N.W. Metal Fabricators

In a competitive labor environment, savvy employers focus on the employee experience. As family-owned and -operated N.W. Metal Fabricators nears 40 years of providing fabrication services to the Hermiston area, its employee-first approach has translated into increased engagement and longer tenures.

General manager Aaron Karlson attributes the success to having the right people in the right positions. That could be experienced welders handling precision jobs or managers who use their leadership skills to reinforce the company’s commitment to a safer workplace.

When toolroom manager Don Morgan was hired four years ago, safety duties were added to the position. This put an employee who would become a familiar and trusted face to all teams in the driver’s seat for safety. Building his safety knowledge as he became familiar with the company’s operations, Don took questions to SAIF Senior Safety Management Consultant Luke Betts. Working closely with Luke and using resources provided by SAIF such as employer training sessions, Don keeps the safety program evolving to meet the needs of a growing operation and in line with OSHA requirements.

While Don is the cornerstone of the safety program, the company is intentional about providing opportunities for all employees to be involved in the safety improvement process. The safety committee includes supervisors, office staff, and production staff who serve in two-year rotations. They conduct a half-day safety training session for all employees yearly and integrate safety topics into regular standups.

With rapid growth in the region driven by expanding food processing facilities and new data centers, the company has doubled its employee count over the last seven years to handle the new business. Even with the growth, the results of its commitment to safety speak for themselves. The company saw continued improvement in its experience rating and had just a single Oregon OSHA visit in the last 15 years.

To drive home the company’s appreciation for employee performance, employees receive new boots once per year. Recently, they also received company-branded work jackets purchased using the dividend returned to SAIF policyholders. Keeping employees supported and engaged has helped N.W. Metal Fabricators continue its successful path to growth.