FAQs for PMG

PMG provides labor solutions to American manufacturers and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. We’re the folks who have to provide accurate answers for tough questions.  As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. This blog attempts to share the answers to the questions we get asked the most.

What is the difference between a VTL and a VBM?

Great question! VTLs (Vertical Turret Lathes) are very similar to VBMs, (Vertical Boring Mills) but distinctly different. It’s easy to confuse one for the other due to a number of reasons.

1. VBMs are one of the more nuanced machines on the market. Thus, the terminology is not nearly as ubiquitous as VTLs even though VBMs were present in shops much earlier.
2. Adding to the confusion, VBMs can also perform lathe operations.

What really differentiates one from the other? Basically, a VTL is a VBM with a tool turret.

Vertical Turret Lathe (VTL) with 5 Tool Turret:

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This answer naturally leads to the question – what benefits can a tool turret provide to the machining process to improve upon VBM capabilities? The turret provides a few major benefits when compared to a traditional VBM. Namely:

• The ability to perform threading
• Shorter setup times
• Less frequent tool changes

These three benefits have the overall impact of providing more potential operational ability within any one setup. This decreases average machine downtime while increasing production time, resulting in a net gain in efficiency (and, therefore, profit).

Vertical Boring Mill (VBM):

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More Resources

If you’re looking for more information on either machine, start by watching this video of a VTL or this one of a VBM in operation. If you have the machines and need someone to run them, contact our Client Solutions team. Lastly, if you’d like a chance to run a VTL or a VBM on a PMG project, send us your resume at recruiter@pmgservices.com.

Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate

 

Technician Spotlight with PMG CNC Programmer Tai V.

How long have you been working in manufacturing?

I started almost 15 years ago. I worked for small companies and some of the biggest companies in the oil & gas industry. I’ve done a lot of that work, some aerospace, some marine, a little bit of everything really, but lots of oil & gas!

What drew you to the trade?

I was going to college and started a family early. With having a family, I needed to get to work and needed a good wage. I like to work with and fix things. It was a good fit for me because I enjoy math and I’m good at it, so it all came together.

Have you had any formal training?

Mostly it was all hands on, on-the-job, training. I love to learn new things. I started in tool grinding then I went to QC (Quality Control) and learned how to measure and work in precision inspection. From there, I got into machining and started with manual mills and lathes. When I proved to be a quick learner, I got into CNC machining and the rest was history. I love mill and lathe work. I really like the new, advanced, hybrid machines that are coming out. Once you understand the control, you can tell the machine to do whatever you want it to do.

What would you say to a young person considering the skilled trades?

It’s always awesome to make things. In the machining world, we’re the ones that make everything and the ones that make anything. Everything that isn’t grown is made and, if you like to learn new things, this is a great career for you because the learning never stops.

What are some career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

Safety comes before anything. You have to work safe and make sure those around you work safe. You don’t want to get hurt or see anyone else get hurt. I try hard to learn from other people’s mistakes so I don’t have the same issue. I like to learn and I do that with my skills, my knowledge, even good habits and best practices. You should take initiative, do things and make it happen, but you have to follow the rules while you do it. Rules are there for a reason. Always. I don’t break rules but I try to pay enough attention to be able to innovative within them. To be a leader, you have to lead by example and you have to stay within the rules to lead by example.

How did you first learn about PMG?

I was looking for different work when I saw an ad online. I hadn’t really thought about this kind of work (travel/project/contract) before then. That’s mostly because I was only familiar with local temp-work. Then I found PMG and I was tired of doing the same thing, in the same place, so the travel and variety of work interested me. I like learning and problem solving. I really like getting into new industries, facilities and companies. Production machining is fine but it doesn’t give me the chance to do the things, trouble-shoot and improve processes, that I really excel at. Use new tools, improve programs, train people – those are the things I’m good at. I get to do all of that on this project.

What do you like most about working for PMG?

I like that it’s always something different. It lets me get into different places industry-wise and area wise. One thing I will say I like about PMG are things like this spotlight interview and the Technician of the Quarter award. I’ve worked a lot of places where you’ll hear about it if someone thinks you did a bad job but nobody ever takes the time to say you did a good job, let alone interview you to find out more about you because you did. PMG does and I appreciate that a lot.

