Brian Pack – General Manager, Phillips-Medisize Menomonie

October is Manufacturing Month and it’s a time to recognize the important role the manufacturing sector plays in the global economy and in society overall.

It’s no doubt that Molex plays an important role in manufacturing products that create value for society. From developing the antennas and connectors that will play a critical role in connected vehicles, to backplane connector and cable assemblies and fiber optic cables that are used in the datacom industry, to medical and connected health products that are currently playing a critical role in the fight against COVID-19, the products we manufacture are important to many industries. So are the people who make them.

To celebrate Manufacturing Month, we will share a few interviews with Molex site leaders who share how they began their career in manufacturing, what inspires them about their job, and key pieces of advice for others in the industry. 

Q: What inspired you to choose the career path you’re in?  
Brian Pack: I really enjoy being in the plants and working with different employees.  Interacting with each employee is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. No matter what challenging position you sometimes find yourself in, it’s the people that help resolve the challenge.      

Q:  What is the story of your personal career path?  
BP: I have an electronics background and that is how I was first introduced to Molex. I have been with for Molex over 28 years, so I basically grew up physically and career-wise here. I initially started out in the quality organization but have been in different management roles now for about 18 years.

Q: What inspires you about your job today?   
BP: Many of the products produced in my current facility are either a life-saving device or are part of a life-saving device. Knowing you play a small part in that is really inspiring and it makes you want to do everything possible to produce quality products. It’s very motivating knowing what you do every day has a direct impact on people, and in some cases, may even have a direct impact on your family. 

Q: Any interesting facts or things employees should know about your site?  
BP:  In 2020, the Menomonie site has been very active in producing products that are used in COVID-19 testing.  Due to the current pandemic, product volumes have ramped to an all-time high in this area! 

Q: What is your advice for someone who is considering pursuing a career in manufacturing?  
BP: Go for it! It’s challenging, but can also be very rewarding. Especially if you can find manufacturing that you know is part of making people’s lives better.   

Q: Anything else you’d like to add about yourself or anything worth mentioning in the spirit of Manufacturing Month?   
BP: Many manufacturing jobs allow you to work with people around the world. It’s common to share manufacturing best practices among the sites and in these instances, it can also lead to once in a lifetime chances to see different parts of the world.