Faces of Manufacturing

Franco Goicochea
General Manager - AGT Foods - Extrusion Center
Minot

Years in MFG: 10

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Franco awesome? As a leader at AGT Foods, Franco Goicochea is responsible for overseeing manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring product quality and food safety standards, and supporting the company's strategic growth objectives. He works closely with employees, suppliers, and customers to optimize production processes, improve operational efficiency, and deliver high-quality products to domestic and international markets. Franco also plays a key role in workforce development, fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and collaboration while helping position AGT Foods as a leader in value-added agricultural manufacturing.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? There are two things I enjoy most about manufacturing: the people and the product. Personally, I enjoy analyzing, improving, and creating. Manufacturing gives me the opportunity to do all three every day. Taking pulses and transforming them into ingredients that become breads, dairy alternatives, pasta, and countless other food products is both challenging and rewarding. At the end of the day, it's satisfying to look back and see the tangible results of the time and effort I've invested at AGT. The people are what truly set manufacturing apart. Every coworker, customer, and business partner I've worked with has contributed to a culture built around solving problems and finding better ways to do things. While manufacturing certainly comes with deadlines and challenges, it is also an industry that embraces continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation. What I've come to appreciate most is that we don't just manufacture products; we develop people. Every project, challenge, and success help us build new skills, stronger teams, and better leaders. To me, that's one of the most rewarding aspects of working in manufacturing. 

Alisia S Hoff
Technical Writer - American Crystal Sugar Company
Hillsboro

Years in MFG: 6+

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Alisia awesome? Alisia is truly exceptional, both in her professional growth and the impact she makes every day. Rising through the Process Technician program to a PT3 role before being selected for promotion to Technical Writer is a testament to her dedication and capability. Since stepping into the Tech Writer position in the summer of 2024, she made an immediate impression, requiring very little guidance to become productive and consistently delivering high-quality work. In her role, Alisia plays a critical part in keeping employees safe by ensuring procedures are clearly documented, accurate, and easy to follow—work that directly supports safe operations across the factory. What sets her apart is not only her ability to learn quickly and adapt with ease, but also her remarkable interpersonal skills—she has built strong relationships throughout the Hillsboro factory through effective communication and dependable follow-through. Her positive attitude, kindness, and approachable nature make her a pleasure to work with, while her strong work ethic ensures she consistently exceeds expectations. It is rare to find someone who combines such talent, initiative, and reliability without complaint, and Alisia exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her role.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? Getting to see how products are made. In my case, it's pretty neat to be part of the process of turning sugar beets into sugar.

Evan Fideldy
Sanitation Assistant - Baker Boy
Dickinson

Years in MFG: 2

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Evan awesome? Evan is a real go getter with a positive attitude, friendly demeanor and a patient trainer with the new hires he trains. Evan didn't know much about manufacturing but has found it as his true calling. He enjoys his team and he feels sense of accomplishment with his position. 

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? What I enjoy most about working in the manufacturing industry is seeing how my work directly impacts the company and the people around me, as well as experiencing the constant change in the work environment. I can watch products being made, packaged, and shipped, knowing that I played a part in the process, then go home and enjoy what we've made with my family. As I develop new skills and take on different responsibilities, the company continues to grow through improved processes and new equipment, giving me ongoing opportunities to learn and grow alongside it.

Mehdin Merdzic
Channel Team Leader - Cardinal IG
Fargo

Years in MFG: 10

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Mehdin awesome? Mehdin came to the United States 10 years ago from Bosnia to start a family with his wife who was a US citizen. He did not know English, nor the American culture. Cardinal IG was his first job; taking the most basic entry level production position as a material handler. He learned English, learned the culture, and worked hard to learn every position in his department. 10 years later, he is the 1st Shift Team Leader in his department, leading the largest crew in the factory (25 operators).

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? The opportunity to continuously learn new skills and grow professionally. I appreciate being in an environment where hard work and experience can lead to greater responsibilities and opportunities to move up within the company. I also enjoy working as part of a team to achieve common goals.

Grissmarie Perez Diaz
Product Development Manager - Cloverdale Foods Company
Mandan

Years in MFG: 3

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Grissmarie awesome? Grissmarie began her journey at Cloverdale as an intern and later transitioned into a Product Development role. Her ability to stay organized, lead effectively, and bring projects to completion is remarkable. She is hands-on in her work and is not afraid to step onto the plant floor to personally verify product safety and quality. She consistently conducts quality testing and has improved the feedback process to ensure product development and research efforts are moving forward as intended. Grissmarie brings a rare combination of personality, humor, wit, and professionalism to everything she does. Above all, she keeps everyone informed by clearly communicating the what, who, why, and next steps.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? What I love most about working in manufacturing is that no two days are ever the same. Every day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to improve a process, optimize a system, or solve a problem. Continuous improvement is one of my biggest passions because even small changes can have a meaningful impact on people, quality, and efficiency.

