Kokomo Westwind Plans To Hire 25

A Kokomo plant that makes parts for wood cabinets says it wants to hire 25 hourly workers and a few salaried employees.

Westwind Wood Specialties will have a recruitment event 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 6 and 7. Job seekers can turn in applications before then at the plant, which is at 1104 Touby Pike.

People who drop off applications early can set up a time to meet with supervisors during the recruitment days. People who apply the days of the event might not be able to meet with the company that day.

Bernie Wilimitis, co-owner and chief operations officer for Westwind, said the company is looking to finish staffing its first shift and begin hiring for a second shift.

“In 2011, we’ve seen significant growth, and we’ve been hiring just about every other week,” Wilimitis said.

Westwind announced last year it would expand from its Quinter, Kan., home office and hire 25 people for its Kokomo operation. Nine people were working at the plant as of Wednesday, Wilimitis said.

The company manufactures doors, drawers and moldings for wood cabinets.

Prospective employees will preferably have experience with manufacturing, woodworking or a combination of both, he said, but Westwind is willing to consider all qualifications.

“I’ve got some people out of the industry who are doing phenomenal here,” he said. “So we really don’t want to rule anybody out here.”

Westwind is also looking to fill a few salaried positions: one or two supervisors or production managers, a human resources specialist and a computer numerical control specialist.

The job increase has been part of tentative plans Westwind has had since it has expanded.

Westwind sells to cabinet makers for custom construction and remodeling. The company has grown despite a down real estate market, Wilimitis said, largely because of remodeling.

“We’re trying to stay with it and have a big focus on getting our name out there and getting our product to people,” he said.

• Daniel Human Kokomo Tribune business reporter