From a newspaper ad to nearly five decades of innovation and growth at Hutchinson
Employee Testimonial
“I assumed I’d go into something like law enforcement after the military. But sometimes opportunity shows up where you don’t expect it.”
- Bob Koch -
From a newspaper ad to nearly five decades of innovation and growth at Hutchinson
At Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry, success is measured not only in products delivered, but also in the people who bring them to life. For nearly 50 years, Bob Koch has been at the heart of that success. Hutchinson’s longest-serving employee, Bob’s story reflects the company’s growth, resilience and strong culture of generational excellence.
From Navy serviceman to aerospace
Bob’s journey began in the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard an ammunition supply ship in the 1970s. After completing his service, he answered a newspaper ad for a general laborer position at Barry Controls, which is now Hutchinson Aerospace & Industry. What started as a job quickly grew into a lifelong career.
“I never imagined I’d be doing this kind of work,” Bob recalls. “I assumed I’d go into something like law enforcement after the military. But sometimes opportunity shows up where you don’t expect it.”
Bob’s early years took him through many departments from assembly to paint, shipping and tool crib. By immersing himself in each role, he built a foundation of hands-on knowledge that would fuel his later success.
Innovating with persistence
In the early 1980s, Bob helped solve a critical challenge for a major client: bonding silicone to rods for forward and aft mounts. By experimenting with mixing techniques, he discovered a process that created stronger, more reliable bonds. It’s a method that worked so well, it’s still in use today.
That spirit of innovation defined Bob’s career. Over the years, he supported engineers in designing molds, developed prototypes for new parts and became known for anticipating and solving problems before they arose. Today, he serves as a Material and Process Senior Lab Technician, a role that reflects his decades of expertise and leadership.
Building culture and morale
For Bob, success is about more than technical achievements. In the early 1990s, when company morale dipped, HR asked him for ideas. He formed the “Upbeat” committee, an employee-led initiative that brought colleagues together through activities like road races, barbecues, sporting events and coffee socials.
“The people here are like family,” Bob says. “I can’t wait to get to work and see them every day.”
His leadership extended into safety as well. As first aid coordinator, Bob oversees training, certifications and emergency drills that keep employees safe. One of his drills even led to installing additional AEDs across the facility. It was a critical move that could potentially save lives.
A legacy of growth and generational success
Through nearly five decades of service, Bob has seen Hutchinson evolve from manual testing to advanced robotics and from paper records to digital data. Yet the core values remain the same: innovation, teamwork and commitment to excellence.
What keeps him coming back is the combination of growth and people. “On-the-job training gave me variety. I’m still always learning something new, and I want to keep being part of Hutchinson’s future,” Bob shares.
Though once considering retirement, Bob now plans to keep working well into his 80s. “I get bored at home,” he laughs. “I need to stay busy, and I need that connection with people.
An example for future generations
Bob’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability and dedication. From his first days as a laborer to his current role as a senior lab technician, he has embodied Hutchinson’s culture of continuous improvement and family-like connection.
For younger employees, his journey is both a blueprint and an inspiration: with curiosity, persistence and a willingness to take on challenges, growth at Hutchinson is limitless.