as an Advanced Welding Certification from Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois. We’re particularly thrilled about her role as a female professional in manufacturing, which helps address the industry’s need for skilled workers and promotes diversity. We believe that diversity fosters innovation, and we eagerly anticipate the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm Sawyer contributes to our team.
In today’s competitive labor market, maintaining a strong relationship with local community colleges is crucial. It offers young local talent job opportunities close to home, which is vital for sustaining robust local economies. Additionally, it helps build a vital talent pipeline for our organization. As Cresswood celebrated its 60th anniversary this year, employees like Sawyer are integral to shaping the future of our business.
JAROD SWANSON – 1 Year
Jarod has brought a wealth of experience to our department and made a remarkable impact from his very first day with his exceptional talent and work ethic.
With a strong background in welding and fabrication, Jarod came highly recommended by a current employee. From day one, he has showcased his impressive fabrication skills. He primarily focuses on fabricating screens for our grinders, which are essential components. These screens control the particle size produced by the grinder, ensuring that it meets our customers’ precise specifications. Additionally, since screens are a frequently ordered service part that wears out over time, timely delivery is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. Jarod’s contributions have been significant, and we feel fortunate to have him as a key member of our team.
CONNER O’DONNELL – 1 Year
Conner, a recent graduate of the Kishwaukee Community College welding program, has embarked on his fabrication career at Cresswood, where he is learning from skilled masters in the field.
Previously, Conner worked at a large distribution center, operating a forklift, but he sought a role that would allow him to pursue his passion for welding and apply his training from Kishwaukee. He holds both basic and advanced welding certifications from Kishwaukee Community College in Malta, IL, and was referred to us by Zachary Cachia, his program instructor.
DERRICK WELLS – approaching 1 Year
“As the Operations Coordinator being able to share some strengths and words of advice within Cresswood Shredding Machinery is a pleasure. With over 20 years in the mechanical, fabrication and welding industry it is important to primarily talk about Cresswood’s team work. Here at Cresswood we strive in our commitment to a strong foundation in team building. Helping share our skills in fabrication, cross training and being able to help bring all of our skills and understandings in welding technologies and knowledge in fabrication to a high level of production and quality. If there is any advice, I could give to our youth pursuing a career in welding and fabrication I would say – be willing to learn, be patient and always be respectful! These 3 traits will take you far in any path that one may pursue.”
Over the past year, Derrick has seamlessly integrated into our team as the Fabrication Shop Operations Coordinator, bringing with him a wealth of expertise and a lifelong dedication to metal fabrication. His extensive experience in the field has significantly enhanced our shop’s efficiency and output. Derrick’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in every project he undertakes, setting a high standard for both himself and his team.
Beyond his professional achievements, Derrick’s passion for metal fabrication extends into his personal pursuits. His enthusiasm for the craft is reflected in his ongoing efforts to refine his skills and explore new techniques. This dedication not only enriches his work but also serves as an inspiration to his colleagues. Derrick’s contributions have truly transformed our operations, and we are fortunate to have him as a key member of our world class industrial shredding company team.
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