People at ALPLA - Interview with Jenny Logan

Jenny, tell us about your role & title at ALPLA?
 

I am happy to share that I am the Assistant Production Manager for EBM and additionally responsible for promoting our Operational Excellence programs. My tasks include training employees in new procedures and supporting projects such as waste control and continuous improvement. Recently, I took on the responsibility for improving work processes, holding monthly meetings, and working on optimizing workflows. Since July, we have made significant progress thanks to the hard work of everyone involved. This supports our efforts towards operational excellence, as I lead the core team meetings and work on improving our programs. 

Ok, so you’ve been with the company for nearly 20 years, how did you get started with us?
 

Before I was working at ALPLA, I worked at Plastipak. ALPLA was getting ready to open their doors and needed employees. A few of my friends at Plastipak suggested I apply with ALPLA to work for a better company. I applied, and here I am!

You worked your way up through many roles at ALPLA – can you share a little bit about that career progression?  
 

When I first started with ALPLA in 2007, we were sent to Iowa to train, and we spent about three months training in Iowa before we were ready to start the Lima plant. I actually started out as a Packer and after working as a Packer for a few months, I wanted to become a Machine Operator. My passion for growth led me to Herman Tyson – who trained me as an Operator, and I was an Operator for about five years. After that time, I was promoted to Shift Supervisor where I worked diligently as a Supervisor for nine years. In 2021, I became the Assistant Production Manager...an accomplishment I am very proud of.  

And this journey led you to your husband…do you care to elaborate about your ALPLA love story? 
 

Years ago, when I was a Machine Operator, I had a temp on my line by the name Ryan Logan. Ryan was a quiet guy that never talked to anyone, so, I decided to talk to him to make him feel welcomed while working at ALPLA. We eventually became great friends and started dating a few years later. 

On August 1, 2015, Ryan and I got married. We got the Maintenance Manager at Lima, Dain Stauffer to legally marry us in the parking lot. I figured since we met at work, why not get married legally at work.

What a cool story! Now, as an assistant Production Manager, you’re in a leadership role – what do you like most regarding leadership? 
 

My favorite thing about being in a leadership role is working with our Pioneers on the floor and the management team. We have a great team in Lima, and I appreciate everyone’s hard work. I love interacting with my team and helping out on the floor. This really is a great place to work, and I am very grateful I took the chance years ago and decided to come to ALPLA. 

What do you love most about your Lima team?
 

I love how our team works together to figure out how to overcome a challenge. We hold each other accountable and always strive to be the best plant in North America. I also love working with the Production Manager, Herman Tyson. He has taught me so much in the past year and I really look up to him. 

So, I’m curious. Who would you say is the most inspiring person in your life and how have they impacted your career?
 

The most inspiring person in my life is my daughter Brieanna. I was a single mom, and I wanted to show my daughter that if you want something in life, you must work hard for it. Currently, I am enrolled at UAGC [University of Arizona, Global Campus via ALPLA’s tuition reimbursement program], and pursuing my degree in business leadership. My daughter is my biggest supporter especially when it comes to me returning to school to further my education. I want to show her that you can get your degree at any age. 

Well, you’re a wonderful inspiration! You’re in school & working a full-time job, how have you been handling this phase of your life and what advice would you give to another Pioneer who’s thinking about going back to school for their degree?  
 

Working full-time and working on your degree can be challenging but in the long run, it will be worth it. On my lunch break, I will work on homework and dedicate an hour every evening during the week on school. If I do my schoolwork during the week and work ahead, I am free on the weekends so I can spend a lot of quality time with my family. I highly recommend going back to school to further your education. UAGC is a great program that ALPLA offers, and you only take one class at a time. Two colleagues also attend UAGC, and we keep each other motivated so we can achieve our goal of getting our degree. I am also very proud of us for making the Dean’s list. 

Congrats!! Tell me, what is one thing you’d like your colleagues to know about you?
 

I don’t know how to cook, and I don’t want to know. Ryan (my husband) is an excellent cook. 

Five fun facts

• Best place to eat in OH | I know this sounds crazy, but my favorite place to eat is McDonalds. 
• Dog or cat person? | Definitely dog. Ryan and I have a rescue dog, Duke, and he is my baby. 
• Sweets or savory food? | Sweets. If I had it my way, I would eat my dessert before my main course. 
• Most recent vacation? I was in Myrtle beach in May, and I went to Myrtle beach again in August for my birthday.
• Road trips or planes? If I have to travel for work, I prefer planes. However, if I am traveling for vacation, I prefer road trips so I can check out the scenery.