I also enjoy how collaborative manufacturing is. I get to work with people from many different departments from operations and quality to engineering and product development which allows me to keep learning and growing. It's a fast-paced environment that constantly pushes you to think creatively, and that's what makes it so rewarding.

Amanda Vetter
Director, Accounting & Financial Systems - Harvestone Low Carbon Partners
Underwood

Years in MFG: 19

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Amanda awesome? Amanda is an exceptional leader whose expertise in accounting, finance, and operational strategy has made a significant impact on the success of the organization. She is a driving force for the team, consistently leading with professionalism, integrity, and determination while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Beyond her strong business acumen and ability to support profitability and long-term growth, Amanda is also a great mentor who invests in the development and success of those around her. Her willingness to guide, encourage, and share knowledge has earned the respect and trust of her colleagues, making her an invaluable asset and highly deserving of recognition. 

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? Over my nearly 20 years in the manufacturing industry, I have most enjoyed the opportunities for continuous learning, solving challenges through collaboration, and contributing to meaningful work. Joining the Blue Flint Ethanol facility just months before production began gave me the opportunity to learn the process firsthand and grow professionally. While there were many hurdles to overcome, working alongside passionate team members made those challenges easier to navigate. Seeing the results of our collective hard work has been incredibly rewarding!

Jeri Gustafson
Team Lead - Electrical Assembly - Ideal Aerosmith, Inc.
Grand Forks

Years in MFG: 10

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Jeri awesome? Jeri recently assumed leadership of a relatively inexperienced team, succeeding a team lead with over thirty years of experience. Drawing on her own expertise, she quickly and effectively brought the team up to speed. She is committed to developing her team members, intentionally building on their strengths while encouraging them to challenge themselves and grow professionally. Throughout her five years with the company, Jeri has consistently demonstrated strong dedication and a deep commitment to Customer Focus, which is one of our most important company core values.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? I enjoy being able to work with my hands and with a team to create products that are in demand by our customers. The reward comes from seeing the completed product and knowing that our team has put their best effort into creating a reliable piece of equipment for our customer. In manufacturing, you can very easily see the product of your hard work.

Shanessa Ellis
Battery Pack Assembly Technician - Packet Digital
Fargo  

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Shanessa awesome? Shanessa is a dependable and hardworking team member who consistently delivers high-quality work with strong attention to detail and a commitment to timeliness. She is always willing to step in where needed, learn new tasks, and support the team however she can. No matter how busy or chaotic manufacturing becomes, she maintains an incredibly positive attitude and steady presence that helps keep the team moving forward. Her reliability, adaptability, and uplifting demeanor make her an invaluable part of the organization.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? Within the manufacturing industry there are so many opportunities to learn new and innovative things. Things like the chemical make up of fiber glass components to the intricacies of a printed circuit board. In the manufacturing industry there is a plethora of machinery, each designed and built to do multiple tasks. I absolutely enjoy learning about them as well as working with them. The industry is also ever changing; therefore, my mind never tires or gets bored. We’re always thinking of ways to be more efficient and to achieve the best quality of products that we can.

Jerrold Zettel
Director of Engineering - Red River Commodities
Fargo

Years in MFG: 13 

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Jerrold awesome? Jerrold leads engineering for all 5 of our facilities. He has a team of process engineers who report to him. Jerrold was a Senior Process Engineer for us from April 2022 until this fall when he was promoted to the Director of Engineering. In his current role, he leads all capital projects and all engineering projects for our entire company.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? Manufacturing is a team sport of producing tangible goods. I enjoy being integral to solving complex challenges and experiencing the results as a team. Some of my favorite moments are the “we nailed it” feelings at the conclusion of a difficult challenge. Often these moments include something physical. It may be a floor layout, a piece of equipment, or a building. Seeing those things for years to come will serve as a reminder of past accomplishments, a trophy for the team.

Garrett Kendrick
Project Coordinator - TMI Systems Corporation
Dickinson

Years in MFG: 7.5

FROM THE NOMINATOR
Why is Garrett awesome? Garrett started in the factory and quickly advanced to engineering, then to Customer Service. Garrett is a valuable member of the team. He always brings a positive attitude, looks for ways to contribute beyond his day-to-day work, and is always willing to help others. His approach makes a difference for the team. Garrett studies, asks questions, and actively learns about his job and about the company on his own initiative. He is actively finding career growth opportunities to broaden his own understanding of manufacturing and industry. His strong communication and collaborative approach have established him as a respected leader within the company. 

IN THEIR OWN WORDS
What do you like about working in the manufacturing industry? What I enjoy most about working in manufacturing is seeing ideas become reality. Taking a vision and helping move it forward to have a direct positive impact on the customer and community is incredibly rewarding. It's satisfying to see the results of your efforts take shape and know that your work contributes to something tangible. Every day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to learn.