Gray Programmer/Machinist Recognized for Outstanding Contributions
Compass Precision is proud to announce Jeremiah Aversa, CNC programmer/machinist at Gray Manufacturing, as its February Employee of the Month.
Jeremiah Aversa is a Southern California guy. He and his family moved east in 2017, searching for a better life and professional opportunities. Clover, SC satisfied the first objective. And since September 2021, Gray Manufacturing has provided the second.
Back in California, Jeremiah got his taste for CNC machining starting in 2011 with Melkes Machine of South El Monte, CA, which became S&H Melkes through an ownership change in 2015. After starting out in the tool crib, Jeremiah learned to run all sorts of machines there, including multi-axis mills a few times. He really liked this job, particularly the challenges associated with making parts for the aerospace industry.
But as living in California became increasingly expensive, Jeremiah and his wife Catherine started to explore alternatives. One thing led to another. Soon Jeremiah found himself flying to Charlotte for an interview with Duff Norton, a local manufacturer of lift jacks for industrial applications and a unit of Columbus McKinnon. No 5-axis machines at Duff, and no aerospace parts. But Jeremiah returned to California with job offer in hand. With Catherine’s support, he accepted it and moved himself to Clover immediately. Catherine, daughter Vivian, and son Anthony followed three months later when the school year ended, leaving only the couple’s oldest son Thomas behind with his grandparents.
At Duff Norton, Jeremiah quickly excelled as a general machinist, then advanced into CMM, then CNC, programming. Along the way, something important happened. Jeremiah met Jacob Trahan, an up-and-coming manufacturing engineer. The two hit it off, never knowing where their relationship might lead.
In August 2021, Compass Precision hired Jacob away to become General Manager of Gray Manufacturing. His first hire was Jeremiah, who joined Jacob at Gray a month later.
“I could hardly believe my good fortune when Jacob called me,” said Jeremiah. “Working at Columbus McKinnon was fine. But I missed the challenges of running all sorts of different machines. And making complex parts for lots of space customers is a lot more interesting than what I used to do.”
“Once I showed up at Gray, I started to think about how we could fill some of the openings we had,” explained Jacob. “Jeremiah was the first person I thought of. I was thrilled when he accepted our offer and even happier on how well it has worked out.”
Since joining Gray, Jeremiah has moved up a steep learning curve of operating, then programming, the company’s Mikron 5-axis mills. He principally programs and runs one of the company’s Mikron 700 U 5-axis units, the most expensive and sophisticated machines the company has. But on any given day, he will go wherever Jacob and Evan Grose, Gray’s Operations Manager, need him.
“We have a lot of great employees at Gray,” stated Evan. “That’s what makes us unique, different and better from a typical machine shop. Jeremiah jumped in with both feet when he joined us. He wants to learn everything he can and contribute in every way possible. He is such a pleasure to work with.”
And working at Gray Manufacturing is quickly becoming a family affair for the Aversa’s. Jeremiah’s daughter Vivian, now 19-years-old, joined Gray in August 2022 as a quality technician. Although not identified, she is the person pictured operating Gray’s new vision inspection system in the January 17, 2023, news release announcing this investment (Gray Manufacturing Invests in Microscope Vision System (January 17, 2023) – Compass Precision, LLC).
“I really like working here,” said Jeremiah. “And I never want to stop learning. We have a talented group. I can’t wait to see how many new parts we get to make and what new machines we get to install here at Gray.”