Forming Focus—Greg Raleigh, Group Sales Manager, AFT ThixoForming®
A man who molds metal for a living has to be both flexible and committed—flexible in seeking new avenues to develop and apply metal forming technologies for various industries, and committed in not allowing the frustrations inherent in developing those new technologies discourage him. Over his past two years as Group Sales Manager for
AFT's ThixoForming®, Greg Raleigh has exhibited both qualities. His ability to find new uses for and his commitment to pushing the limits of metal molding capabilities has helped mold AFT into the industry leader in Thixomolding technology.
Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Greg got his start with that city's largest employer—General Motors. He received a BS from General Motors Institute in Manufacturing Engineering, and continued on to complete his Master's in Manufacturing Management. After completing his education at GMI, Greg then worked at GM for 14 years in machine tool sales, metal cutting and automotive manufacturing, including a stint with GM's joint venture program with the Chinese Automobile Industry.
After marrying a woman from Canada, Greg set his sights north of the border and moved to Calgary, Alberta. It was there that he began working in Thixomolding. "I spent four years there as a Director of Engineering for one of AFT's competitors," he said.
Since joining AFT in January 2002 as Group Sales Manager for ThixoForming, Greg has played a large role in helping the ThixoForming® develop metal molding processes that are novel and unique, producing products that perform at the cutting edge of technology. According to him, the challenges of developing a new technology are the most rewarding aspects of the job.
"For me, the challenge of developing and maturing a difficult new processing method for injecting magnesium is the most exciting part of the job," Greg said. And while developing new technologies in any field is not without its frustrations, he said that perhaps the most frustrating part of his job has to do with filling out expense reports after sales trips.
Outside of his work at AFT—and when he's not out on the road or on the shop floor—Greg is either riding one of his three quarter horses, enjoying Colorado's mountains while downhill skiing or working on his home. He also describes himself as an avid reader.
The challenges and excitement of Thixoforming aside, Greg said that one of the primary reasons that makes coming to work enjoyable for him is the people he works with.
"We're a small team in Thixo and we have strong bonds," he said. "The ability to laugh at one another and learn from our mutual mistakes makes it a fun place to work. We never pass up the chance to rib each other and keep our stress levels down."
What sets AFT ThixoForming apart from the competition, Greg believes, is the Division's commitment to making the technology work. For him, it's not enough to create the technology—it must be perfected.
"The relentless pursuit and management of technology improvements has made us the cost and productivity leader in Thixomolding," he said. "It's our goal to complete the transition of the technology from adolescence to full maturity so that it will eventually displace a significant percentage of the die-casting industry."
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