Mr. Gerald Hahn was reared in Bushkill Township, graduating from Nazareth High School in 1967, where he was a member of the Blue Eagles wrestling team. He started a cement career at Lone Star Cement in Nazareth, recalling, “I started as a laborer in 1968 at a rate of $2.50 per hour. To improve my job skills, I attended Northampton Community College after work for three-and-a-half years, receiving training ranging from blue print reading to welding.”

This laid a solid foundation for Gerry’s work experience, as he became a member of the maintenance gang at Lone Star. He remembers Bob Fritz and Dominic Condomitti, who shared their years of knowledge with him.

In 1994 when Lone Star was purchased by Essroc, he left and was hired by Smith & Hahn Contractors. They do industrial work at many cement plants and other commercial facilities. James Hahn, his brother, is one of the owners of the highly respected company.

Mr. Hahn returned to the cement industry when he was hired at Hercules (Buzzi Unicem) in 1998. He worked under the supervision of Frank Stampf, a Nazareth High School and University of Pittsburgh graduate. As new maintenance supervisor, he, along with Mike Detzi, led a veteran 18-member millwright team.

“Our objective is to keep the plant equipment operating in a safe, efficient manner,” he said.

Today, Gerry is the plant maintenance planner. A major responsibility is to coordinate maintenance with over a dozen outside contractors who work on plant projects.

“Our winter maintenance program takes place when the plant is shut down for about six weeks. There is material to be ordered and coordinated between our plant and a dozen contractors. It’s very busy.”

Safety is stressed at the plant. They follow the motto, “Everyone at the plant is involved in safety on a daily basis.” Each year, all employees attend a safety class to highlight any issues that need remediation and are updated on any new rules or regulations.

Mr. Hahn is a friendly, amiable gentlemen who has a good relationship with his coworkers and supervisor Fran Schadler.

“I enjoy my job and have earned an honest living,” he said. “The cement company has been good to me and my family!”

The dedicated cement worker has been married to the former JoAnne Ruszin for 28 years. They are proud of son Jarett, an Essroc employee, daughter Melissa and grandsons Brody and Jake. The Hahns reside in Bushkill Township.

I wish Mr. Hahn and all my friends at Buzzi Unicem a safe 2016 and hope to honor another cement worker there later this year.