Revolutionize Your Injection Molding and Extrusion Operations with Voice Technology
In today’s dynamic manufacturing world, every minute of production uptime matters. The Milacron Smart Voice Assist Device is engineered to deliver rapid, multilingual diagnoses, minimize workflow interruptions, and maximize shop floor productivity—empowering manufacturers to thrive in Industry 4.0.
Why Smart Voice Assist?
- Instant, Hands-Free Troubleshooting: Operators receive real-time audio guidance, reducing interruptions in machine operations and boosting productivity on the floor.
- Break Language Barriers: Multilingual support in your preferred language (including English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Portuguese, Spanish, and more) enables diverse teams to work more effectively.
- Seamless System Integration: Plug & play compatibility with the Mosaic G3 controller.
- Proven Results: Assurance of instant error resolution and visible gains in machine utilization.
Learn More: Ready to see productivity gains in action? Contact us.
In response to the rising enthusiasm for skill-based careers among Southwest Ohio high school students, Milacron enhances educational partnerships to develop the next generation of manufacturing professionals.
Batavia, Ohio – August 28, 2025 – As students settle into their new school year, Milacron is proud to announce the continued expansion of its community engagement and workforce development initiatives to enhance partnerships with local career trade schools. These collaborations with Grant Career Center and Southern Hills Career & Technical Center embody Milacron’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of manufacturing operations associates.
The education partnership with Grant Career Center, now entering its third year, has expanded to a two-year work-based learning program for juniors and seniors. The Milacron Advanced Manufacturing Academy (AMA) at Grant seamlessly combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, using industry-standard equipment to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.
“We are excited to welcome a new class of juniors alongside our senior students in our Milacron AMA program,” said Mike Parry, Superintendent of Grant Career Center. “This program is instrumental in equipping our students with real-world skills and opening pathways to successful careers at Milacron and with other manufacturing opportunities.”
Similarly, Milacron’s collaboration with Southern Hills Career and Technical Center has grown with the launch of the school’s new Manufacturing Engineering Technology (MET) program. Milacron provided the tooling for the state-of-the-art lab space at Southern Hills, reinforcing its dedication to investing in local talent pipelines.
Kevin Kratzer, Superintendent of Southern Hills, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Our expanded manufacturing program, supported by Milacron’s investment, provides up to 40 students per year with advanced training and certification opportunities that will serve as a foundation for lifelong careers. We’re proud to contribute to Ohio’s skilled workforce.”
At Milacron, this ongoing commitment to education has already yielded significant results. The two-year AMA at Grant is the only one of its kind in the state of Ohio that offers an all-inclusive company-sponsored course on the tech school campus.
“Our partnership with these schools is vital to building a pipeline of highly skilled manufacturing workers,” said Kristen Jackson, Chief Human Resource Officer at Milacron. “This past May, we proudly hired seven associates directly from our graduating class at Grant, demonstrating our dedication to growing talent from within the community.”
Milacron’s partnership with Southern Hills has also historically provided a steady stream of qualified graduates for local employment at the company’s screw and barrel manufacturing facility in the neighboring community of Mt. Orab, Ohio. Over one dozen former Southern Hills students currently work at this Milacron plant, including a machinist from the class of 1975 who has dedicated 48 years to the company.
As the new school year begins, Milacron looks forward to expanding these collaborations and continuing its role as a catalyst for workforce development in Southwest Ohio. Through investment and partnership, Milacron is committed to shaping the future of manufacturing, empowering students today to become the industry leaders of tomorrow.
