January 1st 1998 marks the “official” start date of the more than 23 years of service from Plant Manager John Wierzba. Many people probably don’t know before John was an official employee, “back in the day” he did side work for Ampco Pumps. In his off-hours from his full-time job John helped to select and set up Ampco’s very first machining equipment. At the time Ampco Pumps Company was located in the basement of Ampco Metals.
Since John’s first day’s in the basement machine shop until now he has “literally” been helping to build the company. A few of those building projects included setting-up and moving the many Mazaks and other machining equipment. He was involved in the move to Mitchell Street, the move to Glendale…the expansion of Glendale…the expansion of Glendale again and the more recent 75,000 square feet of solar panels on the roof top of Glendale. John is one heck of a machinist, a pretty darn good Plant Manager, and has organized many Ampco employee Lake Michigan salmon fishing trips on his boat.
When asked what John will miss the most about Ampco, he said it will be the people. “We have a really good group here and we get things done”.
John’s plans for retirement ultimately involve spending a lot more time outdoors. If you have met John then you know how much he likes to hunt and fish. When asked what he looks forward to the most about retirement John said, “I want to be able to go out on the best days now when conditions are right. Whether it is on the water or in the woods…I want to be there.”
We wish you well John. Thank you for your contributions to Ampco Pumps then and now. Enjoy retirement!
