Design Ready Controls Leads Way in Tight Job Market

Brooklyn Park manufacturer Design Ready Controls has been named 2018 Manufacturer of the Year by the Manufacturers Alliance. One of the things that stands out about the company is its ability to recruit and develop talent in a tight labor market.

Chrissy Peloquin had no idea five years ago manufacturing would become her dream job after looking for a career change from years at Target.

“I have a degree in psychology, so I knew that would be cross-functional to any industry. I came across this job, and it’s been the best decision I ever made,” said Peloquin.

Peloquin started in customer service with Design Ready Controls. Four years later, Peloquin has worked her way up to director of operations at this growing company that makes electrical control panels primarily for the heating and cooling industry.

“It’s innovative. Something that you roll out a new process in the morning, it may change by that afternoon. It’s ever changing, and it’s always different,” said Peloquin about her work in manufacturing.

Historically, women are underrepresented in manufacturing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2016 just under a third of the manufacturing workforce was women.

“It is difficult. We’ve really had to develop our training program, so we can get people coming in without that manufacturing experience, and we can train them in house and give them the opportunity to grow their career within manufacturing,” said Jessica Lyons, human resources manager at Design Ready Controls.

Amid a tight labor market, Design Ready Controls has 20 open positions. The company is looking to men and women of different backgrounds and ages to fill the openings.

“What we’re really looking for is somebody that wants to come in and wants to learn. They want a job, they want to be here everyday,” said Lyons.

“If you have the drive and passion, anyone can work in this industry,” said Peloquin.

In April, Peloquin will be recognized in Washington D.C., one of 130 women honored for their contributions to the field with a STEP Ahead Award. It’s a big step for someone who had no idea five years ago manufacturing would become her career.

“You do not have to have that background in a technical degree or be an engineer by any means,” said Peloquin.

Design Ready Controls is also part of a state pipeline program that pays for the full cost of a degree for its employees.

Brooklyn Park

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