Ladies Who Lead Our Production Teams

Three women who support our Production teams through teamwork, effective communication and a dedication to understanding the production process.

Production teams are the center of our business. They keep material moving through our facilities and produce the products we provide to our customers – all with an uncompromising eye for quality and a relentless commitment to safety. Our Production Teams are essential to our success.

All departments interact with our Production teams, and many of them have a big influence in helping the process run smoothly.

This month, we share with you three Ladies Who Lead Our Production Teams through teamwork, effective communication and a dedication to understanding the entire production process and keeping it running safely and effectively.

Robin Tosten, Shipping-Receiving Clerk, Chambersburg, PA

Robin started working for Olympic Steel in 2008 in the maintenance department as a Shop Helper. Two years later, in 2010, she moved into the Shipping-Receiving Department. In the last decade, her responsibilities have increased to include scheduling inbound and outbound trucking.

Each day brings about new challenges, and it’s what Robin enjoys most about working in Shipping-Receiving. She can do something different every day that has a positive impact on the overall process. She’s developed strong relationships with her co-workers, building their trust by listening to their ideas and actively participating in resolving issues when they arise.

Robin says the fast-paced production environment poses its own set of challenges, but she takes it one day at a time and believes she couldn’t get through the challenges without her co-workers.

And, as if the world of manufacturing wasn’t fast-paced enough, Robin also loves being a cosmetologist during her “down time.” But, let’s not forget her most important role! Robin is the mother to “two beautiful daughters who make my world complete.”

Melissa Holm, Production Planning Supervisor, Minneapolis, MN

In April 2013, Melissa began her career as a Production Planning Specialist at the Minneapolis Plate division. Six years later, she was promoted to Production Planning Supervisor. By March 2020, Melissa was responsible for scheduling all operations at the Plate facility.

Melissa enjoys the challenge of lining up all the moving pieces to satisfy production requirements on-time, including interacting with all of the people involved in the process. She says, “I believe the people you work with are the most vital component in determining happiness at work, and we have a really good group of people here.”

With previous experience collaborating with large groups of people, Melissa knows what it takes to have a positive impact on the production teams. Through clear, two-way communication with the production and sales teams, Melissa took the time to completely understand their systems and processes so the scheduling group could meet their needs.

Last year, Melissa completed the Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt training provided by the Operational Excellence team in the Central Region. She is excited to use the skills and knowledge from that training to improve processes in her department and throughout the region.

Elidia Vazquez, Process Engineering Manager, Chicago Tube & Iron – Romeoville, IL

In 1997, almost 24 years ago, Elidia began her career with Chicago Tube & Iron as a Valve & Fitting Secretary.

Since then, she’s worked in Inside Sales, as a CAD/Drafter, New Parts Coordinator and, now, as Process Engineering Manager. She is grateful for the tuition reimbursement program that made it possible for her to earn a bachelor’s degree (with zero debt) and strengthen her career at CTI.

The production process can sometimes present challenges, though Elidia prefers to see them as opportunities to get creative. Finding ways to improve production efficiencies and implementing processes that contribute to the success of the department and the Company is what she likes most about working in manufacturing and, specifically, supporting the production process.

“My position allows me to get involved with our Production team when fabricating complex parts,” she explains. “Involving them from the very beginning has a positive impact on how prepared and informed they are when it’s time to start production.”

Elidia has years of experience that include different areas of the business. The knowledge she’s gained throughout those years in other roles has ultimately helped her understand the vital role the Production teams play in our overall success. And she’s working hard to make sure everyone is set-up to succeed.

Robin, Melissa and Elidia come to work each day determined to keep our Production teams operating smoothly and safely. Whether it’s keeping them supplied with material, scheduling jobs with minimal disruptions or simply keeping the team informed, you can count on their interaction to positively affect the overall result.