Metal fabrication company is growing and hiring

by Heidi Riley

Charlottetown Metal Products (CMP) in Milton is a global leader in turn-key food processing systems.

The custom stainless-steel fabrication shop designs, builds, and installs stainless steel equipment mainly for the global food processing industry. “Food safety and hygienic design is our number one concern with our equipment designs,” says Greg Fitzpatrick, Manager of Design Engineering.

“We work with customers in the food-processing industry in areas such as meat, poultry, vegetables, fruit, seafood, and potatoes, bakery, and ready-to-eat (RTE) products. We do designs, builds, and installations all over the world.”

Incorporated in 1958, CMP is now owned by FPS Food Process Solutions. A new expansion was recently added, and now CMP has over 100,000 sq. ft. (9,290 sq. meters) of space at its headquarters in Milton. There is also an engineering office branch in Moncton, New Brunswick.

About the staff

There are more than 160 staff members in positions such as Engineers, Designers, Fabricators, and Installers. “More than half of the 35 people on the CMP engineering team are UPEI graduates, mostly in Sustainable Design Engineering,” says Greg.

“We continue to grow and continue to deliver unparalleled customer service. Our people are provided with the tools and the authority to make key decisions that continuously improve our business and make us stronger as a company.

“We continue to develop and mentor our engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure that we exceed food safety and hygienic design standards. Our promise that ‘We Engineer Food Safety’ motivates our entire team to better serve our customers as they bring food safely to families around the world.”

Hiring needs

“CMP sees a strong demand for its products and will require more skilled individuals to successfully manage this growth,” says James Gillelan, CMP Operations Manager.

CMP is currently looking to hire for the following positions:

• Application Engineers
• Mechanical Design Engineers
• Project Managers
• Welders
• Fabricator Installer

Workplace culture

“At CMP we strive to be one of the best places to work in Atlantic Canada,” says Greg. “Culture is everything and we feel that since you spend a good part of your waking hours at a job, it better be a place you love to work.

“We ensure our employees respect each other and our clients and are collaborative in their approach to tasks. So, if you’re obsessed with building equipment that keeps food safe, have a strong work ethic and want to contribute to a positive work environment, then we are your company.”

Soft skills needed

When hiring, CMP looks for employees who are punctual and have good attendance, are flexible to work overtime, and willing to travel throughout North America for work purposes.

“Even if you don’t have a welding background, the most important requirement is respect for your co-workers and the company, a pleasing personality, a good work ethic, and an ability to fit in with the CMP culture is critical,” says James. “Learning is a big part of our process, and we will train those who have the potential to be successful.”

Rate of pay

Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. The company offers a benefits package, RRSP matching, and a paid overtime policy.

CMP pays $20 an hour to graduates coming out of the Welding Fabrication program at Holland College. “CMP’s top rate is very competitive with the other shops on the Island. We also have a comprehensive review program that allows employees to advance in the wage band as they master more skills.”

Training and mentorship

“At CMP you can expect to work with a great team of individuals who are all striving to assist in ensuring your success on the job,” says Greg.

“We have a great core of supportive Design Engineers, Project Engineers, Project Managers, and Applications Engineers! Team building and continuous improvements are hallmarks of the experience working at CMP.”

Training

CMP has an in-house training program to enhance the skills of new and existing Welder/Fabricators. On-the-job-training students and new hires can practice in the welding booth until they are ready to move on to the fabrication floor to start working in a team-based environment.

“We have a solid program where incoming staff work with more advanced Welders who share their knowledge and skill set freely.”

CMP is a big promoter of continuing education for welders through Holland College and Apprenticeship programs to earn their Red Seal, which gives them increased skills and knowledge. Employees who complete their Red Seal have a better opportunity to make more money for themselves and the company.

“CMP hires as many Holland College Welder/Fabrication students as we can. Every October, CMP visits the Holland College campuses and talks with students about the company and about the trades. This better prepares them for what to expect in the workplace. CMP works closely with the Learning Managers, who recommend students based on our company’s expectations.”

Recruiting and hiring

Part of the hiring process for Welder/Fabricators requires performing a welding test to demonstrate skill. “Those who pass the welding test and meet our expectations will be offered a job.”

CMP is creating its own pipeline of qualified Welder/Fabricators by visiting local educational institutions, encouraging student tours, taking on-the-job training students, and operating an in-house training program.

CMP has forged relationships with local high school co-op programs and Holland College’s Georgetown and Alberton campuses to identify potential students and get them into on-the-job training with the company. They are also willing to hire international students who have valid work permits.

Job seekers without a welding background are welcome to come in and try welding to see if they are interested and they have potential. “For those with potential and transferrable skills, we can work out a plan to set them up on a career.”

“For people who want to grow and travel, CMP is a great place to be. We provide an opportunity for people on PEI to stay home, make a good wage, and have a fulfilling career.”

How to apply

“We are always looking for exceptional candidates.” Career opportunities are listed at www.cmpequipment.com/careers

Jobs are also posted on CareerBeacon.com and Indeed.ca.

CMP is open for tours. To book a tour or for more information about working at Charlottetown Metal Products, contact James Gillelan.