Passing the torch
At Bühler West Michigan (BWMI) in Holland, Michigan, USA, which is a location of the Bühler Die Casting business area, a remarkable story is being forged—a story combining a father's unmatched expertise and a son's aspirations. Donald MacKeller (Don), the facility’s Maintenance Supervisor, is approaching his well-deserved retirement after 36 years of exemplary service. By his side is Jonathon MacKeller (Jon), his son and apprentice, eagerly absorbing every bit of knowledge to eventually fill his father's shoes.
Veronica Occelli, December 2024
Don's journey began in blueberry farms at the young age of 12, where he made his way up through various management roles in the farming and later fruit processing industries. In 1982, he married his wife, Christine, marking a pivotal moment in his personal life. Eventually, he gravitated towards manufacturing and landed a job at a brass foundry in Grand Haven, Michigan as part of the maintenance team.
Don's career took a significant turn in 1988 when he joined what was then Prince Machine Company, now BWMI. The road wasn't always smooth, and Don was tempted to leave the organization and find an opportunity elsewhere. However, he stayed the course, transitioning into the assembly floor and eventually the apprenticeship program, where he earned his journeyman’s certification in machine building. "On November 1st, I celebrated 36 years with the company. In those years, there have been a lot of changes, but I think it's a good place to work. I really enjoy it” Don reflects.
His versatility facilitated a move from the assembly night shift supervisor role to building his career in the maintenance department, eventually earning multiple journeyman licenses and becoming a master electrician. "I have been given every opportunity to do whatever I wanted in the shop as long as it was beneficial to the company. They've always been really good at providing opportunities to acquire knowledge so you can also pass it down to other people," shares Don.
Bühler is always been really good at providing opportunities to acquire knowledge so you can also pass it down to other people.
Donald MacKeller,
Maintenance Supervisor
Unlike his father, Jon's journey started in a markedly different environment. After a stint working on the assembly floor at BWMI, the economic downturn in 2008 saw him laid off. Faced with difficult choices, Jon enlisted in the Air Force, a path encouraged by his cousin. "I became Chief on the B2 S bomber and spent six years doing that. It was extremely gratifying," Jon recalls. The experience not only honed his mechanical skills but also instilled in him a profound sense of accomplishment and discipline.
Following his service, the physical toll and the stringent requirements of military life led Jon back to his roots and towards BWMI, inspired by the stable and fulfilling life his father had provided for their family. "Working with my dad has been extremely satisfying because his knowledge is so great. I know it will be extremely big shoes to fill, but with right mind set and Bühler’s support, I know I will accomplish most of it," Jon says gratefully.
Since rejoining BWMI, Jon has been immersing himself in various aspects of the maintenance department, from HVAC systems to machine repair and documentation. "I never want to stop learning. I am currently going to Michigan State University for my national electrician coding class," he shares. His dedication to continuous improvement echoes the values his father has lived by.
Their journey together in the plant has been as much about maintenance as it has been about solidifying their father-son bond. The pair brings humor and humility into their workspace. Don says, "I like to teach these guys the importance of documenting everything. I'm really hard on these guys when it comes to documentation, so they have it all to go back on later when they find themselves in similar circumstances." Jon quips back, "Oh, I already told him that I'm going to have him on speed dial. Don't worry."
As Don prepares for retirement, he's confident in Jon's abilities but knows the journey requires continuous learning. "I want Jon to continue his work in electrical and obtain his electrician license. Becoming a journeyman and then a master is gratifying, and I want him to have that feeling of gratification that goes along with it," Don explains. Jon is equally committed to growth: "I think I'd like to get my electrician's license and maybe even become HVAC qualified like my dad."
Succession planning is more than just finding a replacement; it's about ensuring that the extensive knowledge and skills are passed down seamlessly. Don’s strong focus on documentation will ensure that the plant can continue to function smoothly and efficiently after he moves on.
Both father and son are grateful to BWMI management for the opportunities and trust bestowed upon them. As Jon articulates, "The main thing is thanking management, the people that put us in this position, everybody that put their trust in me. I want to show them that I can do it."
Don concludes with a sentiment reflective of his career: "I enjoy each day that I come here, I still enjoy what I do. I would just like to thank our management teams, past and present, for giving me the opportunities to do whatever I needed to get where I wanted to be."
As Don steps into retirement, the BWMI plant will echo with a legacy of dedication, wisdom, and the indelible bond between a father and son.
The main thing is thanking management, the people that put us in this position, everybody that put their trust in me. I want to show them that I can do it.
Jonathon MacKeller,
Maintenance Technician 2
Gupfenstrasse 5
Uzwil
9240
Switzerland
