GET UP AND GO TO WORK: AUSTIN FOSTER

“Get up and go to work... every day.”  Those words of wisdom come from a welder who has been in the business for over 20 years.  And they are as true today as they were years ago.  It is that work ethic that has made Austin Foster successful. 

Raised in Troy, Austin took welding courses at Troy High School in the 1960s and always wanted to come to Hobart Institute.  After serving in the military, he went to work in the plant at LTV Copperweld in Piqua, Ohio, which was then Miami Industries. 

LTV Copperweld manufactures all-welded steel tubing for a variety of purposes, including automotive and truck components, construction and farm equipment, office, residential and industrial furniture, bicycles, motorcycles including Harley Davidson V-rod, and other uses. 

After Austin acquired enough seniority and moved into the maintenance department, the company fulfilled his dream and sent him to Hobart as part of his apprenticeship.  A member of the United Steel Workers of America, Austin served a 4-year apprenticeship and two years of on-the-job training. 

“If you go to Hobart Institute, instructors will do all they can to teach you to weld,” says Austin. 

Now holding the title of Construction Fabricator First Class, which was his ultimate goal, Austin is the only fabricator working the afternoon shift in the maintenance department at LTV Copperweld.  He welds every day and his first priority is repairing equipment for the plant. 

“I’m a big guy, so it works best if I can get the broken part off of the machine and clean it well before welding it,” commented Austin.  “If you can’t see it, you can’t weld it!”

When not making repairs, Austin builds machine guards and other safety items needed in the manufacturing facility.

He enjoys the daily variety offered by his work.

“I have acquired a reputation for welding special projects.  Every day is something different,” Austin continues.  “It  keeps the work interesting.  I owe Hobart a lot.  I am proud to be a welder and proud of what Hobart did for me.”

At home in his garage near Houston, Ohio, Austin has a “buzz box” welder and makes buckhorn handle knives with leather sheaths, shooting bags and powder horns.  He is an avid primitive camper and member of the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association.  He is married to Mary, his wife of 20 years.  He has three grown children, all in successful careers of their own.  And Austin owes it all to his simple philosophy, “Get up and go to work... every day!”