Name: Emma Kalbfleisch
Company: Franklin Brazing & Metal Treating
Position: Manufacturing Engineer
Commercial Heat Treater
Years in Industry: 2

Although Emma Kalbfleisch joined Franklin Brazing & Metal Treating only recently, she has already made an impact that extends well beyond what might be expected from someone early in their career.

Rather than focusing on maintaining existing systems, Emma immediately began identifying opportunities to improve them. Her work style points to a mindset rooted in continuous improvement — one that combines technical expertise, lean manufacturing principles, and an ability to bring people together around practical solutions.

Among her most significant accomplishments has been redesigning the company’s quoting model. The new system has improved pricing accuracy while making the company more competitive when pursuing new business. At the same time, Emma has led initiatives that strengthen brazing and heat treat operations through visual management, workflow improvements, and lean manufacturing practices that reduce waste and improve efficiency throughout the organization.

Emma approaches challenges collaboratively. Whether she’s working with engineering, production, or management, she focuses on finding solutions that create lasting value rather than temporary fixes. That ability to combine analytical thinking with effective teamwork has quickly established her as an important contributor to Franklin Brazing’s continued growth.

Emma is a professional who is already thinking beyond today’s processes and helping build stronger ones for tomorrow.

Nominated by: Franklin Brazing & Metal Treating