Before working at PMG, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

Actually, it was all similar stuff and not that interesting to me until I got to PMG. Now, I get to explore. I’d never really traveled widely before. It’s also more interesting machining then I had ever been on. It makes the work more interesting too. Being somewhere new, I get to do a bit more exploring in my off-time compared to at home. I actually got into mountain biking here because New York is a lot more uneven terrain than my part of Texas. I’ve gotten onto a lot of trails here compared to road biking back at home.

What is one thing you miss or wish you had with you while on the road with PMG?

COVID makes it really tough right now to really “balance” things (between work and family). With travel being more difficult, it’s hard to get back and forth from my project, on my off-time. Phone, text, and Facetime help though. Technology is amazing!

When you’re not working, what sort of hobbies do you like to do in your free time?

I LOVE fishing. Last December, I took a tuna trip right before I left for this project. I like the air and the water. It’s all great and relaxing. The biggest fish I ever caught was probably a 10-foot shark, but my favorite fish to catch, and to eat, is flounder. Applying attention and knowledge to the process is really similar between fishing and machining too, I think.

What is something fun you’re looking forward to in 2020?

My family. I miss my family a LOT! This has been a long project. Coronavirus has made it seem even longer, so I’m really looking forward to seeing my family. My kids, my grandma, my mom, my wife… I can’t wait to see them all in-person again.

Summer 2020 is a scorcher and your summer utilities might be feeling the pressure to keep up. Here are a few ways to save your wallet from the high utility bills hot summers can bring.

Use the AC only when you need to

When it’s hot, I like to crank the air conditioning and enjoy relaxing and sleeping in a cold space. However, summer is also filled with trips and plans that might take you away from your home for days at a time. While you’re out, give your AC a break and turn up the house temperature a few degrees. This will help conserve energy and provide savings on your electricity bill.

Clean your vents and AC unit

It’s important to keep your vents and air conditioner clean because build up can cause your AC unit to run harder than it needs to. This results in more energy spent and a higher electricity bill. Depending on your unit, you can do some DIY cleaning using a garden hose and some rags. For your vents, look into some local companies who provide vent cleaning services and make sure you’re changing your filters regularly. If you have pets, I highly recommend getting your vents cleaned annually. These actions will not only help with your electricity bill, but also improve the air quality in your home.

Take advantage of what nature offers you

When mother nature provides your summer utilities some relief, take advantage of it! Open your windows on those cooler days and nights. Adjust your sprinkler system’s schedule when it rains. Taking advantage of mother nature’s gifts can help save your equipment and your wallet.

Invest in sun-blocking shades and drapes

Blinds and drapes are more than just decorative house pieces; they’re decorations that can provide savings on your summer utilities. According to Smart Energy, blinds can reduce heat gain in your home up to 45 percent. Likewise, drapes can also reduce heat gain by 33 percent. With that said, close the blinds and pull the drapes on those warm, sunny days to keep your home cooler and your bills down.

Know how the sun impacts your lawn.

If you have a lot of tree coverage to provide shade, your lawn might grow slower and need less water because it’s not as impacted by the sun. If your lawn gets a lot of sun, try keeping grass a little longer to protect the roots and soil from drying out. Also, watering in the morning and evening when the sun is at it’s lowest can help the ground absorb the water it needs to make it through a sunny day. Every lawn is different and therefore, might require different maintenance and care taking. By knowing how the sun impacts your lawn, you can better understand its water needs and determine where you can save on water and energy costs.

 

For more information on how to save your utilities from overuse and your wallet from overspending, check out 17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer and 13 Tricks to Cut Down on Summer Utility Bills.

 

Looking for more tips this summer? Check out our post on Summer Safety

PMG provides labor solutions to American manufacturers. That’s what we do in a nutshell and we take the “solution” part of that equation seriously. As a result, all of us here end up asking a lot of questions to make sure we find the right way to solve the real problem. But, during that process, we end up getting asked a fair amount of questions ourselves. This blog will provide answers to the things PMG employees get asked the most.

How do you advocate for the skilled trades and technical education?

Glad you asked! PMG takes advocating for technical education, the skilled trades, and careers in manufacturing seriously. We believe it’s a responsibility for all of us within these industries to do our best to promote them as well as we can. But why should we? How can you do so as an individual?

An advocate is a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. The key to advocacy is publicly. You need to make your thoughts, feelings and opinions (your SUPPORT) known generally. This means the real question is how do you do THAT?

Do Your Homework

Make sure you don’t just know the topic, but also go deeper into the details. Make sure you truly understand key issues affecting things as a whole. What are the strengths, challenges, and opportunities for the industry? How can they be influenced? Is the skills gap the problem or just a symptom of the problem? Doing the digging necessary to have real opinions on these questions and others will help you cover a lot of ground in your journey to advocacy.

