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The Shapemakers by The Aluminum Extruders CouncilAuthor: The Aluminum Extruder's Council
The Shapemakers from the Aluminum Extruders Council is a podcast series that provides valuable information about timely and relevant aluminum extrusion topics. Whether its details about the tariffs on imports of aluminum profiles from China, how building and energy codes may affect aluminum extrusion products, or the industrys efforts to attract and train the next generation of aluminum extrusion designers, engineers and employees, The Shapemakers podcast promises to enlighten and inspire all who listen. This show will appeal to all those interested in how market, economic and industry forces are shaping the aluminum extrusion world whether youre an AEC member, an aluminum industry professional or aluminum extrusion customer. This show has something for everyone interested in learning more about aluminum extrusions. Language: en Genres: Business, Careers, Education Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Safety + HR Workshop Preview (with Melvin Mitchell)
Episode 67
Monday, 8 September, 2025
Host: Jason Weber, President, Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) Guest: Melvin “Mel” Mitchell, EHS Director, MI Metals Episode Summary Jason sits down with longtime safety pro Melvin Mitchell to preview AEC’s upcoming Safety & HR Workshop + Plant Tour—two tightly packed days at the Westin Atlanta Airport, October 28–29. Why combine Safety and HR? Because that’s how the real world runs: overlapping responsibilities, shared culture, and one goal—send everyone home safe while building great teams. You’ll hear what’s on the agenda (from molten metal and maintenance safety to employment law and recruiting more women and veterans), why the Bonnell Aluminum—Noonan plant tour is a can’t-miss (three+ years with no recordable incidents), and exactly why the best ideas often spark on the post-session barstool. Register early—bus seats for the plant tour are limited, and early/group rates sweeten the deal. The event is open to members and non-members, with sponsorships available. Why Listen Get a field-tested map of the two-track program (Safety + HR) and how they connect. Learn how culture, behavior, and systems turn safety from posters into performance. Steal practical ideas you can apply next shift—not next year. Program Highlights Safety Track Keynote: Changing mindsets and driving a safety culture transformation (Chris Andrews, EHS Manager, Bonnell Aluminum—Noonan) Workshops & Breakouts: Cast house & molten metal safety (and why your scrap prep matters) Emergency preparedness & first-responder training Maintenance tech safety: practical risk reduction Human behavior: common pitfalls and proven fixes Safety panel: interactive problem-solving with peers HR Track Leadership Keynote: “The Power Position”—shifting cultures and driving results (Emily Nichols-Mitchell, Accelerations Group) Sessions: Employment law essentials: ICE/I-9, workers’ comp, hot-button issues (Philip Russell, Ogletree Deakins) Integrating veterans into manufacturing teams (John Buckley, Textron Aviation) Reaching women in operations—expanding the talent pipeline Future-of-work challenges (Performance Point LLC) HR panel: candid Q&A on today’s toughest people challenges Plant Tour Bonnell Aluminum — Noonan, GA See the systems, standards, and behaviors behind 3+ years with no recordable incidents—a live look at excellence in action. Who Should Attend Safety leaders, HR pros, operations managers, plant supervisors, and anyone who wears both hats (because… many do). Key Takeaways Safety and HR are two sides of one culture—align them and performance compounds. Behavior + systems beat posters and pep talks. Peer networking accelerates solutions you can deploy immediately. Seeing best-in-class operations in person changes how you lead back home. Logistics & Registration When/Where: October 28–29, Westin Atlanta Airport (not downtown—easy in/out). Plant Tour: Wednesday morning; limited coach capacity—register early to secure a seat. Pricing: Early-bird and multi-attendee discounts available. Open Access: AEC members and non-members welcome. Sponsorships: Opportunities available for suppliers and extruders—helps offset costs and boosts visibility. Pro tip from Mel: Don’t leave your hotel to chance—book early. Atlanta traffic doesn’t care about your first session. Register early, bring your team, and claim those tour seats. (And if you’re a supplier or extruder, consider a sponsorship—it fuels the content and keeps costs in check.) https://members.aec.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1970710&group=
