As Felling celebrates 45 years of manufacturing trailers, we continue to look back and see how much our company, along with our employees, have grown. Many of you may already know the story of how Felling Trailers started as a small fabrication shop in downtown Sauk Centre in 1974. Continuing to add to this story, we invite you to read our “Grow with Us Series – 6.” Here you will meet the people of Felling; we will share a bit about the people that have played a part in what our company is today and where we will be tomorrow. Some of the people you will meet have been with us for many years, some decades, and then others are just starting their careers with us. To continue our series, we would like you to meet Jeremy Kuperus, Robot Operator/Senior Welder for Felling Trailers, Inc. in Sauk Centre, MN.
Jeremy Kuperus
Robot Operator/Senior Welder Felling Trailers
Name: Jeremy Kuperus
Status: 9 years
Title: Robot Operator/Senior Welder
Early Years as a Laser Operator at Felling
Jeremy joined the Felling Trailer’s Team in the fall of 2010 as a laser operator for Felling’s second shift (night shift) that was to be implemented in early 2011. Before the second shift could be implemented, additional staff needed to be added to the company roster. As Felling added team members for the second shift they would be trained with day shift team members. Here they would learn the inner workings of the department(s) and the machines they would soon use on the night shift. “I was hired to run the laser on the night shift, but nights did not happen right away, so I helped out maintenance a lot and ran the drill,” said Jeremy. Jeremy was initially hired through the Work Connection and then was offered a full-time position with Felling.
More than a Just a Job, more like a Family
Once the second shift was in full operation, Jeremy ran the Hankwang laser, FS 4020. “At first it was just a job, but by the time I went on nights I loved the people. I really liked how much it seems like a big family here at Felling,” said Jeremy. On the laser, Jeremy was responsible for inputting jobs through the laser’s computer system, maintaining the material levels for continuous workflow, monitoring the operation and quality of the outputted jobs that the laser-produced.
“At first it was just a job, but by the time I went on nights I loved the people. I really liked how much it seems like a big family here at Felling.”
– Jeremy Kuperus, Robot Operator/Senior Welder
Moving to Day Shift and a Robotics Career
Before his time with Felling, Jeremy had worked for another local manufacturer, Standard Iron, where he received his introduction lasers and robotics. “In 2003, I started at Standard Iron were I was trained in on the lasers, saw, plasma table, punch press, press brake, and drills. While I was there, I wanted to learn everything I could. I like learning new things, and I was pretty good at it,” said Jeremy. Jeremy’s interest and knowledge in robotics and automation continued to grow. In 2014 Felling purchased their Genesis Robot to assist in the production process of dump trailer door assemblies and ramps. At this time, Jeremy decided that it was time to transition from the night shift to day shift and the opportunity of working with the Genesis would be an ideal fit. He then talked with his supervisor and owners at Felling Trailers to let his interest be known. “When I asked to be put on the Robot, it meant moving to dayshift, which would help at home too. But I also really wanted to learn more about robotics, it seemed pretty cool,” said Jeremy.
“When I asked to be put on the Robot, it meant moving to dayshift, which would help at home too. But I also really wanted to learn more about robotics, it seemed pretty cool.”
– Jeremy Kuperus, Robot Operator/Senior Welder
Witnessing Growth & Positive Change
Through his time here at Felling, Jeremy has witnessed significant growth and change for the company. From being one of the first-night shift crewmembers to seeing the expansion of the company to a second manufacturing facility, then adding a weekend shift, the number of team members continues to grow. “There are a lot more people here, and it is a lot more organized. With all the new people come new ways to do things. One thing I really like now is our quality of welding. It has improved a lot. Overall the changes and growth have been good,” said Jeremy. We are glad to have Jeremy as part of our team, thank you, Jeremy!
Are you interested in becoming part of the Felling Team? Learn more about a career at Felling Trailers and grow with us!
This is the sixth feature in our “Grow with Us” series. Read the other stories about Sheri Leonard, Human Resource & Safety Coordinator, Brian Lawver, Weld Supervisor, Greg Waletzko, Quality Assurance Manager at Felling Trailers, and Kristie Moritz, Scheduling Coordinator.
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