Think Big

You’re not just representing yourself or your company when you speak or act as an advocate. Therefore, you should consider what influences are affecting every individual and business in your industry. Make sure you understand the challenges and innovations thoroughly and then develop ideas that benefit all those associated. A sincere devotion to improving the situation of someone else will pay dividends to your solution. The more people behind you, the farther and faster you (and your industry) will move.

Build Partnerships

Industries are big entities made up of large numbers of people. Not all of them will be passionate about the same thing. If you can find people in the same industry advocating for different things, then you’ve found potential partners. Take the time to meet with them to discuss ways you can work together to everyone’s benefit. This could help you save time, effort, and resources. Key individuals with solid influence (people who have the power to make changes in their company or sector) are always great finds, but anyone can be a potential partner. As long as an individual is willing to listen to ideas and volunteer suggestions, you know you’ve found a good industry advocate.

Plan for Potholes

The path to progress is long, winding, and sometimes rough. Advocates need to be prepared for a bumpy ride before they ever start the journey. If status quo is causing stagnation, don’t be afraid of being labeled a disruptor. If someone or something is blocking innovation, be brave enough to speak up. It’s the job of an advocate to position growth and success for everyone in an industry. Those who may suppress that positive change for their own benefit should not be allowed to impair improvement for everybody else. What is good for one must be good for all or it’s not truly a solution in the first place.

More Resources For Becoming an Advocate

If you’re looking for more information on advocating for technical education, the skilled trades, or the manufacturing sector, please check out the mikeroweWORKS Foundation or the Titans of CNC Academy.

If you don’t even know whether or not your company is considered part of manufacturing, feel free to view our webinar on how the sector breaks down (it’s free and playable on demand).

Lastly, if you have your own question for PMG, we have an answer and we’d love to share it. Send them to writingteam@pmgservices.com to be answered in future FAQs.

Josh Erickson, ReTool & Technical Solutions Associate

PMG Employee Spotlight with Shane W.

Shane is a Level II NDT Inspector and the Field Services Manager for PMG Energy.

About me

I grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado and my family got into racing dirt bikes pretty seriously. I even went to Grand Nationals in 1998. I did that into my early 20s and then had a serious wreck where I broke my back for the second time. I decided it was time to get into something a little safer after that. Then I got into construction and eventually ended up at a motorcycle service department. That led to oil and gas work and then NDT (Non-Destructive Testing).

What are your main responsibilities as an NDT Inspector?

NDT stands for non-destructive testing. It means you can test a part or component for inspection without ruining or deteriorating that piece. Our main focus with PMG Energy is UT (ultra-sonic testing) inspection, so we actually test the part with sound, right in place. We find flaws and non-conformities and determine what to do with those parts to keep people safe and equipment or systems operating properly.

How did you get into NDT work?

When I found my way into the Oil & Gas sector I worked for and energy services company. I started as a flowback operator and then I got into the inspection side of things in 2012 after 6 years and I never looked back. Flowback work could get kind of dangerous so I just pursued the inspection side looking for something different and found that I loved it. The travel, the work, the detail required, everything. I took a lot of pride in it and still do.

How did you learn about the opportunity with PMG Energy?

I started with PMG on a contract project at an aviation facility in Vermont as a Project Manager while Energy was getting off the ground. When that started to take off, I moved over to the Energy side full-time. We began our first project in the second half of 2017. I’ve been with them ever since. I guess you could say that PMG Energy and I started together.

What do you like most about your job?

I like always learning something new and the travel. You see something new every single day; you’re always going someplace different; you’re always learning, and you never get to think you know it all. I love all of that.

What do you like most about working for PMG?

For PMG Energy: My team. We’ve developed the best team, I think, that is out there. Our guys come from operator backgrounds originally and know the whole process, not just the inspection methods. They have good technical and technology backgrounds too. We always have the right person to fix the issue, no matter what it may be, and keep moving forward. I’m really proud of that.

For PMG generally: We’re fairly calculated and precise in how we run our projects. Non-stop help and assistance. The first PMG project I managed was in Vermont and I never lacked access to help or guidance. I also love how driven everyone is to run things smoothly. It’s always obvious how involved and tight the whole group is in all aspects; from recruiting to sales to accounting; everyone knows what’s going on, what to do, and what their role is supposed to be. That made it easy to transfer the same example over to the Energy side.

