Name: Zach Caskey
Company: Franklin Brazing & Metal Treating
Position: Quality and Engineering Leader
Commercial Heat Treater
Years in Industry: 5

In five years in the heat treat industry, Zach Caskey has already produced the kind of measurable results that can take an entire career to accumulate. At Franklin Brazing & Metal Treating, his work spans quality, engineering, new product development, artificial intelligence, process optimization, and employee development — with improvements that can be measured in everything from scrap rates to audit performance.

As quality and engineering leader, Zach has strengthened Franklin Brazing’s already mature quality management system, helping the company complete both AS9100 and IATF 16949 external audits with only one minor finding in each. At the operational level, process scrap has fallen below 0.24%, while cost of quality has been driven below 1.5% of sales.

Zach has also been instrumental in translating new opportunities into successful production. He led the launch of three major new brazed product programs, delivering each on time and on budget while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction. He has optimized the company’s assembly business and completed 79 Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) submissions while continuing to support the company’s growth.

Some of his most forward-looking work, however, centers on bringing emerging technologies into everyday heat treat operations. Recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence, Zach partnered with an outside consultant to develop and implement a custom AI-powered furnace maintenance and diagnostic tool. The system is designed to improve troubleshooting, strengthen equipment reliability, and preserve institutional knowledge — demonstrating a practical application of AI to real-world furnace operations rather than technology for technology’s sake.

His innovation extends into brazing processes as well. Zach has developed intellectual property involving fixture designs and braze paste application techniques that improve quality and efficiency while creating competitive advantages for Franklin Brazing.

Those accomplishments build on an already technically diverse manufacturing career. As engineering manager at Wall Colmonoy, Zach led engineers and co-op students, implemented lean manufacturing initiatives, improved vacuum brazing processes, mentored young engineers, and contributed to improvements in sales and profitability. Earlier, at General Motors DMAX, he managed multimillion-dollar manufacturing projects, led cross-functional engineering teams, developed error-proofing systems, and became a subject matter expert in engine dynamometer testing.

Yet Zach’s influence isn’t limited to the processes he improves or the technologies he introduces. Developing people has remained a consistent part of his leadership. He actively mentors engineers, technicians, and manufacturing personnel, investing in their technical and professional growth while also serving as a leader within his church and community.

Zach’s career demonstrates what modern heat treat leadership can encompass: rigorous quality management, operational discipline, emerging technology, practical engineering, and a willingness to invest in people. In only five years in the industry, he has already made an impact across each of those areas.

Nominated by: Franklin Brazing & Metal Treating