Craig Baker

Background

About Craig Baker

After high school graduation I started work at a window manufacturing plant for four years then to a sawmill grading lumber for five years! After that I decided to better myself and took a job at Reynolds Metals, an aluminum reduction plant. I worked there for almost two years changing out pots and rebuilding them until they decided to shutdown half the plant! I went to ITT Technical institute after that and studied Computer Engineering and was two months from getting my associates degree with a 3.9 GPA when I was offered a job at Georgia Pacific. Because I had a family to support I decided to quit school and take the job. I was hoping I could still finish and get my degree but that didn’t work out because of scheduling conflict. I started at GP as a laborer loading communications paper rolls in trucks for a few years then to running converting equipment making facial tissue for six years. I then moved on to the napkin, toilet paper and towel departments learning the process and running the equipment. Now 25 years later, I work in the newer paper towel converting department. I have worked my way up from operating equipment and now the work process leader of 20 employees. In this department I have also been on several projects going to equipment manufacturers and other mills. I helped to improve or replace old equipment, do trials, and learn how the equipment works. Learned how to troubleshoot, fix, and come up with ideas to improve safety, reliability, productivity, and to make a safe quality product. I’m still an hourly employee although I have been asked to go salary I haven’t made that decision yet. I’m presently taking on a new roll which will consist of still leading the crew but working more aggressively training employees, sharing knowledge, scheduling downs, and working on the equipment with millwrights, electricians, and salary personnel.