What advice would you give to a recent new hire at PMG Energy?

I don’t want to scare anyone off but expect the unexpected. You might have a job come up on short notice, it might require a long drive or you’ll be working in weird weather. So, if you’re always prepared for the unexpected, you never get caught off-guard. That makes it easier and actually makes it fun. We’ve done some pretty cool stuff in some pretty crazy conditions and those are fun stories to tell afterwards.

What do you miss most or wish you had with you on the road?

I’ve been doing this so long I’ve got it pretty dialed in by now. I don’t have anyone I’m leaving at home so when I go on the road, my dog and everything I need comes with me. I can be gone as long as I need to be and I can always deal with the long grass in the yard whenever I get back home.

What are some hobbies you do in your free time?

I just recently got back into riding pretty frequently again. I’m pretty into fitness. I like getting out on the Colorado River and floating the river. You’re never in a hurry once you’re on the river and I like that a lot.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

Probably when I go out east just because I’m not out there very often. Vermont if I have to pick a place. There’s no oilfield there so I’d never have been there if it hadn’t been for PMG. It’s pretty, different and always green. We were there six months so you got to see the full set of seasons. It’s a great state for sight-seeing.

What celebrity/inspirational person do you admire the most?

Either Tom Hardy or Mark Wahlberg. I like their movies and I like how they prepare for a role, whether it’s losing weight or gaining weight or whatever they need to do. I also just like them as individuals.

What did you want to be when growing up?

I wanted to be a dirt bike racer. I even brought my dirt bike in for show and tell.

You’re happiest when…

… I’m out with my dog. She’s a 6-year-old pit-bull mix. She’s always up for a ride in any kind of vehicle and she’s a great partner for adventures.

Want to know more about PMG Energy? Check out their website here.

PMG Employee Spotlight with Colleen B.

Colleen is an Administrative Receptionist who joined PMG just over a year ago.

About me

I was born and raised in Minnesota (just like PMG!) and enjoy baking a lot. I also love to travel and watch truly binge-worthy TV shows.

What are your main responsibilities as an Administrative Receptionist?

My main role has changed a bit with COVID19 because I don’t have to meet and greet as much as I do when I’m (physically) in the office. I’m often the first face people “see” when they interact with PMG, either on the phone or at the front door, so I’m always trying to set a good impression. Otherwise, I’m a jack of all trades who tries to help wherever I’m needed.

How did you learn about the opportunity with PMG?

I actually started as a temp recruiter in March of 2019 and helped on projects until I was able to transition into my current role full-time a few months later.

What do you like most about your job?

I enjoy getting to be part of different departments and tasks. From Sales to Lead Generation to Technical Solutions to Accounting – it’s fun to work with so many different people and be a part of everything without having to be fully invested in it all 100% of the time.

What do you like most about working for PMG?

I actually grew up in the hospitality and food service industry and I’ve never been a member of a corporate office anywhere. That’s been an enlightening and rewarding experience by itself. It’s also about the people here. We’re a younger office, in general, with great people and predominately female leadership. That is all important to me and unique in this industry. I’m really proud to be part of something so great, yet so different from the norm.

What are some hobbies you do in your free time?

I go on a lot of walks by myself. I enjoy my alone time. I choose not to drive, ever, so I like to explore things on foot. I do like a good restaurant or concert or show of some kind too.

Where is the best place you’ve traveled and why?

Probably New Orleans. I love that city. I went for a week by myself once. It has old charm but is designed to be a city where you can have a good time too.

What celebrity/inspirational person do you admire the most?

Reese Witherspoon. She always does a great job whether it’s as June Carter Cash or Elle Woods. I’ve never seen her in a bad movie.

What did you want to be when growing up?

I did want to be a princess at one point. I also wanted to live in a house by myself with no kids and live in peace. I have a good start on that thus far. Both of my parents always worked in restaurants so I grew up really wanting to do that as well.

You’re happiest when…

…it’s St. Patrick’s Day (I’m Irish) and I’m with my family.

What advice would you give to a recent new hire at PMG?

Take every opportunity given to you. Take that extra training day. If you don’t know how to do it, ask someone to teach you. You can never ask enough questions.

What’s your favorite restaurant and what must you order there?

My favorite restaurant is Saint Dinette in downtown St. Paul. Their cheeseburger is to die for!

Want to read more employee spotlights? Check out more posts on our blog!

Q&A with PMG Machine Operator Jennifer P.

