Quality Products Welder Al Farrar Becomes Compass Precision Employee of the Month
The northern English surname Farrar means “a smith or worker in iron.” With that in mind, it’s not at all surprising Al Farrar became a welder at Quality Products & Machine, LLC, where he’s worked for 18 years.
In March, he became the first Employee of the Month at Compass Precision.
“Al is a well-rounded employee. He has great attendance, is knowable and most importantly, he shows good character,” said Quality Products Operations Manager Patrick Mayne. “He is always helping others and goes the extra mile to get the job done.
“It’s been great watching Al grow as a key employee here at QP. I remember when we challenged Al to become the host of our LEAN meetings. He was nervous the first couple of times. Since then, we have worked together on key points and public speaking techniques. It’s been a joy to watch him overcome his fear of public speaking.”
Al is proud to have returned his family name to its roots. His grandfather and great-grandfather worked in business while his father was a computer programmer, but from an early age, Al took a strong interest in auto racing while growing up in Gastonia, North Carolina. His fascination with cars drew him into a career in manufacturing.
A few years after earning an Associates & Science Degree and mastering welding through night classes, Al became a pipe welder at Quality Products in 2002. He hasn’t left and has become an intricate part of the staff over his 18-year stint.
“It’s kind of the way I was raised,” Al said when asked about his long tenure. “Don’t be a job hopper, dedicate yourself. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Every job is a portrait of the person that you are. Autograph your work with excellence.’”
Al has held various responsibilities at Quality Products. In addition to contributing as a lead welder, he has served as a fabricator, safety manager and lean meeting organizer. Al is also certified in MIG & TIG through the American Welding Society and American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Al married his wife Becky a year prior to joining Quality Products in 2001. The couple have a 13-year-old son, Rocky. Al works on restoring cars in his free time and wants to instill his passion for learning how things work in his son.