Chatsworth Products (CPI) this month announced that it was recently named a finalist for the Community Impact Award at the 2022 Austin Regional Manufacturing Awards. During a special luncheon and awards ceremony hosted by the Austin Regional Manufacturers Association (ARMA) on February 23 in Austin, Texas, members of CPI’s executive team and CPI’s Georgetown, Texas facility attended and represented the organization among a wide variety of central Texas manufacturers and nominees, including Tesla, Firefly Aerospace and NXP Semiconductors.
The afternoon also featured a special panel discussion on the partnerships formed between manufacturers and the local communities in which they live and work, which included CPI HR business partner manager, Amanda Siek.
The awards recognition not only highlights CPI's commitment to innovation and excellence in the manufacturing industry, but the company’s dedication to serving the local communities in which it resides and works. These include: CPI’s global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Simi Valley, California; its Research, Development and Training Center (RD&T) and manufacturing facility in Georgetown, Texas (for which the ARMA award nomination pertains); its Electronics and Software Technology Center in Round Rock, Texas; and the company’s U.S. east coast operations and manufacturing facilities in New Bern, North Carolina and State College, Pennsylvania. Internationally, the company also maintains sales offices and presence in Toronto, London, Mexico City, Dubai, Qatar and Shanghai.
Melissa Aleman, CPI's chief human resources Officer and one of CPI’s luncheon participants and attendees, remarked:
“We are incredibly proud to have been nominated for the ARMA Community Impact Award. Not only does it help shine a light on the hard work and passion that our CPI Employee Owners display each and every day, but it represents CPI’s dedication to working within our local communities throughout the year—and on special occasions like Manufacturing Day—which introduces new generations to how essential production work is while inspiring young minds to find their calling through real-world experience and exposure.“
As indicated in the statement from CPI’s Aleman, one of the company’s most meaningful community outreach events has been its annual participation in helping promote manufacturing education through its Manufacturing Day event. For seven years running, CPI has joined other local Central Texas manufacturers in partnering with the Georgetown Independent School District (GISD) to welcome high school students to visit CPI’s Georgetown manufacturing facility.
As stated by CPI, "Not only does the occasion give students a unique, first-hand look at the manufacturing process in action, but it introduces them to the various career paths available in the field. This is especially useful at a time when staffing and retaining skilled workers in production roles is critical to company success and longevity, as reckoned by the company."
Through CPI’s partnership with GISD, the company says it continues to help inspire the next generation of manufacturers and innovators. By sharing its knowledge and expertise with students in a real-world setting, the manufacturer said it is helping to break down the barriers that often prevent young people from pursuing careers in manufacturing. According to a press release, "As a result, the partnership has been instrumental in creating a pipeline of new, young talent that is more readily equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry and help CPI continue to thrive."
CPI notes its commitment to continuing education extends well beyond the Manufacturing Day event. The company also supports various STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math] initiatives across all of its U.S.-based facilities, including sponsorship of local robotics competitions and mentorships for students pursuing STEM degrees.
As the manufacturing industry continues to evolve and grow, CPI said the company "looks forward to continuing to contribute to the future of the manufacturing workforce by [supporting] the people and organizations whose hard work and passion for these essential jobs remains as vital as ever."
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