How long have you been working in manufacturing?

I’ve been in manufacturing for 16 years now. I started off in fast food for a year or so and wound up in manufacturing and have loved it ever since.

What drew you to the trade?

It was wanting that feeling that I’ve done something at work and getting that satisfaction that I made something that matters and has a purpose.

Before working at PMG, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

The most interesting job I had was working at a plant that made airplane brakes. Seeing the process that is required for it was very cool. It takes months to do. To make “just” a brake. Then being on a plane afterwards, knowing I had a part in that, was amazing.

What do you like most about working for PMG?

I knew someone working for PMG and it took me awhile to get on my first assignment. Now I’ve been on 4 or 5 assignments and I’ve been on this last one, as a machine operator, for almost 2 years solid. The reason I love PMG is that they’ll take care of you if you take care of them. My work ethic is very strong and I appreciate the way they appreciate that.

What is one thing you miss or wish you had with you while on the road with PMG?

Not too much actually. I love meeting new people and seeing new things and places. So, really, the whole thing works great for me.

What are some career lessons you’ve learned thus far?

The main thing for me is you can always learn something, no matter where you go or what you’re doing. I’ve met a lot of people that think they already know everything and I’ve been learning new things for 16 years so anyone can.

When you’re not working, what sort of hobbies do you like to do in your free time?

I’m definitely a movie person. I love going to theaters. Right now (during COVID-19 restrictions), I watch a lot of movies on my phone. I love music and the outdoors too. I like to get outside when I can on assignment too.

What is something fun you’re looking forward to in 2020?

Nothing special. I just want to be as happy and productive as I can be.

 

To learn more about PMG technicians, check out our blog for other Q&A sessions!

Crisis Management in manufacturing is critical. Let PMG help you punch out your crisis!

Crisis: “an unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive change is impending. A situation that has reached a critical phase” (Thanks Merriam Webster)!

We all know the world is experiencing a major crisis right now. I’m not going to write another article on it or call out the cause(s). What’s important is what we do to address a crisis when it happens and how we find a way to turn it into an opportunity.

I won’t get political and talk about the best steps to address our current crisis, but I am here to let you know how PMG can help you, as a manufacturer OR a skilled manufacturing worker!

In the event you’re not aware of  PMG’s role as a Labor Solutions Provider or why to use Labor Solutions from PMG, check us out! We don’t just help when companies have a backlog, a peak season, or large orders – we help during times of crisis. And, we don’t just provide temporary jobs; we provide careers.

How do we do it? I’ll talk first to the manufacturers out there.

Regardless of industry or product, we can work with you! For manufacturers, first and foremost, you need a Crisis Management Plan. Once that’s in place and you find yourself using it, PMG is the ideal partner. We can help you further refine your crisis management plan (if needed) but most importantly, we provide a rapid response service. We rapidly deploy our workforce of highly skilled technicians to your facility, to ensure your crisis is averted and/or managed as best as possible.

As a manufacturer, what type of PMG technicians will help you? The list below describes a few.

• Machinists
• Welders
• Maintenance Technicians
• Assemblers
• Material Handlers & Lift Truck Operators
• Other critical manufacturing employees

However, that’s not where we stop. We can provide many more! Our technicians not only travel to your facility very quickly, but they also come with the skills and experience needed to ramp up quickly and make an immediate impact on your production.

Now, for the workers out there – How can we help you in a time of crisis?

Because of our partnerships with companies across the US, we have many opportunities available for skilled manufacturing employees. Wondering what that means for you? Check out our webinar explaining just that, and if you’re interested, see what it takes to work on the road with PMG.

Are you wondering if you have the skills and experience? PMG has skilled workers with a variety of experience and backgrounds. I could list all the positions here, but it’s more easily summarized by saying: “if it’s a job in manufacturing, it’s a career with PMG”.

Our technicians work with us year in and year out. This isn’t just a job to them, this is a career. Utilizing their skills and abilities, our technicians work solely with PMG because it provides them the opportunity to travel and explore, work a flexible schedule and have time off between projects. Also,  they experience working within facilities and for companies with technology, projects, and distinction that aren’t  available locally. If YOU are interested in joining the PMG team and want to take your career to a new level, apply here.

And remember some wise words from Desmond Tutu: “A time of crisis is not just a time of anxiety and worry. It gives a chance, an opportunity, to choose well or to choose badly.”  Choose well, choose PMG.

Kim Mooney, Technical Manager & Coach