Job Fair Lines Stretch Out the Door at Generac Event In Whitewater

Nov. 29--WHITEWATER -- Job seekers waited in lines out the door at Generac's Whitewater plant Wednesday hoping to land 100 full-time jobs being offered by the portable and home generator manufacturer.

"We have about 75 immediate openings here in this plant for production and assembly positions," said Andy Martin, director of operations for the Whitewater facility. "These positions, mostly assembly jobs, require at least a high school diploma but no experience."

Prior training and experience always are a plus, but Generac looks beyond basic skills, Martin said.

"We are looking for people with a lot of drive and ambition who will help us continue to take Generac to new levels," Martin said. "We want people who are driven to make improvements."

Most of the 75 production and assembly jobs will be filled from applications received at Wednesday's job effort. The other 25 openings are for higher levels of technology and will require a lengthier application process.

"I want to emphasize that just because someone could not make it to the job fair today doesn't mean they have missed an opportunity to work for Generac," Martin said. "If you're interested in working for Generac, go to our website and apply or stop by our offices here in Whitewater and fill out an application. Every application will be considered."

If prospective employees have skills different from those required for current openings, an application should be submitted, Martin said.

"When we see an application from someone with the attitude and drive we are looking for, we'll keep that application on file, even though there may not be a job available at that time," he said. "We are always looking for talent."

Many Generac employees, including the chief operating officer, started on the shop floor and worked their way up.

"Our COO, Dawn Tabat, has been with Generac for about 40 years," Martin said. "She started out in production on the floor. We have many employees who continued their education while working in production, for example, and then move up to other jobs."

Generac's Whitewater plant manufactures portable and home backup generators.

"We have seen an increase in demand for the home backup units that corresponds to events such as Hurricane Sandy," Martin said. "We view our role as helping people in their time of need."

The home backup units come in various power capabilities that are connected to a natural gas supply and the home's electric circuit.

The Whitewater facility manufactures power washers in addition to portable and home backup generators out of a 300,000-square-foot building. A separate 200,000-square-foot distribution center also is located on the Whitewater property.

By Stan Milam, The Janesville Gazette