18 S T U F F • 2 0 1 8 • StuffMadeinMA.com
BY RYAN LESSARD
Making a difference
Early in their careers, young
manufacturers want to follow their passion
and work with fun products and machines
Z
ildjian Cymbal, an American company tracing its roots
back to a 17th century Armenian alchemist who made
cymbals for the Ottoman army in Turkey, still uses a lot of
its ancient secrets to make cymbals today, in Norwell.
But lathe operator Jason Mercier says the equipment and processes
have changed.
"Obviously, they modernized some of the things … just to keep
consistency," Mercier said.
First manufacturer gig
He describes the process as a mix between machine automation and
a hand-crafted artisan touch.
Mercier, who plays drums and guitar, took the job at Zildjian after
finding an online posting. He'd previously worked restaurant jobs.
This is his first manufacturing job, and Mercier, who grew up with
music, says it's a good fit for him.
Prior to operating the lathes, Mercier worked in the rolling mill,
which thins the metal. After the metal is heated it in ovens, it's put
through rollers multiple times to get it to the right size.
Then it's cut, hammered and pressed, Mercier said.
"When it comes to the lathe, you shave it off with a chisel by hand,
break off the oxidized metal," he said.
The point is to smooth out the metal and get rid of the grit and
other imperfections.
Since starting his job at Zildjian, Mercier said he's grown to really
like it. He learns a lot and there are many ways to move up in the
company, operating different tools and learning new techniques.
Jason Mercier, 26
Lathe operator
Company: Zildjian Cymbal
Company location: Norwell
Lives: Abington
Education level: High school diploma
Salary: $17/hour
P H O T O / M A T T H E W W R I G H T
Zildjian workers shape cymbals through a precise manufacturing process.
