At TEi, our people are the foundation of everything we build. This year, we proudly honored David Hill, whose dedication and leadership have shaped TEi for more than three decades, by naming our welding training program The David W. Hill Center for Welding Excellence.
David’s journey with TEi spans 35 years. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began his career on the shop floor as a Materials Handler and worked his way through the organization, ultimately serving as Plant Manager. After retiring in 2014, David returned to TEi in 2021 to once again lead the plant through July 2024.
During his second tenure, David became a champion of the Weld Academy, which launched in October 2024. The program was created to develop the next generation of skilled welders through hands-on education and training. Since its inception, the Weld Academy has hired 25 welders, with courses designed to support multiple skill levels and ranging from five to ten weeks in length. The Academy plays a vital role in strengthening TEi’s workforce and supporting the company’s long-term growth.
When asked what excites him most about the program, David shared, “Seeing the younger generation make a career. It’s exciting to see the future of our company form.”
As David prepares to retire at the end of the year, TEi formally recognized his contributions at the company’s holiday celebration. During the event, Jim Overberg, Plant Manager, announced the dedication of the Weld Academy in David’s honor. The moment was met with a standing ovation as David accepted the recognition.
Reflecting on his career, David said, “I will miss the people, the job, and the feeling that what we are doing here is making the world a better place.”
By dedicating the Weld Academy as The David W. Hill Center for Welding Excellence, TEi celebrates a career defined by leadership, integrity, and belief in people. David Hill’s legacy will continue through every individual trained within its walls, shaping the future of TEi for years to come.
Please join me in congratulating David on an extraordinary career and a well-earned legacy.
Craig Kedrowski
Chief Operating Officer, TEi
