Meet Justin Thomas
Meet the People Behind the Steel
Production Team Member
About Justin
Justin Thomas is part of Niagara Specialty Metals’ production team and has been growing with the company for the past nine years.
Why Ownership Culture Matters
Justin enjoys working in an employee-owned company because the effort you put in directly affects the people around you. He believes that shared ownership strengthens the team mentality — people show up for each other, and the work feels tied to something bigger than just a job.
What Customers Might Be Surprised By
Some customers may be surprised by the variety of manufacturing processes we have to offer. While we are a rolling mill, our capabilities extend well beyond that and include saw cutting, flattening, shearing, grinding, sandblasting, and laser and water jet cutting. With many employees bringing 15+ years of experience, we’ve optimized these processes to meet customer demand while maintaining a lean workforce — a nod to our many extremely talented team members.
In the Plant
One of Justin’s favorite pieces of equipment is Niagara’s Chevalier grinder. Its ability to grind material within a .001” tolerance has always impressed him!
Justin would trade roles with Maintenance Manager Jay. He sees the maintenance team as pivotal to making sure our breakdowns are short and our upgrades are applied in a timely manner — ensuring on time deliveries and quality customer product. He’d love to see what goes into that day-to-day.
Outside of Work
Justin’s first job was doing part-time data entry for an accounting firm while he was in high school. Outside of NSM, he enjoys bowling and spending time with his wife and son. He’s also a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder — GO BILLS!
Advice for New Team Members
Listen to the old guys! Nothing beats experience, and the team members who have been here 25+ years have seen a thing or two.
Favorite Memory at Niagara
Many of Justin’s favorite memories come from working on the mills. Being part of a crew that pushes through hot, strenuous days builds respect for the people beside you and a real appreciation for the teamwork that keeps everything moving.