For more than three decades, Bob Birch has been a steady presence on the shop floor at Miller Fabrication Solutions. Since joining the team in 1994, he has worked across multiple machines and roles, ultimately finding his niche running the brake press. 

In this Q&A, Bob reflects on his career and what has kept him at Miller for more than 30 years.

Q: What is your title, and what does your role involve today?

I’m a press operator. I’ve been running the brake press for more than 25 years – bending parts, making sure everything is right and getting them out the door. 

Q: When did you join Miller, and how did you get started here?

I joined in June of 1994 as a machinist. My oldest brother encouraged me and my other brother to work at Miller. We both started at the same time, and my brother was here for about 10 years. The opportunity to learn how to run the machines appealed to me, so I’m glad I listened to my brother. 

Q: What led you to move from machining into press operation?

Around 2000, Miller needed someone to run the press, and I volunteered. Back then, you had to do all the programming yourself – figuring out degrees and entering everything manually. I enjoyed running the press and learning something new, and I’ve stayed with it ever since.

Q: How has the role changed as Miller has invested in new technology?

It’s gotten easier and more fun over time. With the laser and the upgraded plasma table, there’s less deburring, and parts bend nicer coming off the laser. The presses have also been upgraded with new computer boards and motors. The parts run more accurately now, which makes a big difference day to day. You don’t have to stand there and mess with small details and adjustments as much, because the press does more work automatically. Basically, everything runs smoother.

Q: Is there a moment from your time at Miller that really stands out?

The flood of 1996. We could see the water coming up at around 8 in the morning, and by 10 a.m., it was pouring in through the doors. We spent the day moving welders, tools and office files upstairs. After that, it took about three months to get everything cleaned up and running again. Cleaning mud and silt out of the machines was basically my full-time job during that time. I had one brake press running within a month, but it took longer to get everything else fully back online.

Q: You’ve had opportunities to move into other roles. Why did you choose to stay on the press?

I could have moved into a lead role, but I wanted to stay hands-on. I like running the press and producing parts. I also like training people and showing them how to do the work. 

Q: After more than three decades, what’s kept you at Miller?

Miller is a great place to work, the wages and benefits are good and my job is interesting. It’s a good career. If you want to learn a certain skill, they’ll train you. If you want to run a machine or try something new, they give you the chance. They don’t hold anybody back.