Stainless-steel 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 equipment provider engineers, manufacturers, and installs stainless steel equipment for North American and global food processing industry markets. Food safety and hygienic design is the number one concern with their equipment design and fabrication.

They work with customers in food-processing industries such as meat, poultry, fruits and vegetables, seafood, potatoes, bakery, and ready-to-eat (RTE) products. CMP designs, builds, and installs equipment for customers all over the world.

Incorporated in 1958, CMP is now majority owned by FPS Food Process Solutions, a Canadian based company located in BC, Canada that designs and builds industry leading spiral and tunnel freezers. 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. An additional engineering office branch has also been added in Moncton, New Brunswick.

CMP’s parent company FPS has also recently purchased GEM, a company in Oregon, USA that designs and builds commercial fryers, blanchers, and batter delivery systems. Adding this company will help CMP and FPS serve their potato industry customers better. For many projects CMP supplies the hygienic conveyors that transfer the food products in and out of the FPS freezers, and in and out of the GEM fryers and blanchers.

“Now we are designing end-to-end,” says James Gillelan, CMP Operations Manager. “The design can do everything from raw receiving of products to shipping out finished packages. We are planning to build complete equipment lines for four french-fry plants in China. There are also plans to build a plant which will be engineered here in Charlottetown, built in China, and then shipped to India to be installed.”

About the staff

More than 165 staff members work in positions such as Engineers, Designers, Fabricators, and Installers. Over half of the 35 people on the CMP engineering team are UPEI graduates, mostly from the Sustainable Design Engineering program.

Hiring needs

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

CMP is currently looking to hire for the following positions:

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

Soft skills needed

CMP looks for employees who are punctual, 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 increase their wages as they master more skills.”

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.

“Recently we hosted 16 students from the Charlottetown Rural welding class to show them what it is like to work here,” says James.

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 also 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 in 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,” says James. 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.