Four Generations of Young Family Men Worked at Company

PERRYSVILLE, OHIO – When Eric Young got a summer job making $6.75 an hour in 1987 at Mansfield Plumbing, he had no idea it would turn into a life-long career opportunity. Now, 28 years later, Young is the processing manager for the company that gave him his first job, with 140 people in the departments reporting to him.

“This is the career I didn’t know I’d have,” says Young, a resident of Loudonville, Ohio. “I thrive on new challenges, and at Mansfield I’ve always been allowed to embrace new opportunities. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here for almost three decades because the time has really flown by.”

Throughout his high school years, Young worked the summers in clean-up, slip and glaze, and the grade and pack areas at Mansfield. After gaining a degree at the University of Toledo and working a few jobs, he returned to Mansfield in July of 1993 as a full-time employee.

“I wanted a managerial opportunity with growth, and it turned out to be in my own backyard,” says Young. “The experiences I’ve had working on the floor have helped me understand the numbers on a spreadsheet and how they affect employees on the plant floor.”

From working in the Epoxy department to moving up to the Slip and Glaze department then the Mold Shop, Young increased his career at Mansfield by tackling various roles. After serving as cast shop manager he moved to his current position of processing manager two years ago. He oversees eight direct reports and various departments with 140 employees.

“Since many of our employees have been here 20 or more years, they know I’ve worked alongside of them in the operations, and that enhances our relationship,” says Young. “My responsibilities now include overseeing the quality of the product that is produced at our plant and the financial implications of labor. We’re always looking for ways to make improvements in our processes, like automation and reengineering. The rewards are plentiful in this career where you can truly see the positive impact you can make on a day-to-day basis.”

Young was partially influenced in his career choice by his family’s history and involvement in Mansfield Plumbing. There are four generations of Young family men who have worked a total of more than 50 years for the company. His grandfather worked as an hourly employee, and his father, Gary Young, retired approximately 12 years ago as the company’s vice president of human resources. One of his sons, Caelin, also worked as summer help at the plant before heading to college.

For Young, it’s not about a title, it’s about the opportunity for learning and growing. “I enjoy delving into various areas for this company,” says Young. “Whether it’s working on contract negotiations with our union or participating in our leadership training sessions, this is a rewarding place to work.

“My situation is not unique here at Mansfield. If a person shows the desire and willingness to take on different roles and challenges, then the sky is the limit.”

Mansfield Plumbing precision manufactures millions of pieces of sanitaryware and bathware each year at its facilities in Perrysville and Big Prairie, Ohio and in Henderson, Texas. Founded in 1929, Mansfield Plumbing, which is owned by Corona, is a leading producer of top-quality, high-design, performance plumbing fixtures and fittings for use in residential, commercial and institutional markets. For more information, visit www.mansfieldplumbing.com or call 877-850-3060.

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