On January 29, 2001, Al Kochersberger joined Scotchman Industries as a welder. Back then, we had six other welders working for us. Over time, as technology and our processes changed, the number of welders dropped to two with Al welding most of the machines and the other welder focusing on smaller parts & machines. In his 25 years here, Al estimates he has trained a dozen different welders--including his dad, Larry. For twelve years it was just Al and Larry in the welding department at Scotchman.
Al is known for his work ethic and focus. He’s the type who comes in at 5 a.m. and gets right to work. Some say he looks crabby, but Al says that’s just because he has things to do! His motto is simple: “Get busy, stay busy, and get your work done.” Fun fact: we actually caught him smiling once when West Central Electric filmed our shop for a commercial.
When business slowed in 2007 and 2008, Al helped install new lights throughout the shop, welding Wednesday and Thursday while installing lights on Friday and Saturday. He’s also built different racks and tables around the shop. And his skills don’t just stop at welding! He and Randy Martin built the file room area.
In August 2022, Al was moved into Quality Control, where he learned more about the parts we use and how to fix machines to keep production on track. Then in August 2024, he became Assistant Shop Foreman, taking on new responsibilities and learning even more about how everything in the shop comes together. He still gets to put his welding skills to use from time to time as we are looking to fill a welding position and we are glad to have his expertise.
Al says, “The best part about welding was that I knew what needed to get welded in order for the machines to finish getting built in-house so I would just come in and get my stuff done. My least favorite welding job? Saw tubs - they take a while to get completely welded and it gets really hot! But things are always changing so it doesn’t get boring.”
Brad Heltzel, General Manager, says “Al has always been our go-to guy when it comes to welding! He is the standard that we measure welders against. He is the one that set almost every welding time we have in this place. The problem is that most people can’t keep up with the standards Al set. I have worked with many people over the years, and I don’t think I have ever meet someone who ‘just figures it out and gets it done’ better than Al. He is a huge part of what we do here, and we are lucky to have him over the past 25 years—and hope to keep him around for another 25 years!"
Thank you, Al, for the past 25 years of service!!!