IMP Instructors...

Mr. Horak has been in manufacturing for 27 years, and has been with Okuma America for over 15 years. Currently Bob provides instructional classes on programming and operation of (Okuma) Lathes / Turning Centers, Machining Centers, and Grinders. Bob is also responsible for 'new product training' of Okuma's distributor network. In addition to teaching, Bob is a Senior Applications Engineer / Lathe Product Specialist - supporting Okuma's Applications, Controls / Software, and Mechanical Service departments. Previously Bob was involved in medical R & D machining, aircraft / defense prototype parts processing, and thread roll die design. Bob has taught machine tool classes at Larimer County VocTech, as well as Colorado State University, both located in Fort Collins, Colorado. Bob has (Honors) degrees in Machine Tool Technology from Voorhees Institute (NY), and Manufacturing Engineering from SUNY.

Mr. Nalewajek teaches courses on lathes, grinders, and vertical and horizontal machining centers. He has more than 27 years of field service experience on machine tools, serving in management roles in the training, service, and parts departments. Before working for Okuma, Mr. Nalewajek worked for Moog in the machine tool division as a service engineer, instructor of mechanical and electric maintenance, part programming, and as a PLC programmer on Bendix, GE, and Fanuc controls.

Mr. Baker develops class manuals and teaches electrical maintenance on Okuma OSP controls from the 1980s up to the current generation. He also teaches courses off site as requested by customers. Mr. Baker has been with Okuma for nine years, working in assembly, inspection, board repair, and for the last five years as an electrical instructor. Mr. Baker holds a degree in Electronic and Computer Technology. Before coming to Okuma, he worked for Pneumafil Corporation as a certified weld inspector.

After graduation from Clemson University, Mr. Dickerson went to work as a project engineer for Torrington Bearing Company. During his 18 years there, he also held positions as project engineering group leader, chief inspector in Q.C., quality cost reduction manager, and department foreman. Mr. Dickerson then worked as Quality Control Manager for Anderson Hardwood Flooring Company before coming to York Technical College, where he is the Machine Tool Technology department manager and an instructor.

Mr. Zavinski holds a degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Central Piedmont Community College. His work experience includes 11 years as a machinist and six years as a machine designer for Crompton & Knowles, specializing in textile machinery. He also worked for Rockwell International for more than 10 years, doing jig and fixture design, tooling engineering, CNC programming, shop floor engineering support, and plant layout during two plant expansions.