Steven Ford's greatest achievement was being part of a team that reduced the PVC raw material costs at his employer, Southwire Co., by several million dollars a year.
“This required teamwork across several functions and careful coordination with UL,” Ford said.
Working with UL is a big part of Ford's job in compound development, because Southwire is a leading manufacturer of wire and cable used in distribution and transmission of electricity.
Age: 32.
Education: Undergraduate and graduate degrees in industrial and systems engineering from Mississippi State University. I'm also completing an MBA from the University of North Carolina.
First plastics job? I started working for Southwire in December 2010, this was my first exposure to plastics extrusion for wire covering industry. The industry seemed interesting to me because of the various applications for plastics that go unnoticed to most people.
Biggest failure and what it taught you? Testing through UL can be extremely stressful at times. This experience taught me to be patient and always approach a problem from several directions when possible.
What is your current challenge at work? Finding enough time to get all of my projects through UL testing.
What emerging technology most interests you? The next-generation plastics made with sustainable materials.
What about the plastics industry surprises you? How close everyone is in the industry. Every show or conference is like a family reunion.
Best advice you've received? Life will knock you down, will you get up? Never stop getting up.
What advice would you give to a person considering a career in plastics? Learn as much as you can, as fast as you can because this industry is going through a change.
If you were CEO what would you do first? Ensure that as an organization, we are focused on our employees' safety and engagement. A disengaged workforce is a prime opportunity for incidents.
Who is your mentor, or someone you look up to? Richard Miller, senior vice president of manufacturing.
What job do you really want in the future? In the next five years a vice president/general manager of a product or business unit. Long term, a C-suite position.
What do you do to relax? I travel with my wife, who is a high school English teacher, and golf (a lot)!
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