Masters of the finishing touch

By Central States Manufacturing

Precision, craftsmanship and creativity define this small but mighty team.

At Central States’ Lowell, Arkansas facility, perfection isn’t just a goal — it’s in the job description. In the Trim Accessories department, Jose Salinas and Ciriaco Calderon work with a blend of artistry and technical skill, handcrafting the final pieces that bring metal structures to life. Whether tackling a familiar project or an entirely new challenge, they take raw materials and turn them into seamless, functional details. With every custom trim, every precise cut and every problem solved, they aren’t just finishing jobs — they’re completing the vision.

Jose Salinas

“Sometimes the special requests are easy and sometimes they are not,” Salinas, a 17-year employee-owner said.  “We stay busy and enjoy the work. We help complete the whole package. We hand-create pieces that are the finishing touches.”

Those finishing touches come to Jose and Ciriaco through CAD drawings from the sales team or the customer for larger pieces. For smaller pieces, a combination of experience, putting the puzzle pieces of information together which may not always be complete, and instinct guides the way. Using notchers, presses, snips and other tools to handcraft each piece, this team of two gets it done.

Ciriaco Calderon

“You have to be very precise and sometimes we work from assumptions as the salesperson or the contractor may not have a solid idea of what they are needing,” Salinas commented. We use the information that we receive plus experience to create something unique.

If you work in this department, you have to be a 3D thinker. How will this one-of-a-kind piece look and function when ultimately installed? In many ways, these trim accessories are what will give someone’s home or business the finished appearance that the owner is looking for.

“Boxes are the pieces that I enjoy creating most,” Salinas said with a smile.  “These corner boxes finish off the trim on a house or business giving it a clean look. The gutters fit inside and really complete a job.”

One of Central States’ missions is to create raving fans of both new and current customers. Both Jose and Ciriaco know that all too well each day. The opportunity for a company the size of Central States to offer these small touches which make a big impact, is part of the company’s foundational culture dating back to its first facility in Rogers, Arkansas in 1988 and company founder Mr. Carpenter’s insistence of always being “customer-first” in purpose.

“We have gotten really good at what we do,” Salinas continued. “Other companies send their jobs to us as they can’t hand create what is needed. It is how we provide customer service as an employee-owner not only to our customers but also to those outside companies who rely on us to create things for them. I love it.”

Learn more about the different opportunities that exist within Central States and how you can join an employee-owned team that makes a difference!

Original article and photo source: Central States Manufacturing