Meet Aaron Ergle

posted On Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in Blog

Q&As with Aaron Ergle

As senior heat treat technician at AHT Cullman, you’ve seen some cool projects come through the doors. What are a few projects/parts that stand out to you?

Because we have a nitriding vessel that accommodates parts up to 250" in length and 110" in width, we get to see a lot of large parts come through our doors in Cullman, Alabama. I would have to say that my favorites are the automotive dies, specifically the body sides. I like seeing them and guessing which vehicles they belong to.

What heat treatment services are offered at Cullman AHT?

We offer plasma nitriding, gas nitriding, UltraOx, induction hardening, ferritic nitrocarburizing, tempering and more.

(Editor's Note: You can see a list of services offered in Cullman as well as the receiving hours and address here.)

Aside from being a senior heat treat technician, you are also a safety champion. What tasks are you responsible for in this role?

I am responsible for making sure all safety concerns are brought to the attention of the supervisor. We all do a good job as a team to ensure that issues are communicated properly. We also regularly conduct safety training. At our June safety event, we had employees practice using a fire extinguisher. This is a great refresher for tenured employees and reinforces the procedure for our new employees, too.

What is an accomplishment – professional or personal – that you are proud of?

The lab/metallurgical side of the shop is something that I have always wanted to learn. I was given the opportunity to learn it a few years ago as a back-up.

We hear you’re into the outdoors. What type of activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy all outdoor-related things, with fishing standing out the most - especially bass fishing. I like to spend my evenings on the lake with my wife fishing. I also enjoy hunting, camping, and kayaking.

(Editor's Note: The AHT Cullman plant manager, Tim, has organized several fishing/camping/kayaking trips for the employees at that location - a fun teambuilding experience.)

Family is very important at AHT. Tell us about your family.

My wife (Brook) and I have 4 boys, ages 10, 9, 7, and 6.

Jhett is the oldest. He loves all things sports-related. Judson is the second of the bunch; he loves basketball and playing Minecraft or Off-Road Outlaws. Jax, the third, enjoys all things action figure-related. He is really into Star Wars lately and loves R2-D2. Asher is the youngest of the bunch. He loves being outside and anything that involves helping others. They are all great kids and unique in their own way.

What is one thing people may not know about Aaron Ergle?

I enjoy working on cars. I grew up fixing my own vehicle. I did take a few classes in tech school, but most of what I know came from trial and error, with advice from a few good friends and my grandfather. My grandfather was always working/tinkering with old cars. I think that’s what sparked my interest in them.

Recently, I have been working for my wife’s stepdad in the evenings. Not too long ago, I put a modern engine in his early '70s Nova. I am also working on building an engine for his Firebird (which is a drag car). I haven’t rebuilt a car from the ground up yet. I have 2 in the shed - just waiting on time to start.

I have rebuilt many engines and done several modern engine swaps in older vehicles - that’s my favorite. So far, my favorite one would be a SS Chevelle. We put in a modern engine, transmission, A/C, and gauge cluster (in tech school) back before that was a big thing.

If someone was visiting Cullman, Alabama, what place(s) would you recommend they visit?

We have several good BBQ places. I would recommend Johnny’s BBQ (get the loaded potato).

You started working at AHT in 2010, left and returned again in 2021. What brought you back?

I have always enjoyed Advanced Heat Treat Corp. and the people I worked with. When I left AHT to pursue industrial electronics, we parted ways on good terms. Later on, I was job searching and asked Tim if I could use him for a job reference and he said 'yes'. Then, I got a call from him the next day asking if I was still looking for a job and he asked me to come back to AHT.

AHT is a very family-oriented workplace and the people are great - that's what brought me back. Everyone I have ever encountered has always treated me with respect.

Describe some unique aspects of your position.

I am a vessel technician, safety champion, lab back-up, and maintenance back-up. We all wear many hats here in Cullman; we must be diversified and be “a team.”

Now a list of quick questions...

Schooling/Professional Development? Attended college for Industrial Electronics
Any Pets? No pets of my own. I have joint custody of two cats and two dogs - my wife's. LOL.
Hobbies? Fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, working on cars
First Job: Farm Hand
Favorite Sport: Basketball
Favorite Team: Alabama
Favorite Food: There isn't much I won't eat.
Food You Dislike: Raw Oysters

Learn More about our Employees at AHT Alabama by Visiting our Other AHT Meet the Team Blogs.

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