Today, our team is building on generations of brushmaking experience through automation, digital technology, continuous improvement, our Brush Innovation Center, and programs like TWIST that give the next generation an opportunity to learn manufacturing by doing it.
We’re proud of where SanMac has been, but even more energized by where this team is taking it.
Thank you to AIM for recognizing the work happening in Palmer and for supporting the future of manufacturing across Massachusetts.
Recently, we had the privilege of welcoming several Sanderson MacLeod retirees back to the plant—to reconnect with old friends, meet today’s team, and see how the operation has evolved.
We showed them new automation, digital production reporting, our Setup Operator development program, and some of the investments we’re making in our people and processes. But the best part was seeing how much of today’s progress is still rooted in what they built.
Irene once produced as many as 3,000 brushes a day by hand. During the tour, she got to see the automated cell carrying that process forward and meet Kristin, the operator running it today.
Following the tradition of our Rosie machine, we also made Irene a promise: the machine will be repainted, recommissioned, and proudly named the IRENE-I.
Then there’s Ray S., who ran General Products for decades. Long before dashboards and real-time reporting, Ray managed much of what we’re trying to capture digitally today—with experience, discipline, and a yellow legal pad.
Having Ray back with our current team was invaluable. He was humble and reflective, sharing his perspective while taking a genuine interest in where we’re headed.
Recently added to the retiree list is Chris…who left not too long ago. We got to showcase one of Chris’s last projects—a completely automatic acrylic dipping line. His work has been carried on by the OSI team and he got to see it run full production.
The tools have changed. The knowledge behind them hasn’t.
To our retirees who came back to visit: thank you for helping build the foundation we continue to improve upon today. Your fingerprints are still all over it.
At Sanderson MacLeod, we know that the future of American manufacturing depends on developing the next generation of skilled technical leaders—and that starts with strong partnerships.
That’s why we’re proud to collaborate with Pathfinder Regional Tech High through our TWIST (Technical Work Instruction and Skills Training) program. Pathfinder is a powerhouse when it comes to preparing students for real-world success, and their recent $730,000 award through the Career Technical Initiative is proof of the impact they’re making.
By combining hands-on technical education with real manufacturing experience, programs like TWIST not only help students build valuable skills, but also strengthen the talent pipeline our industry needs to remain competitive in the United States.
Congratulations to Pathfinder and all the CTI grant recipients—together, we’re building the workforce of tomorrow.
