NWP Employee Spotlight Series:
Illuminating Stories from the People of NWPX Infrastructure
At NWPX, our team members are the foundation of our success, and we take pride in our skilled and talented workforce. This series shares the inspiring stories and career journeys of employees from different departments and locations. In each installment, we interview one of our team members and delve into their experiences, challenges, and accomplishments, and discover why they choose to build their career with NWPX.
Spotlight on: Cody Hammer
Maintenance, Safety, and Multi-Site Environmental Manager | Ferris, TX
Cody Hammer is the Maintenance, Safety, and Multi-Site Environmental Manager based in Ferris, Texas, and has been with NWPX for three and a half years. In his multi-faceted role, Cody oversees maintenance operations at his facility while leading safety and environmental programs that help keep the plant running safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, he’s passionate about building strong programs, tackling challenges head-on, and making a lasting impact for both employees and the Company.
How did you find your way to your current role?
Before joining NWPX Park, I was the weekend first shift lead facilities maintenance technician for an auto parts distribution center in Terrell, Texas. I was looking for a career change and a reliable schedule with weekends off. Park had recently been acquired by Northwest Pipe Company (now NWPX Infrastructure), and after doing some research, I saw a strong future working for a growing company.
I was originally hired at the Ferris plant as a facility maintenance technician and later I was promoted to maintenance supervisor. In November 2023, I was asked if I would be interested in adding ‘safety supervisor’ to my maintenance supervisor role, which eventually led to my current position.
After three and a half years, what makes you want to stay with the Company?
NWPX has given me the opportunity to grow in every role I have been in. I’ve had tremendous support in building a strong maintenance program as well as expanding on the safety/environmental program that was already in place. Growing these programs has required an organic team effort, which has been challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Knowing that there are still greater achievements and opportunities ahead is what makes me want to stay at NWPX.
How would you summarize what you do (in a nutshell)?
On the maintenance side, I ensure that all preventive and corrective work orders are being performed on time. I also coordinate with internal team members and outside vendors/contractors on capital projects, overhead crane work and inspections, and fabrication projects, among other responsibilities.
On the safety and environmental side, I make sure that all required training and certifications are completed (weekly, monthly, annually, etc.), SCAR audits are performed to identify and eliminate hazards through action items assigned to different departments, and a variety of other tasks from environmental reporting and record keeping to tracking plant-wide safety metrics.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
No day is ever the same—it ranges from coordinating maintenance projects and work orders, to preparing weekly and monthly training documents, performing SCAR and other safety/environmental audits and inspections throughout the facility, and so much more.
What do you find most rewarding or exciting about your job?
The constant growth of the maintenance, safety, and environmental programs that I manage and overcoming challenges and obstacles is rewarding. Seeing my hard work and diligence pay off not only for myself but all our employees is awesome!
Describe a favorite project you’ve worked on so far.
My favorite project so far has been successfully leading our facility through the OSHCON program and receiving the SHARP program recommendation from the Texas Department of Insurance (OSHCON Division).
Which NWPX ACT Value (Accountability, Commitment, or Teamwork) resonates most for you in your role?
Commitment is the ACT value that resonates the most with me. Without commitment and seeing projects through to the finish, we would not be where we are today as a company. I’ve faced my share of uphill battles, and staying committed and grinding it out has carried me through them and delivered major results. Nothing great has ever been achieved without commitment.
What stands out to you about the culture at NWPX?
The closeness and community within the Company at every level.
What advice do you have for someone starting a career in your field?
Never stop learning new things and challenging yourself to become better in your craft. Never become complacent because complacency breeds stagnation, and when you become stagnant, you stop growing.
What’s one thing that brightens your day outside of work?
First and foremost, my family always brightens my day.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work, I am a professional musician (drummer) and part of a growing extreme metal band called Skybaus. We have released several EP’s, music videos, and played countless shows throughout Texas and other states. We are definitely a music family for sure!
NWPX has been very flexible and understanding of how important my music career is to me. This has allowed us to grow as a band and opened up many great opportunities coming in the future.
