8 Facts About Millwright Mechanics

When you think of a food manufacturing plant, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? Odds are, the first thing that comes to mind is the machinery that produces the food.

Motors, conveyor belts and pumps, all these things are just a few of the parts which compose fast-moving manufacturing plants. But what happens when these parts break down or a company looks to install a new piece of processing equipment?

But behind all of this equipment are skilled trades professionals, like millwright mechanics, who keep everything running smoothly in the food and beverage industry.

1. Millwright mechanics repair and maintain industrial equipment

Millwrights in the food and beverage industry are responsible for…

performing corrective, preventative and predictive maintenance on industrial manufacturing equipment at food production facilities. They have a strong technical background which allows them to understand different types of industrial machinery and how they work.

Mechanics diagnose and repair equipment faults by observing mechanical devices in operation, listening for problems and using precision measuring and testing instruments. If required, they remove defective parts using hoists, cranes and hand and power tools. Furthermore, mechanics fabricate by using shop instrumentation and equipment.

Millwright mechanics are keen on performing preventative maintenance because it improves the performance and safety of equipment. Continuously throughout maintenance process, they manage and log inventory and labour as a record of maintenance completion.

Finally, these professionals are responsible for assembling new equipment when it arrives at the manufacturing plant. Millwrights in food processing facilities often install pumps, fans, conveyors, and industrial tanks and sometimes even generators. The assembly of the different machines may take hours, days or even weeks depending on their size and complexity.

2. Millwright mechanics work independently and as part of a team

Successful millwrights are flexible tradesman, able to work independently but also apart of a team. Sometimes a millwright will work on their own, focusing on a single work order while also working with a team, tackling the same project.  How big these teams is dependent on how large the company it is that they work for. 

Members of maintenance participate in team efforts to achieve assigned departmental goals. They work closely with other team members to ensure all maintenance activities are completed on time.

3. Millwright mechanics are trained through apprenticeship programs

To work as a millwright mechanic in the food manufacturing industry, most individuals complete an apprenticeship through a registered trade program. This program does not require the completion of a post secondary degree. However, many apprentices attend a technical school because it improves their chance of being accepted into an apprentice program. Courses at these schools include drawing and schematics, electrical design, machine technology and power transmission.

For example, in Ontario once you have completed high school, students are required to be apprenticed under the Ontario College of Trades Apprenticeship Act (2009). This requires students to have completed a 7280-hour apprenticeship (approximately four years). Afterwards, they can write an exam for the certificate of qualification as an industrial millwright. It is almost always a requirement for a worker to have a certification such as an Industrial Millwright Mechanic License 443A.

4. Many millwright mechanics are increasingly knowledgeable in automation and programming

The food industry has changed substantially within the last few years with automation becoming standard in food processing plants. Many food companies have switched to automated processes in the plants. Automation leads to improved productivity, improved product quality and improved profitability. For plant equipment to be automated, they need to be equipped with control systems like programmable logic controls (PLC) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). However, it is becoming more common for millwright mechanics to have at least a working knowledge of these systems.

Want to know more about even MORE trades in the food and beverage industry? Check out our Mentorship Series where we interview professionals across different skilled trades

5. Millwright mechanics are in good physical shape

When new machinery enters a food manufacturing plant, it needs to be opened and inspected for any damage. Inspecting these pieces can become a difficult task if they are large. Sometimes millwrights are required to lift heavy objects or climb to reach equipment located high above the floor. If the equipment is too large, they may require the assistance of a hydraulic lift. Millwrights are constantly bending, lifting and getting into tight spots so they can fit bearings, align gears and perform other maintenance tasks. This job would be near impossible without being in good shape.

6. Millwright mechanics are problem solvers

Everyday is unique for a millwright mechanic because new and different problems arise everyday. For example, if a conveyor belt stops working, they need to determine whether a defective part needs to be refurbished, repaired or replaced. It is up to the mechanic to use their problem-solving skills and years of experience to determine the best course of action.

7.  Millwright mechanics support R&D in food manufacturing

As it was mentioned before, millwright mechanics are responsible for assembling new equipment when it enters a plant. Millwright mechanics have experience working in their “home” manufacturing plant, making them the ideal candidate to help engineers during new projects. They not only install new equipment but also read blueprints, diagrams and schematics to determine work procedures.

8. Millwright mechanics are continuously learning and improving their skills

As with any occupation, there are certain sets of skills which will aid you better than others. For a millwright mechanic, these skills include:

• Literacy and blueprint reading – A millwright mechanic constantly reads manuals for operating, troubleshooting and repairing tools and equipment. Furthermore, they need to be comfortable with reading blueprints, diagrams and schematic drawings to determine work procedures.
• Math and mechanical measurement – Millwright mechanics compare measurements such as width, height and rotations per minute on a variety of parts to ensure they are within an acceptable range. They use these measurements to calculate loads, capacities and dimensions for mechanical components and systems. If any of these measurements are incorrect, this could mean a lot of trouble down the line!
• Verbal communication with production staff – When a millwright makes changes to a piece of equipment it is important that they communicate this information to production line workers. When communicating they must do so in a way that worker understand especially if the changes are safety related.