As manufacturing manager at Rosenberger North America Inc., Joel Antipuna Jr., a 2022 Production Machining Emerging Leader, is responsible for the success of the CNC milling, CNC turning and precision assembly departments at the machine shop. Prior to his current role, he worked his way up at the company with his hunger for more responsibility and his aptitude to comprehend the technical and leadership aspects of his job.

As a leader, Antipuna sets an example, challenging others to develop their careers while supporting them along the way, according to his nominator, Ted Toth, senior technical advisor at Rosenberger. “Joel’s consistency in his approach has fostered a well-rounded team that is genuinely interested in the success of others and the company,” Toth explains.

Antipuna also takes his leadership role seriously by having attended all three levels of the company’s leadership training program.

Although managing people is important to him, he understands that knowing the technology is also critical to a successful career. Therefore, he has submerged himself in technical classes for his continuous education. He has influenced the modernization of equipment and technology at the machine shop, according to Toth, and leads his team in 6S/lean manufacturing efforts.

“My future aspirations in the precision machining industry include integrating automation so our team can focus on process optimization and increasing their technical skillsets, rather than the repetitive loading/unloading parts,” Antipuna says.

To read more about Anitpuna and the other 2022 Emerging Leaders, visit Emerging Leaders’ Viewpoints on Training and Retention.