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Industry Opinion
The Mechanic
THE MECHANIC is the man who is responsible for keeping machines running. In our opinion, he fills one of the most important positions in the factory. A good mechanic has to be not only an expert machinist, but also a psychologist, an executive, and a businessman. He knows how to use, adjust, repair, and keep many different types of machines running. He studies and learns the intricacies of each type of machine until he becomes an expert — often more specialized than the representative of the manufacturer of the machines because of his experience in the actual operation. Also, he works with manufacturers’ representatives in solving problems that are inherent in complex mechanisms of modern industrial sewing machines and similar equipment.
The mechanic has to be a psychologist to understand the relationship between the operator and the machine. Sewing machines sometimes seem to be temperamental. Whether operators are or are not, is a question on which we prefer not to express an opinion. Ask your mechanic — he is in the best position to answer.
In some large plants, the mechanic supervises one or more systems, trains beginners on machines, and keeps the regular operators satisfied with the performance of their machines. He works closely with supervisors, foreladies, engineers, superintendents, and management to make sure that the results are obtained from any given type of machine. He must maintain an adequate supply of repair parts and needles. He must see that the proper inventory is maintained and that parts do not suffer damage or rust, or otherwise deteriorate. He has to know when a part is worn to the point that it should be replaced. He must know the application of every piece of equipment and must keep informed on new types of machines and what the improvements are over the old ones.
The mechanic has to be a psychologist to understand the relationship between the operator and the machine. Sewing machines sometimes seem to be temperamental. Whether operators are or are not, is a question on which we prefer not to express an opinion. Ask your mechanic — he is in the best position to answer.
In some large plants, the mechanic supervises one or more systems, trains beginners on machines, and keeps the regular operators satisfied with the performance of their machines. He works closely with supervisors, foreladies, engineers, superintendents, and management to make sure that the results are obtained from any given type of machine. He must maintain an adequate supply of repair parts and needles. He must see that the proper inventory is maintained and that parts do not suffer damage or rust, or otherwise deteriorate. He has to know when a part is worn to the point that it should be replaced. He must know the application of every piece of equipment and must keep informed on new types of machines and what the improvements are over the old ones.
“The Mechanic” was originally written by Mr. Travis S. Whitsett who was a Vice President of Union Special. His opinion appeared in his “Production Tips” feature in the August 1955 issue of The Needle’s Eye.
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Travis S. Whitsett, August 1955
He must know when machines are costing too much in “downtime” or too much to maintain and when they should be replaced with new and better ones. He must know whether such a replacement is good business; that is, whether there will be sufficient return on the investment. He interviews and consults with representatives of machinery manufacturers and keeps himself informed.
It is asking a lot of a man to be a mechanical expert, a psychologist, an executive, and a good businessman; but take a look at your mechanic and you will find that he qualifies in all four departments and is the man everyone depends upon from top to bottom. We salute the mechanic — he’s a good man to have around.
It is asking a lot of a man to be a mechanical expert, a psychologist, an executive, and a good businessman; but take a look at your mechanic and you will find that he qualifies in all four departments and is the man everyone depends upon from top to bottom. We salute the mechanic — he’s a good man to have around.
