Kurt Hofman’s strong ties to Ferris State University have grown stronger since he
earned his Associate in Applied Science in Welding Engineering Technology in 1983.
Today, as vice president at IRCO Automation, Inc. in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, and executive vice president at RoMan Manufacturing Inc. in Grand Rapids, Hofman couldn’t be more excited to strengthen his bond with Ferris. A native of Byron Center, Mich., Hofman has accepted an appointment to serve on The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. The Ferris alumnus is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work to truly make a difference in support of Ferris’ academic mission.
“I was honored to be asked. I am a proud alumnus and supporter of the university,” said Hofman, who serves on an advisory board for Ferris’ College of Engineering Technology’s Welding program. “I have been involved with the College of Engineering Technology and, more specifically, the Welding Engineering Technology program for many years. As our country and our state make a comeback, in manufacturing, I feel that Ferris will be an important part of this comeback. I would like to work with the manufacturing and welding communities to assure that we are supporting Ferris in all areas possible.”
After he earned an associate degree at Ferris, Hofman received a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology, in 1986, from Arizona State University. He also studied Electrical Engineering at Western Michigan University.
Hofman was president of RoMan Engineering Services in Grand Rapids, from 2000 to 2012. In that capacity, he was responsible for the company’s day-to-day activities and consultation with numerous customers related to welding and electrical issues. He also supervised other engineers in consulting roles. Prior to working at RoMan, Hofman was president of TransPower in Wyoming, Mich. from 1996 to 2000. He now serves on the board of directors for RoMan Manufacturing, Inc.
“As an owner of a manufacturing company, I know how difficult it is to find engineering talent,” he said. “It is a case of supply and demand, and as employers of technical talent, it is our responsibility to support the universities that produce this talent.”
Hofman was a welding seminar instructor from 1994 to 2008 at the Detroit Section American Welding Society. He received a patent in 1988 for an impedance meter, a device that measures losses in a welding circuit. It also helps indicate the quality of electrical connection and areas that the designer can use to improve the efficiencies of the welding circuit.
“We’re so excited to have Kurt join The Ferris Foundation Board of Directors. His passion for Ferris and our nationally-recognized Welding program, combined with his industry experience, make him an outstanding choice to champion Ferris’ mission,” said Carla Miller, executive director of The Ferris Foundation. “With the future growth and expansion of our Welding program, the timing of Kurt joining our team couldn’t be better.”
Hofman is an author who has spoken frequently on issues related to welding. In his spare time, he focuses on fitness. He enjoys golfing and spending time with his son.