From building Lego sets to fixing cars to working on automation equipment for robots at Windsor 1 Manufacturing, Engineering Co-Op Student, Brendan Eccles, has always wanted to pursue a career in the automotive industry.
“I knew I wanted to be in automotive because it’s where my passion is,” said Brendan. “I’ve been working on cars and been involved with them my whole life, and I knew this was the avenue I wanted to take. And I thought Plasman being a tier-1 OEM would be a great place for me to start.”
Brendan is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Windsor and joined the Plasman Windsor 1 team as a co-op student in January 2024. He has been working with the Engineering team on automation projects and building end of arm tools, degaters, and fixtures.
His desire to get into engineering and the automotive industry started at a young age.
“My main motivation for engineering was my dad,” explained Brendan. “He was in engineering, and I’ve been to four or five bring your child to work days and getting to see the work that he does, I loved it from the start.”
Specifically, he highlighted the element of problem solving and getting to do something new every day as one of the key things he likes about engineering.
“I don’t like repetition. I get to go in everyday and it’s a new challenge, a new day. Continuous improvement – being able to do things 1% better than you did the day before. There’s always room for that at Plasman because manufacturing is continuous improvement. They go hand-in-hand.”
As Brendan enters his second co-op term with Plasman, he noted that one of his favourite parts of his experience at Plasman has been the welcoming culture, specifically with his teammates.
“My first day here I got invited to go out for dinner. It was really welcoming from the get-go. It doesn’t feel like you’re going into work when you’re just going to see your friends. The culture is my favourite part.”
Having come from past work experiences with strong cultures and recognition programs, he liked getting to continue that in his professional career.
In just a few short months, Plasman has played an integral role in Brendan’s growth and education.
“Here it was very much ‘we want to give you a chance to prove yourself’,” he said. “We’ll give you the steps if you want to take those steps and make those improvements. I felt like there was a lot of opportunity and if you took those opportunities there’s a lot of room for you to grow as well.”
As Brendan continues to grow with Plasman in his engineering career, his biggest piece of advice to others looking to get into the automotive industry or engineering is to come with an open mindset.
“Coming in with your own opinion is the most valuable thing you can do.”
Thank you, Brendan, for your dedication and commitment to Plasman and for sharing your experience.
Get to Know Brendan
Favourite Movie: Remember the Titans
Favourite Place to Travel: England – Grandparents lived in Dover, England, so he used to travel there when he was younger.
Favourite Book: David vs. Goliath – “A professor from university told me to read it. It’s case studies about things people think will be huge disadvantages to them that end of being key advantages. Gives you a new outlook on life.”
About Plasman
Plasman is a leading global manufacturer in bumpers-fascias, grilles, exterior trim, and subsystem components. As One Driving Force™, our diverse team of talented employees in 11 countries is driven by a commitment to outperform in all areas from engineering design to state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Plasman’s headquarters are in Oldcastle, Ontario. Further information about Plasman is available at plasman.com or follow us on LinkedIn.