(ABILENE, Texas) – Representatives from Tower Extrusions say Texas State Technical College is producing the kind of skilled employees the company needs.
“You have the basic knowledge, which gives you a leg up in the industry. That is what we need,” said Trampas Patton, packing department manager at the company’s Olney plant. “We want to upskill your current talents.”
Tower Extrusions attended TSTC’s recent Industry Job Fair in Abilene and later returned to speak with Industrial Maintenance and Electrical Power and Controls students about career opportunities.
“Everything you do in class, we do at our facilities,” Patton said. “You are further along in your current field than you can imagine.”
After the hourlong presentation, many students stayed behind to speak one-on-one with company representatives.
Tower Extrusions began in 1977 with the purchase of the former Republic Aluminum Extrusion facility in Olney. Since then, the company has expanded its operations to better serve customers and now has facilities in Wylie and Puerto Rico.
“We are huge and we are growing,” said Colson Ballard, die shop manager. “We are looking for the next group of talent, and that could include you.”
Michael Blevins, human resources manager, said the company is willing to work with students who want to begin a job while still attending school.
Patton said he never realized how versatile the extrusion industry could be.
“Anywhere you look, there is aluminum — from windows and door frames to a whiteboard,” he said.
Patton added that Tower Extrusions’ work can be seen in many places, including stadiums, Texas Motor Speedway and even the tents used for the upcoming NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this spring.
Blevins said the privately owned company is committed to its employees, noting that it has never had layoffs, even during economic downturns or the pandemic.
“While transportation demand is down this year, building construction has taken off recently,” Ballard added.
The visit marked Tower Extrusions’ first trip to TSTC’s Abilene campus. Patton said he plans to return to speak with more students in the future.
Registration for the spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.