About Milacron: Milacron is a global industrial leader in the manufacturing and distribution of highly engineered and customized injection molding and extrusion solutions, and aftermarket parts and service for the plastics processing market. The company’s 1,900 associates worldwide collaborate to serve a diverse range of end-markets, such as automotive, construction, medical, telecommunications, material handling, packaging, and much more. Molding and shaping its expertise in plastics for nearly 60 years, Milacron holds longstanding relationships with more than 27,000 customers around the world. The original equipment provider of plastics manufacturing solutions is the largest US-owned and globally served of its kind. Headquartered in Batavia, OH/USA, Milacron’s global footprint is also serviced through regional offices in Asia, Europe, and South America. www.milacron.com
About Grant Career Center: Grant Career Center, located in Bethel, Ohio, is a leading educational institution that prepares students for success in the workforce and for further education in college. With a rich history of over 50 years, Grant Career Center has been providing high-quality training to students from Clermont County. Grant Career Center takes pride in its innovative partnerships with prominent organizations such as Milacron, Child-Focus, University of Cincinnati, and the Brown & Clermont Adult Career Campus. These partnerships provide students with unique opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and real-world experience in their chosen fields. By combining academic rigor with practical skills training, Grant Career Center equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary for success in today’s ever-changing job market. Graduates of Grant Career Center are well-prepared for both immediate employment and continued education at the college level. Grant Career Center is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Through its comprehensive programs, partnerships, and dedication to excellence, Grant Career Center continues to shape the future of Clermont County’s workforce. Grant Career Center, where Clermont County’s Students “Choose to be Great!” www.grantcareer.com
About Southern Hills Career & Technical Center: Southern Hills Career & Technical Center (SHCTC), located in Georgetown, Ohio, is the Career Technical Planning District serving all five Brown County school systems and Bright Local in Highland County. For more than 50 years, SHCTC has been equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials they need to succeed in college, careers, and beyond. SHCTC offers career tech satellite programming in five of the affiliate districts and houses 15 programs at the career tech center, all designed to meet the demands of today’s workforce. Students benefit from strong partnerships with local businesses, industries, and higher education institutions, gaining opportunities for work-based learning, industry-recognized credentials, senior-only options, and college credit. In addition, SHCTC partners with the Brown & Clermont Adult Career Campus (BCACC) to provide high-quality training and credentialing opportunities for adult learners. This partnership ensures that both high school students and adults across the region can access career-focused education that leads to meaningful employment and advancement. At SHCTC, academic excellence is paired with real-world experience in a supportive, student-centered environment. Graduates leave prepared for immediate employment or advanced education, confident in their ability to achieve their goals. Southern Hills Career & Technical Center proudly lives by its belief that “You Can Go Anywhere From Here.” www.shctc.us
Plastics News
Downtime challenges hindered the company’s production efficiency and machine uptime. To resolve this, they adopted Milacron’s M-Powered solution to analyze machine downtime and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
The Challenge: The company initially set out to enhance their machine’s Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to boost production efficiency and overall output, but they discovered significant unplanned downtime. To address this issue, the company needed a data-driven approach to gain insights, identify downtime trends, and enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
The Approach: The key to optimizing production performance lies in having accurate, accessible, and actionable data. With Milacron’s M-Powered solution, specifically its Downtime module, which provides detailed insights into machine downtime, the company made remarkable strides in managing and allocating its resources within just three months.
The Results:
- Significant reduction in downtime from 27.05% in January to 5.91% in March.
- Planned downtime also saw a drop from 5.44% to 2.18% during the same period.
The facility gained a sharper understanding of its OEE and was able to tackle inefficiencies in an informed and systematic manner.
Data-driven decisions for a measurable impact
This performance boost was driven by M-Powered’s real-time data insights and predictive analytics, which offered deeper visibility into equipment behavior and facilitated proactive decision-making. These impressive results highlight how advanced analytics can significantly improve asset availability, product performance, and operational efficiency in a manufacturing setting.
With an impressive 34-year tenure, Ngan Le has dedicated a significant portion of his life to his profession, showcasing his commitment and expertise in his field as a welder for Milacron’s Atlanta screw and barrel manufacturing facility. Initially, the learning curve in his job was steep, but with time and experience, he has found it to be much easier. His perseverance has paid off, making him proficient in his role and a valued mentor to other colleagues.
Heritage
Born in Vietnam, Ngan escaped by boat in 1983, embarking on a journey that took him to Hong Kong before arriving in the United States. His first home in the U.S. was in Jacksonville, FL, before he made his way to Atlanta. His immigrant story reflects resilience and determination, inspiring those around him to persevere through challenges and pursue their goals with unwavering courage.
Family
Ngan has been happily married for 25 years and is a proud father of four children. His family is a central part of his life, providing him with love and support. He often credits their encouragement as the driving force behind his dedication and work ethic, motivating him to excel in his career and personal life alike.
