Meet Ron Bunner, who works in the maintenance team at Chemring Countermeasures USA (CCM USA) in Toone, Tennessee, supporting their newly expanded flare manufacturing facility.
Tell us about the site you’re at and your role
I work at the Kilgore Flares site, part of CCM USA. The site has been producing countermeasures for the better part of 70 years. I have been in maintenance for 20 years here and have found it very challenging learning the different machines and processes. I have been in all aspects of preventive maintenance through to new construction throughout the plant.
Describe your career path to date
I started on the construction side of an up-and-coming program, and when it was completed, I went to the preventative maintenance side to help keep the program running smoothly. I enjoyed the process of learning about the different buildings and programs. When the opportunity came up for a position at the new ‘Charlie’ facility at CCM USA, I signed up and was accepted. ‘Charlie’ is the new state-of-the-art, automated flare manufacturing facility.
When I first came to the business, I had no vision of what I wanted from a career. However, the longer I stayed here, the better vision I had, and I knew I wanted to make a career here. CCM USA gave me the opportunity, and I have never regretted working hard to make this a lifelong career.
What advice would you give anyone starting in Chemring today?
You will get out of any opportunity what you put into it. Here at CCM USA, they will give you everything you need to advance, but you must be willing to put in the effort to make it a success.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The team of people I work with. I have had the experience of working with some really good people and learned a lot from them on the way.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Getting put on the ‘Charlie’ team as part of the new facility was a real highlight for me. It’s given me the chance to go back to school and learn about the robots and the new advanced side of production in this new manufacturing facility. I consider myself lucky to receive this opportunity and plan on taking full advantage of it.
The training and development I’ve received during my career have also been a highlight. I’ve been on several training courses, including electrical, hydraulics, and robotics. The company have mentioned more training coming up, which I will gratefully accept.
What are your plans for the future?
My vision now is to make this a career until I retire. I plan to learn as much as I can along the way. I would tell anyone to grab the opportunities in front of you and make the most of them.