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Retired Marine Mike Rau helps keep Astec workers safe
Safety is a core value at Astec, and as the company’s Health & Safety Manager, Mike Rau is at the forefront of making sure we practice safe work procedures every day.
Protecting others is a responsibility he takes seriously, ingrained in him as a 22-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Mike retired a Nuclear, Biological, & Chemical Defense Officer after serving combat deployments to Iraq, Beirut, Somalia, and the Falkland Islands.
Despite being with the company for only six months, Mike has found a home at Astec and is excited for what the future holds.
For Veterans Day, Mike shared what he learned during his time as a Marine, how he’s using that experience in the manufacturing sector, and advice for veterans looking for a career after the military.
Q: What’s a lesson you learned in the military that you apply at Astec? It’s important to work as a team. You’re only as strong as your weakest link, so always pick up those around you to ensure you finish together at the end.
Q: Was the transition to corporate life easy or were there challenges? For me it was very easy, but I know it can be a struggle for others. I looked at it as another mission I needed to succeed in. The military taught me the importance of being able to adapt and overcome, which helped me in the direction that I took in my transition.
Q: What advice do you have for new workers out of service? Seek out other service members at work, or a buddy you can talk to, to help you navigate this big change. The right person can help you acclimate to your new surroundings and serve as a sounding board for questions and concerns.
Q: Should veterans consider a career in manufacturing? Absolutely, a lot of the skills we gain in the military are transferable to manufacturing, including team leadership, familiarity with heavy equipment and how to maintain it, welding and other technical skills that are frequently used. Recruiters should also focus on hiring more veterans. Military men and women are disciplined and loyal, which are great traits to have in all types of business settings.
Q: What has impressed you about Astec? The pride a lot of Astec team members take in the job they’re performing. The quality and precision they use daily is truly remarkable. It is so great to see what is formed and developed from a pile of steel in a matter of a few days.
Q: What would you like others to know about your service and military career? In my 22 years of service, there isn’t a moment I regret. It was an honor and pleasure to serve to protect the freedom of this great country. I would do it all over again!
Thank you to all active duty and retired military personnel for your service.
Veterans have skills and experiences that are applicable to the manufacturing world. If you have friends and family who might be interested in a career with Astec, point them to our Careers page.
Astec raises $192,000 for local communities
United Way brings people together to build strong, equitable communities where everyone can thrive. The organization’s focus is on education, income and health—the building blocks for a good quality of life.
At Astec, employees from across our United States operations joined forces to support United Way’s mission through the company’s annual giving campaign. The campaign is an important part of the company’s purpose – Built to Connect – which includes supporting programs that connect and strengthen the communities where we work and live.
This year, Astec employee donations exceeded $101,000. Paired with a corporate match, the total combined community contribution is $192,000.
“This year’s campaign success was only possible thanks to the generosity of our employees and to the hard work of site ambassadors and their teams who organized numerous fundraising activities and events to raise donations and create awareness,” said Dena Fairley, vice president of internal audit at Astec and this year’s executive sponsor. “It’s truly been a joy watching these teams thrive and achieve success.”
Examples of the special events and competitions that took place to raise funds and awareness for local United Way chapters include:
- In Parsons, Kansas, employees participated in the Toss Like a Boss cornhole tournament benefitting United Way of Southwest Missouri & Southeast Kansas.
- Astec’s Blair, Nebraska, site had a Pie in the Face challenge and Soup War to raise money for the Freemont Area United Way.
- In Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, employees raised funds for Great Rivers United Way through raffles, bake sales, a chili cook-off, and more.
- Astec helped United Way of Greater Chattanooga celebrate 100 years of service to the Chattanooga community.
"We truly believe we are stronger when we work together,” said United Way of Greater Chattanooga CEO Lesley Scearce. “Thanks to a partnership with Astec, we can bring our united vision to life. Together we can help build a community where all people achieve their full human potential. From volunteerism to advocacy, we are grateful for our community partners that allow us to support our neighbors in need. Astec plays an integral part in living UNITED."
The company’s United Way campaign was held at U.S. locations only this year, but Astec sites around the world are involved in their local communities, too. Astec do Brazil´s partnership with Espaço Transformar Social Project assists children and teenagers with activities such as ballet, literacy, computer classes, and more.
CFO Becky Weyenberg, took the opportunity to see the good work firsthand on a recent visit to the site. “It was great to see how Astec do Brazil is helping their community through this partnership. Programs like Espaço Transformar can really make a difference in the lives of the children and I’m proud we can be a part of that.”
If you’re interested in doing more in your communities, contact your local United Way to learn where you can volunteer your time or raise awareness for a cause that matters to you.
Astec Announces Expanded Distribution Agreement with Barry Equipment Company, Inc. for the Roadtec and Carlson Equipment Lines
Astec is pleased to announce that heavy equipment dealer, Barry Equipment Company, Inc., is expanding its product offering to include the Roadtec and Carlson-branded road construction equipment lines. The company will represent Roadtec-branded products in Connecticut and Carlson-branded products in Maine, eastern Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Brian Gray, Group VP, Sales, at Astec says, “Barry Equipment has been a great partner to us on the forestry and environmental recycling side, representing the Peterson line. We are eager to grow our business with Barry and expect great things from them with our Roadtec and Carlson road construction lines.”
Joe Barry, Vice President & Operations Manager, at Barry Equipment, adds, “We are feeling enthusiastic about our growing relationship with Astec. Adding their successful road construction lines will help us round out our portfolio and offer additional solutions for our customers. We follow the philosophy that if our customers are successful, we are successful. With the addition of these Astec lines, we can help make that happen.”
Barry Equipment Company has locations throughout New England, including two in Webster, MA and one in South Windsor, CT.
For more information contact:
James Bouldin, Group VP, Channel Management
Phone: +1.865.360.8430