LIFE AFTER THE EIT PROGRAM
DOUG JOHNSON
I spent a year in the HTC-EIT program in Tehachapi, CA studying the various aspects of a cement plant. I learned the various technical aspects of equipment and had an opportunity to see a wide variety of different plants as well as decide on what I wanted to do as a career. I received an opportunity to come to the Mitchell, Indiana plant as a production engineer and to help with the start-up of a new modification on a kiln system. I am now in charge of the mill department overseeing daily operation of two raw ball mills, four finish mills, one roll crusher and two overhead cranes. I work on daily operation, engineering projects, optimization, and troubleshooting of this equipment.
The EIT program has given me the experience and background to make solid decisions, which are necessary in for a successful operation. Having the opportunity to see many different techniques and ideas has made the process of troubleshooting problems in my department much easier. Sometimes the solution is the same at different places. The EIT program was a very large success in my book and I recommend it to any person who is interested in the manufacturing process.
Doug Johnson
Production Engineer
Lehigh Cement Co.
Mitchell Plant
MARK CARVELL
The majority of my one-year EIT training was spent at the Mitchell Plant in southern Indiana. At the Mitchell Plant, I was able to learn about cement plant operations by working in each of the various departments and contribute to the plant by completing a number of projects. The training program provided me with a familiarity of the equipment and processes of cement production. It also challenged me in completing technical projects and meeting the deadlines required for plant operations. I gained valuable experience in the types and uses of various refractory linings, in the quotation and selection process of goods and services, and in dealing with vendors and contractors. I found the EIT program structured enough to provide training goals but flexible enough to fit the needs of the plant.
I gained additional experience by visiting plants in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Canada. I also participated in conducting process tests and an energy balance at a plant in Alabama and performed a study of the fairly unique pollution control technologies while visiting a plant in Sweden. The variety of exposures provided through the EIT program has given me a good foundation upon which to build my career.
I am currently working as part of the Start-Up Team on the Union Bridge Modernization Project in Union Bridge, Maryland. As a member of the team, I am helping to bring on-line one of the largest, most modern cement plants in North America. I have had a variety of tasks and responsibilities since arriving in Maryland in mid-July. I was involved with supervising and supporting the contractor that did the refractory dry-out of the preheater tower and clinker cooler. I assisted in developing and implementing mechanical checkouts for various pieces of equipment, and I wrote the Standard Operating Procedures for the Loesche Coal Mill. I am currently assisting in testing and optimizing the raw mill, the coal mill, and the finish mills.
The assignment at Union Bridge has proven to be an excellent learning experience in its own right. Working on a project of this magnitude alongside experts from all over the world was a great experience. I think it will prove to be a good transition from the EIT program to my next position. I have recently accepted the position of Process Engineer at the Tehachapi, California Plant. As Process Engineer, my responsibilities will include monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing the systems and control technologies involved in manufacturing cement.
ERIC STOVER
Life after the EIT program resembles in many ways life as an EIT. Just a few examples of the daily similarities are great people, great company, variety, continuous learning, increasing responsibilities coupled with increased satisfaction, etc. However, there are certainly many differences in my life today compared with a year ago when I was an EIT. A few things that come to mind include living in Pennsylvania versus Texas, being a homeowner, and having electrical supervisory and project engineering duties at the York, PA plant. However, the biggest change that I notice from a year ago is me. The amount of knowledge gained, networking, traveling, training, responsibilities, and the vast amount of industry- related experiences have all been responsible for incredible personal and professional enhancement. In short, life is good, and I directly credit that to the benefits offered to me through the EIT program.
As previously indicated, I am now working at Lehigh White Cement's York plant. My job title is Electrical and Project Engineer. Duties of this job include supervising plant electrical department employees, managing plant electrical and control systems, overseeing capital projects, coordinating projects with the Heidelberg Technology Center (HTC), and generating the annual capital plan for submission. Approximately ¾ of the way through my EIT program I was presented with this permanent assignment opportunity. Upon my decision to pursue this position, my HTC coordinator immediately made arrangements to prepare me for my future needs. Within one month, I packed up my things at the Waco, TX, plant, sadly said my "goodbyes" at a going-away southern catfish fry on my last day, and headed for York to conclude my EIT training there. Plans were made to attend a training course on control systems in Tennessee, followed by three weeks of training at Lehigh's new Union Bridge, Maryland, plant to study automation philosophies. After more training at York, I was sent to Lehigh's Mitchell, Indiana, plant where I was involved in several plant upgrade projects including the addition of a single-stage preheater and construction of a new electro-static precipitator for increased environmental friendliness. I also spent a lot of "hands-on" time upgrading a raw material mill's control system. Concluding my electrical and automation-focused training was a month at several cement facilities in Turkey. I spent two weeks in Istanbul and two weeks in Canakkale. The entire experience was fantastic. My international assignment provided me with many different perspectives and philosophies about the cement industry, especially pertaining to cement plant controls and electrical systems.
The training, experience, and opportunities I have obtained as a result of entering into the HTC EIT program have provided me with a wonderful introduction into a career with HeidelbergCement Group's Lehigh Cement Company. What the future has in store for me is still unknown, but what I do know is that Lehigh and the EIT program have put me in a good position for professional development and advancement. I could fill several pages thanking everyone who has contributed to my endeavors thus far, but I will summarize by saying "thank you" to everyone within the HeidelbergCement Group who had a part in my training!
Read more about Doug, Mark, Eric and their time in the EIT Program in A Day in the Life of an EIT Archive!
For more information, please email us at
recruitment@lehighcement.com
