By Megan Sayles, AFRO Business Writer
Report for America Corps Member
Msayles@afro.com
On June 8 and 9 Tnemec Company Inc, will host a job fair for individuals seeking to enter the manufacturing industry at its Baltimore facility on Edgewater Ave. On Tuesday the fair will be held from 8 a.m to 5 p.m., and on Wednesday it will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The company, which specializes in manufacturing protective paints and coatings, has been in existence for almost 100 years, and its Baltimore plant has been in operation since 1975. Tnemec’s protective coatings have been used on notable Baltimore structures such as the M&T Bank Stadium, the National Aquarium and the Bloomberg School of Public Health.
According to Director of Operations Ron Schimmel, what makes Tnemec’s coatings and paints so special is their longevity. Most of the coatings have a 20 year lifespan, and they have helped in the beautification of Baltimore infrastructure.
Longevity does not just apply to Tnemec’s products though. According to Schimmel, who has been with the company for 20 years, they have never had to lay off employees, and many of them have been with the company for more than 20 years.
Tnemec is looking to fill 10 positions at its Baltimore facility. Open positions include batchmakers, filling technician, shade technician, maintenance technician and warehouse technician. “We are having a difficult time trying to hire somebody so we want to bring as many applicants as possible,” Schimmel said.
The only requirement for applicants is that they have a high school diploma. Any prior experience in manufacturing would be a bonus but is not a prerequisite, according to Schimmel. Tuition reimbursement, steady hours, 401K retirement plans and health benefits are just some of the advantages to working for Tnemec.
At the job fair, candidates will have the opportunity to engage in one on one discussions about the company and open positions and tour the facility. They can also drop off resumes and fill out applications. According to Schimmel, candidates should know if they were chosen for a position within 48 hours of the job fair.
“If you would have asked me when I was 21 years old if I thought my career would involve working in paint for 34 years, probably not, but it has served me well, and there is a lot of opportunity here,” Schimmel said.
