GWS has some impressive employees, and Derek Haller is one of them. Derek is one of our talented CNC operators and programmers at our Michigan facility. He has been with us since 2012, going all-in on the custom cutting tool world.

Derek discovered a love of metalworking when he was a freshman in high school. He started taking courses featuring milling machines and lathes, and he never looked back.

Beyond the Books

In December 2019, Derek graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Manufacturing Engineering from Ferris State University. He’s drawn to the ever-changing technology shifts in the metalworking industry while also focusing on problem-solving even the smallest of customer woes. Derek loves the constant challenges that come with creating custom cutting tools. “There is something fulfilling about starting a project with a paper design and ending with a tangible product,” he said.

Derek prides himself on implementing our new Strausak machining in our Michigan facility. He worked closely with this line of machines to add a new layer of technology-forward capabilities to our lineup.

His formal training in Manufacturing Engineering, paired with his hands-on experience with programming and operations, helps deliver unmatched efficiency to our production. A deeper understanding of customer needs helps him deliver the right tool in the shortest amount of time.

Derek’s education won’t stop with his degree. He embraces the opportunity to learn something new every day and help customers meet their goals. We are lucky to have Derek as a part of the GWS Team, and we congratulate him for attaining his bachelor’s degree!

Gone Fishin’

When he’s not working, Derek enjoys doing anything outdoors. Whether it be hunting whitetail deer, fishing, kayaking or hiking with his chocolate lab puppy, Goose, you’ll always be able to find Derek outside. He is pretty modest when he says he likes to fish as a hobby. Derek has been part of the Ferris State University Fishing Club and loves to enter bass fishing tournaments all summer long. He doesn’t quit there; he also spends his winters out on Lake Erie, ice fishing whenever he can.

Interested in a Career at GWS Tool Group?

We are always looking for talented and driven individuals at our facilities in Florida, Indiana, Michigan and Massachusetts. Browse open jobs here.