Thomas J. Swistro Age: 30
ebm-papst Inc. Farmington, CT
UNDER THIRTY A
n experienced welder and fabricator, Thomas J. (“TJ”) Swistro, 30, recalls always being in- trigued with making, fabricating and custom- izing products. After working as a welder to help pay his way through college, Swistro earned his BS degree in Industrial Technology at Central Connecticut State University. He’s currently working on his MBA at the University of Hartford. Today, Swistro is a manufacturing engineer for ebm- papst Inc., where he designs and develops custom tool- ing and fixtures for production at the manufacturer of electric fans and air movers. “Being able to make some- thing totally new and unique or modify an existing item to increase its ability or efficiency has always been something I innately gravitate towards,” Swis-
tro said. “The idea that someone is willing to pay for a product that I had a part in creating is pretty awesome!” While in college, Swistro’s experience as a welder- fabricator helped hone many of the hands-on skills he possesses, he said. “These skills combined with the theoretical knowledge I learned in school give me the ability to recognize problems and quickly and efficiently generate ‘real-world’ solutions for these issues. In my current role as a Manufacturing Engineer, this ability is crucial to maintain production quality, meet deadlines and provide a solution for the customer.” Swistro’s hard work and dedication drew raves from ebm-papst Director of Operations Brian Ladegard, who recommended Swistro for 30 Under 30. “I have had the distinct pleasure of having TJ in my Engineer- ing organization at ebm-papst Inc for the last five years. TJ is extremely hard working and motivated in his engineering duties at ebm,” Ladegard said. “He displays a truly amazing amount of professionalism
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“The idea that someone is willing to pay for a product that I had a part in creating is pretty awesome!”
and poise for an engineer of his particular experi- ence level. He is thoughtful and insightful and always strives to solve problems with a strong balance of ap- plied engineering principles versus true cost consid- erations. This is, by definition, the key trait of the best and most effective engineers.” Swistro championed two of ebm-papst’s primary pro- duction processes—deep drawing of large inlet cones and robotic welding of aluminum wheels, he noted, and has worked diligently to design and organize many new custom tool sets for the deep drawing process. “With each new one, we are able to in-source a new part and save considerable part costs and reduce part lead time. With our robotic welding cell, TJ was able to come up with a completely unique strategy for clamping
and holding parts during the welding process to reduce and correct part variations.”
Swistro has taken a rigorous class in welding in- spection, Ladegard added, furthering his abilities and credentials, and passed a certification test to become a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Swistro sees lots of potential for the industry. “I like the new technology that is developing. Fiber lasers, 3D printers and robotics are an example of how things that weren’t possible yesterday are now possible today,” he said. “The ability to make complex parts, especially at a production level, is becoming more viable every day. “I feel very lucky to have the career that I have and to be a part of the team here at ebm-papst,” Swistro added. “I plan to use that higher-level business educa- tion to secure a managerial role at ebm-papst…This will allow me to have in-depth knowledge of all the different aspects of a business while still using my engineering skill set to meet real world demands.” ME
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