Peerless Engineering employee spotlight

Thomas Bugg: Peerless Engineering employee spotlight

Department Lead & General Safety Coordinator

At Peerless Engineering and Manufacturing, experience and craftsmanship are at the core of what we do. In this spotlight, we’re featuring Thomas Bugg, Department Lead and General Safety Coordinator, who brings decades of industry experience and a strong focus on safety, people development, and quality work.

Q: What is your role at Peerless?

A: Department Lead and General Safety Coordinator- part-time operator

Q: How long have you been with the company?

A: 5 years in July- Started in the industry in 1976

Q: What does a typical workday look like for you?

A: Come in and take a quick inventory of cut steel around the plasma table and check the work board to see what is coming up for the day. Quick check in with the production manager (Ken) to discuss work priority and workforce attendance. Spend most of the day kitting parts and preparing them for the front half fabricators.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: The people. I have always enjoyed that atmosphere in the steel manufacturing industry. Surrounding myself with young people keeps me feeling young.

Q: What is something people might not know about what you do?

A: How much walking I do. I tell people outside of work that I’m a welder, but most of my job is coaching, safety training, people development, and work expediting.

Q: What are you most proud of in your work here?

A: The development of the people and the quality of the product we build.

Q: How has your role evolved since you started?

A: At first, I had to prove I could build the product. Once I proved myself as a fabricator, I felt like my role moved more to helping to shift the mindset and culture around shop safety.

Q: What makes the Peerless team unique?

A: Varied skill sets. We all bring something different to the table. Different personalities and work/life experiences come together to make a strong team.

Q: What do you enjoy about the industry?

A: The drawings. Seeing something go from a 2D drawing and a pile of raw steel to a working product.

Q: What advice would you give someone considering the steel industry?

A: Money is not the only thing that matters. The highest-paying jobs I have had are not when I have been the most content. Ask for the opportunity to show what value you can add.

Q: What motivates you to do your best work?

A: Knowing that everyone knows that I did the work, I never want someone to say it’s messed up because of what I did. Always want to pass down good work to the next guy. The Peerless finished product.

Q: One word to describe Peerless?

A: Necessary

Peerless Engineering employee spotlight: Thomas Bugg brings decades of industry knowledge, a strong commitment to safety, and a focus on mentoring others. His perspective reflects the hands-on experience and pride in craftsmanship that define Peerless Engineering and Manufacturing.