VES-Artex is excited to welcome Josh Laumann to our team, where he plays an important role in supporting the production of livestock equipment, fan components, and other fabricated products that serve dairy producers across the globe. Drawing on a diverse technical background in electrical systems, industrial maintenance, and manufacturing, Josh brings a strong problem-solving mindset and hands-on experience to the VES-Artex team.

Josh first discovered VES-Artex through a job posting and was immediately drawn to the opportunity to work close to home while continuing to build on his manufacturing and technical expertise.

"I was pretty excited when I found the opportunity," Josh says. "Being close to Chippewa Falls was a big factor, and I was looking forward to working in a role where I could continue learning new skills and contributing to a growing company."

Before joining VES-Artex, Josh built a career that spans several industries. He earned an associate degree in Electrical and Instrumentation Technology before beginning work in industrial electrical maintenance at a cement plant. From there, he traveled throughout the Midwest installing backup power generators and telecommunications equipment in data centers, gaining exposure to highly technical environments where precision and reliability were essential. Most recently, Josh worked in maintenance at Nestlé, where he supported both mechanical and electrical systems.

Although much of his professional background has centered around industrial manufacturing and maintenance, Josh's connection to agriculture started early. At just 14 years old, he worked for Pioneer Seed Company as a corn pollinator, helping support controlled pollination efforts for research and seed development.

"It was interesting work," Josh recalls. "We collected pollen from specific plants and manually controlled where it went. It gave me an early appreciation for the science and technology behind agriculture."

Today, Josh's role at VES-Artex focuses heavily on fabrication processes, including producing stall divider loops and supporting a variety of manufacturing projects. He also works alongside the engineering and testing teams, helping fabricate components and assisting wherever needed.

"A big focus lately has been refining the process for our stall loops," Josh says. "It took some time to get everything figured out, but now it's rewarding to see the process running smoothly and efficiently."

As he continues to learn and grow in his role, Josh is especially interested in the innovation that takes place throughout the company, including the testing and development efforts that help bring new products to market.

"The test chamber is really interesting to me," he says. "I enjoy helping out there and seeing how different materials, motors, and designs impact performance. There's always something new to learn."

Since joining the company, Josh says the people and culture have stood out most.

"Everybody has been very helpful and kind," he explains. "It's a flexible environment where people focus on getting the job done while also supporting one another. Coming from larger industrial environments, that balance has been refreshing."

He has also been impressed by the scope of products and projects coming out of VES-Artex's Chippewa Falls facility.

"I had never heard of VES-Artex before applying, and I've been surprised by how much happens here," Josh says. "It's really interesting to see the variety of products we build and the impact they have throughout the dairy industry."

Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly hunting deer, ducks, pheasants, and turkeys throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. He's also an avid motorcyclist and enjoys spending time with his two-and-a-half-year-old dog, Chester. Originally from Minnesota and now living in Chippewa Falls, Josh appreciates the outdoor lifestyle that the region offers.

As VES-Artex continues to expand its fabrication capabilities and invest in manufacturing innovation, team members like Josh play an important role in helping bring products from concept to production. His technical background, willingness to learn, and collaborative approach make him a valuable addition to the team.

Please join us in welcoming Josh Laumann to the VES-Artex family. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the contributions he will make as we continue serving dairy producers and dealer partners across the industry.