The Art of the Install: How Ron Macsuga and His Team Build More Than Just Machines

Explore the approach that makes AMT’s installation team stand out—thanks to Ron Macsuga’s commitment to relationships and readiness.

When you think of a successful installation team, images of precision, planning, and expertise likely come to mind. At AMT, the installation team, led by Ron Macsuga, takes these core concepts to the next level. However, Ron would be the first to say that it's not just technical skill or clockwork precision that sets his team apart—it's the relationships they build with their clients, turning professional interactions into long-lasting partnerships.

“Building partnerships is the key to our success in installation. It starts before the job even leaves the building,” Ron explains. “It’s all about preparation and communication, but most importantly, it’s about opening up and connecting with the people you work with.”

Ron’s Background: A Lifelong Commitment to Teamwork and Learning

Ron’s journey to becoming the leader of AMT’s installation team started when he entered the trade at just 15 years old. After decades of hands-on experience in every part of the manufacturing process—from fabrication to painting, coatings to electrical—Ron built a wealth of knowledge. He even ran his own company for 10 years, which fueled his belief in continuous education and cross-training.

“I thought I knew it all until I realized I didn’t. And then you’re always learning,” Ron says.

That dedication to learning is at the heart of his leadership. In his seven years at AMT, Ron has applied this philosophy not only to his work but to the entire installation team, ensuring that everyone is equipped to take on any challenge that arises.

But why AMT? For Ron, it was the culture that drew him in—the team-first mentality that flows from the executive level all the way to the floor. "The reason I came to work for AMT was because of the culture. It’s a team culture from the executive branch to the execution team. Teamwork makes the dream work!”

This team-first attitude is personal for Ron. He even works alongside his son, Tyler Macsuga, blending family values into the workplace and fostering a family-like atmosphere across the team. This closeness is evident not only in the team's efficiency but in the personal connections they build with their customers.

Communication: Laying the Foundation for Success

For Ron and his team, every successful installation starts with open, honest communication. “The truth is always the best answer,” he says. “You can overcome any challenge with enough hard work and up-front conversations. It's not about trying to hide something and sweep it under the rug. Let’s talk about it.”

This open dialogue is key to building trust with clients, who rely on the team’s transparency to navigate any challenges that arise. “When the customer believes in you, if you tell them, 'We will overcome this challenge,' they take you at your word. If you tell them a mouse will pull a house, they'll just hook it up,” Ron adds with a laugh.

The communication process starts early, often during the factory acceptance test (FAT), where the team makes sure everyone is on the same page before they even step onto a plane to the client’s site for the site acceptance test (SAT). “We know as much information ahead of time as possible so when we do get to the customer’s facility, it’s expedient. It’s all about the forethought,” Ron explains.

Beyond the technical details, the team builds rapport through more personal connections, even bonding over shared interests. “It might sound silly, but our secret to success is sometimes as simple as food. The customers on the west coast will say, ‘You’ve got to try this taco place,’ and it becomes a culture thing. It’s about more than just business.”

One standout memory comes from a project in Virginia, where the customer, Jeff Mabel, and his wife invited the team over for one of the best southern meals Ron had ever tasted. “That’s when you know you’ve built something more than just a working relationship,” Ron reflects. “It’s those personal connections that make the work so rewarding.”

Preparation and Planning: The Backbone of Efficiency

Ron has a mantra that defines the way his team approaches every installation: "Plan your work and work your plan." This simple principle underscores the team’s dedication to meticulous preparation, which impresses customers and instills confidence in their expertise.

The installation team doesn’t leave anything to chance. By gathering as much information as possible ahead of time, they ensure that every installation is seamless and efficient. “When we leave at night, the floors are clean. For me, it’s a safety issue. A clean work area is a safe work area,” Ron notes. This attention to detail, even in small things like keeping the job site tidy, shows the team’s professionalism and impresses clients, making the AMT install team everyone’s favorite guest.

Advance work is essential to ensuring the team hits the ground running as soon as they arrive at a client’s facility. “My guys are built to get it done and get home. They want to get there, do the job, and leave. We usually beat our schedules 95% of the time,” Ron proudly states. Customers consistently appreciate how AMT’s team delivers ahead of schedule while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Team Versatility and Cross-Training: A Well-Rounded Workforce

Another key factor in AMT’s installation success is the versatility of its team. Through intentional cross-training, AMT ensures that each team member can step into multiple roles, ensuring no part of the installation process is left behind.

“At AMT, we believe in empowering our team through continuous learning and cross-training. We offer employees the opportunity to expand their skills across various disciplines,” said President Craig Salvalaggio. “This comprehensive approach not only strengthens our team's expertise but also ensures that they are well-rounded, adaptable, and capable of solving the complex challenges that may arise during installations.”

This multi-skilled workforce provides the flexibility to tackle any challenge, while continuous education ensures that the team stays ahead of industry changes. Ron’s commitment to learning extends to everyone on his team, empowering them to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the team’s overall success.

The Secret Sauce: Relationships, Preparation, and Urgency

What makes AMT’s installation team so successful? It’s a blend of things—communication, preparation, a sense of urgency, and versatility—but most of all, it’s the relationships they build.

For Ron, that openness is key. “I think people are more successful when they open their lives up to individuals on a professional, business, or even friendship level instead of keeping themselves closed in.”

At AMT, it’s this openness that sets the installation team apart, ensuring not just satisfied customers, but lasting connections. And that’s the Macsuga method.

What Clients Have To Say:

“This was my first experience with AMT from project conceptualization to final installation, and I would highly recommend them to any of my colleagues. Ron and his team worked flawlessly through the installation process, keeping me involved and informed as they progressed.  They handled themselves with the utmost professionalism throughout each phase of the installation, and I am highly satisfied with the quality of work they performed. Having personally supervised numerous capital projects, I can say that this has been one of the easiest installations that I have undergone. I welcome Ron and his team back to our facility for all future installations.”

Travis J. Strom

Packaging Engineer, Freshpet Kitchens-Ennis TX

“Applied Manufacturing Technologies displayed professionalism and flexibility during the implementation of our project. The project team was impressed with their on-site support team whose dedication and creativity solved issues and successfully completed the project on time.”

Javier Gonzalez

Buyer, STIHL

"I want to give a big shoutout to the team at Applied Manufacturing Technologies for their outstanding work on our automation project. I am particularly grateful to the onsite guys, who went above and beyond to ensure the project was completed to the highest standards. The controls guys, Jason, Alex, and Darin, were all exceptional and a pleasure to work with. Their positive attitudes, hard work, and expertise were invaluable to the success of the project. I cannot thank them enough and would highly recommend AMT for any automation needs."

Brandon Lopez

Plant Engineer, Rehrig Pacific

“Thank you for all the help and support from install last week. We just ran our largest lot yet and our operators are ecstatic. They were having so much fun they worked right through their break. This NEVER happens… Previous to this system it would have taken 4- 5 operators over 3 hours to complete a job of this size and they would have been hurting for sure after. Instead, it took 2 of them under an hour and they wanted to keep going. We wouldn’t be here without all the support from you guys!”

Program Manager, Supply Chain Operations, Life Sciences