It was only last year when Travis Donaldson became part of Donmac Precision Machining Inc.’s team full time to assist with his family’s company expansion to three times its physical size. Under Donaldson’s leadership, the Ontario, Canada, company has made extensive improvements, including streamlining its production.

While working with customers, engineering departments and quality control, this 2020 Production Machining Emerging Leader has created efficiency and implemented production advancements in a short time.  

“Travis’ creativity when problem-solving has been over the top,” says Jamie Smith, the company’s production manager and Donaldson’s nominator. “Sometimes it could be a simple improvement; and other times a major overhaul of the production cell is needed to make production flow at the highest quality. Travis’ fix-it attitude allows for peace of mind when resolving production and team matters.”

Smith adds that Donaldson is a great role model for all employees. He presents himself professionally, she says, but is also approachable.

Automating three new programs, initiating the 5S system for lean manufacturing and ensuring the company’s teams have all the information and support they need to be successful are some examples of Donaldson’s achievements. He also found the funding for a coordinate measuring machine, completed training for it and now trains other employees to use the machine.

Prior to his full-time work at Donmac, Donaldson was an electrician working with emergency power systems. But he grew up learning the “ins and outs” of production machining in his parents’ machine shop. “The family business was always in the back of my mind, and when it outgrew the original property, I found my calling,” he explains.

“As the business expands with new employees and technology, Travis will be a huge asset with his ability to listen, learn and teach,” Smith concludes.

To learn about all of the 2020 Emerging Leaders, read Meet Production Machining’s 2020 Emerging Leaders.

To watch videos about our 2020 Emerging Leaders, click on the links below:

• Advice for the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent
• Manufacturing Attracts Young Leaders in Different Ways
• Leaders Who are Goal Oriented
• Daily Challenges Emerging Leaders Face