Alabama Ledger Summer 2021

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Summer 2021 Page 5
Making a Difference at Kappler
Snead State
Community College
alumnus Christian Roberts
of Albertville cites one
of the perks of working
in his job field is solving
new problems, and he used
his education and training
to offer a solution to a
problem at work.
Roberts has worked for
six months as an Industrial
Engineer and Multi-Craft
Technician at Kappler Inc.
in Guntersville.
While on the job at
Kappler, Roberts noticed
his co-workers were
having difficulty with
assembling and pushing
out product to meet their
goals. An idea came to him
for the design of a new
boot prototype that would
help the workers be more
efficient and eliminate the
problem standing between
them and their goals.
“We still have to get
the new layout design for
cutting and calculating
time studying to see if the
new product can fix the
previous problem,” he said.
Founded in 1976 by
George Kappler, Kappler
Inc. is a respected global
leader in chemical
protective apparel. George
Kappler is still involved
in the business, but his
daughter, Laura Kappler-
Roberts currently serves
as the company’s President
and CEO. When the
company began, very little
was known about chemical
protective clothing, but
today, Kappler has defined
an entire industry with
patented fabrics, innovative
seaming technology,
and unique garment
designs. In its 40 years of
existence, the company
has built a reputation for
quality, innovation and
straightforward advice on
what protective clothing to
wear.
Roberts said he
enjoys working with new
situations, and with the
new experiences he’s had
at Kappler, he’s relied on
his education and training
he received at Snead State
to help him understand the
complexities of the job,
especially the technical
wording and definitions
used on a daily basis.
“There are a ton of
opportunities in this field
if you’re willing to work
hard, have a good mind set
and be eager to learn every
day,” Roberts said.
And Roberts plans
to continue to learn and
grow in his field. He is
completing his Associate
degree in Industrial
Technology and after
graduating from Snead
State, he plans to transfer
to Auburn University. His
goal is to own his own
business and be a leader in
his field.
“I want to eventually
give back to everyone
who encouraged me and
believed in me,” he said.
Snead State
Community College
Christian Roberts
President Dr. Joe Whitmore
recently toured Kappler to
open dialogue on how the
College and the company
can work together.
“We appreciate
industry partners such as
Kappler not only for their
work in the community
and worldwide, but also
Guntersville Senior Class of 2021
for the experiences they
provide for our students to
use their skills and training
in the workforce,” said Dr.
Whitmore.
“I look forward to
growing our partnership
with Kappler and enhance
the opportunities for our
students.”
Photo by Brandon K. Pierce | Alabama Ledger