Hobbies
While Ngan enjoyed playing soccer as a kid back home in Vietnam, he now finds joy in fishing! This hobby allows him to relax and connect with nature. Additionally, fishing has taught him patience and focus, qualities that he applies both on and off the job.
Life Outside of Work
Ngan lives on a spacious 2-acre property where he raises 20 chickens, adding a unique and charming aspect to his home life. At the end of the day, he enjoys unwinding in his yard, gardening and tending to his vegetables. This peaceful outdoor time, along with cooking for his kids, allows him to relax and create cherished moments with his family. His connection to his rural lifestyle underscores his appreciation for hard work and self-sufficiency, values that he brings into his professional life as well.
Milacron Field Service Technician finds his greatest source of inspiration from his family.
Martin Cervantes has accumulated over 12 years of specialized experience within Milacron Latin America (Mexico), demonstrating sustained professional growth and technical mastery in advanced manufacturing and OEM support.
He acquired troubleshooting and customer support skills during his year at the Field Services Help Desk, where he refined his diagnostic acumen in electro-mechanical systems, all while gaining a comprehensive understanding of manufacturing workflows and client operational environments. Subsequently, for seven years as a service technician on the Injection Service Team, Martin specialized in hydraulic, pneumatic, and servo-driven injection molding machinery, preventative maintenance, and retrofit installations. Additionally, for four years, he has been a key member of the Extrusion Service Team, delivering in-depth expertise in extruder automation, and process optimization.
Career Path
Prior to Milacron, Martin completed 23 years of diverse experience in manufacturing, holding various roles such as Maintenance Chief, Supervisor, and Technician. His background spans multiple industries, including food, medical, and automotive. Eager to transition into a technical supplier role, Martin came to Milacron and has not looked back!
What Do You like Best about Milacron?
Martin believes Milacron is the best workplace he has encountered in his 36-year career. The company fosters an environment that promotes personal growth and innovation, and he values the supportive culture and abundant opportunities for professional development. He feels appreciated and motivated to contribute his best.
Family
Happily married for 36 years, he finds family to be his greatest source of inspiration and support. He and his wife have three grown children – a daughter (35) and two sons (31 and 33). They have been his pillars of strength during challenging times, offering encouragement and love when he needs it most.
Hobbies
Outside of work, Martin enjoys spending his weekends at home relaxing with the family. He loves cooking a variety of Mexican dishes and sharing his culture with them. He also enjoys reading technical books to stay current in his field, going for walks with his wife, sipping coffee, and unwinding over television.
Favorite Destination in Latin America
Martin has a deep appreciation for many places in Latin America, with the historic Old City of Guatemala and the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica among his favorites. However, his ultimate destination is Israel, where his beloved daughter resides. Visiting her there is a cherished experience he always looks forward to.
Plastics Technology
Plastics News
Plastics Today
Spare Parts Team Lead in Europe also harvests a 200-tree orchard!
Dirk has been a valuable part of Milacron for 36 years, leading our parts team in Europe since 2023. With his expertise, he and his team ensure that our customers worldwide are supplied with the right components quickly and reliably.
At the age of 19, Dirk started in the warehouse of Klöckner Ferromatik (Ferromatik Milacron GmbH), where he became familiar with machine parts, and eventually transitioned to the customer service workshop where he executed customer repairs.
Since late 1990, Dirk has been a subject matter expert and primary contact person for Milacron customers in search of spare parts. He took over as team lead of our European spare parts team in 2023, where he prepares tailormade offers for customers, coordinates the processing of global spare parts requests, manages the order processing system, and oversees direct sales.
Family, Fun & Schnapps!
When he’s not at Milacron, Dirk keeps busy on his property with his wife of nearly 25 years, Doris, and their two grown sons – Nico (30) and Norman (22). They cultivate an orchard of nearly 200 pear trees for harvest through their very own distillery! Delicious pear schnapps and liqueurs are the product of their labor each season.
Dirk and his wife also enjoy visiting the nearby amusement park, Europa Park, and eating out with their sons (and their partners). The two look forward to being grandparents one day – family is truly everything to Dirk!
