Since joining Premier Furnace Specialists/BeaverMatic in 2017, Jacob Laird has played a pivotal role, contributing to hundreds of successful new equipment projects, installations, rebuilds, and field service assignments. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and calm, helpful nature, Jacob has become a versatile and highly knowledgeable engineer in the heat treating equipment industry.

Early in his tenure, Jacob’s work expanded from designing, specifying, purchasing, and reverse engineering components to producing fabrication documentation, optimizing process engineering, and collaborating with control engineers to integrate advanced automation into Premier’s systems. In addition to those responsibilities, he also took on the task of project budgeting and drafting new equipment quotes. He re-standardized the company’s new equipment quotation format, improving organization, reducing drafting time, and adjusting terms and pricing to adapt to market volatility — doubling the volume of quotes generated and increasing workflow for new projects.

Jacob’s engineering responsibilities have grown to include operating Premier’s first CNC plasma cutting table, authoring all equipment operation manuals, overseeing factory testing and troubleshooting, and standardizing the company’s HMI control system hardware. Since 2021, he has shared full engineering responsibilities for all projects within the two-person department. Recent accomplishments include designing multiple high-temperature forging furnaces, assisting in the installation of a fully automated IQ furnace line, training new engineering and sales staff, and continuing to lead new equipment design efforts.

Beyond his engineering work, Jacob contributes to industry knowledge as one of five recognized experts in roller hearth furnace design, and through published articles in Heat Treat Today on furnace manufacturing, maintenance, and optimization.

Nominated by: Premier Furnace Specialists/BeaverMatic