Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1034678
F a l l 2 0 1 8 • S T U F F 6 7 S T U F F M a d e I n C T . c o m MERCANTILE DEVELOPMENT, INC. MDI is a third-generation, family-owned and operated manufacturer of professional-grade industrial wiping products. Known as The Wiper Specialists®, the team at MDI converts a wide variety of high-quality, nonwoven materials into its proprietary Pro-Series® brand wipers that are used in workplaces worldwide for critical cleaning applications. This all happens at a 155,000-square-foot facility where a creative, experienced team of engineers, set-up mechanics, maintenance technicians and machine operators skillfully guides thousands of linear yards of raw material through state-of-the-art converting and packaging lines. I was hired at MDI as a machine operator. My responsibilities have grown to include shop floor administration and material testing in our quality lab. Now I'm designing a new machine operator training program. www.MDIWipers.com Address: 10 Waterview Dr., Shelton, CT 06484 Phone: 800-333-0900 Full-time employees: 48 Year founded: 1947 Owners: Lucia Furman, Calla Morgan, Jenna Fankhanel C O M PA N Y P R O F I L E From auto-body shops to restaurants to clean manufacturing environments, industrial wipers are used for a broad range of tasks as an integral part of the work process, including prepping vehicle surfaces for the paint booth, sanitizing table tops and cleaning critical parts with solvents. MDI meets unique customer requirements by converting nonwoven materials engineered with optimum performance features into high-performance wipers designed for specific applications. The company's flexible and modern high-speed production equipment and efficient shop floor procedures allow for customization of product finish, format, size, packaging and dispensing method. The end result — a cost effective, task- driven cleaning tool, protective of both people and work processes — is worlds apart from traditional shop towels or rags which can contaminate clean manufacturing environments. P R O D U C T S M A R K E T S / C U S TO M E R S I S O 9 0 0 1 : 2 0 1 5 • C E R T I F I E D • MDI is always looking for talented local people with a passion for quality, a mind for creative solutions and a commitment to collaborating with team members to achieve business goals. The company creates long-term career opportunities for employees by investing in workforce training and development, including an apprenticeship program. New talent is always in demand in quality, maintenance and production — especially for skillful machine operators, set-up mechanics and maintenance technicians. MDI is committed to continuous improvement and investment in infrastructure and technology to ensure a sustainable business. MDI takes the well-being of its staff seriously and offers extraordinary benefits for a small business, including 100 percent health coverage for employees, 401(k), profit-sharing, tuition reimbursement, and an on-site fitness facility. Team members also like to have fun together at social events, such as the company's Thanksgiving potluck luncheon and Summer Olympics. C A R E E R / J O B O P P O R T U N I T I E S C O M PA N Y B E N E F I T S POSITION: Lead Operator Apprentice AGE: 30 SCHOOL: Naugatuck Valley Community College; continuing education at Central Connecticut State University YEARS AT COMPANY: 9 Charles Gill Leading-edge converting and packaging lines