Silver lining at the end of a crazy year

If you’ve made it to this point, it’s safe to assume you’re still in business, making parts and pressing onward. Maybe your shop is making fewer parts than a year or so ago, but machining something is better than nothing.

While many shop owners and managers would like to forget about 2009 and the stress that went with it, going through the experience had its benefits. Chances are you’ve made changes to your operation that are difficult now but will reap rewards later. You’re probably operating leaner, having cut some nonessential expenses, cross-trained employees to handle additional functions and tightened control of inventory, among other activities. These types of changes are healthy for all companies and should better prepare them for the next few years.

Managing a manufactur-ing business isn’t for the faint of heart, and the unfortunate reality is that many shops are out of business. However, if you’ve managed to survive, the result could be a market with fewer competitors. When the economy and U.S. industry, in general, comes roaring back, your effective management of the past year or two will have prepared your shop for a great comeback with increased opportunities.

Any improvement is likely to be slow and steady, but a growth trajectory nonetheless. As a result, you could find yourself getting busier, perhaps with many new names on that backlog and a greater degree of diversification than you’ve had in a while. As your customers slowly awaken and begin to produce products again, you’ll hopefully be sitting pretty and known as a go-to shop. Are you ready to take that role? If you’re like most shop owners and managers I know, the answer is a resounding “yes!”

Are there other benefits to be gained in 2010 as a result of this part year? Yes. As things progress next year, you may need to add more qualified employees. This should be easier than in previous years because there are more high-quality candidates seeking employment. I’ve accumulated quite a database of highly skilled people who would be a great addition to our shop. Many have relocated and are anxious to get reestablished.