Small shop’s high ideals yield big results
Talking Shop article as published in the July 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.
Topic
People & Companies
Recognizing worthy suppliers
My relationship with suppliers as of late can be summed up as, "no news is good news." Even so, just as we like to receive gratitude and recognition from our customers, it's important to remember that our suppliers should be recognized and their value shouldn't be overlooked.
A they did what?! moment
In spite of my good intentions, trying to understand an employee's logic for engaging in certain behaviors can be bewildering, writes Manager's Desk columnist Keith Jennings in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering.
The Russian spy
Check out the Shop Operations column in the May 2012 issue of Cutting Tool Engineering to learn how a WWII-era Russian spy continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the perils of daydreaming.
United Grinding celebrates 30 years in Virginia
United Grinding Technologies Inc. celebrated 30 years in its Fredericksburg, Va., location with an open house on Feb. 22 and 23. The event included technical presentations, facility tours and a ribbon-cutting event for the newly expanded and renovated facility.
Leveraging peer relationships
As we climb out of the winter grind, we've all had our share of weighty issues to manage.
Building Growth
Dynomax Inc. is taking self sufficiency to a new level. For example, while machine tool builders often use their machines to produce parts for making other machines, Dynomax stands out by building machines for its own contract part manufacturing operation.
To float or not to float
At my shop and others I've been in contact with, cash flow and timely payment have become issues that require greater scrutiny. If that's the case at your shop, dealing with them effectively will be a test of your management skills.
Motivating with money
Money as a motivational tool can take the form of an employee's pay rate, commissions, bonuses and, perhaps once a certain level of seniority is reached, paid health insurance premiums. Not only do employees like it, but it's often a simpler solution. Adding a few bucks to a paycheck is a lot faster and easier than establishing many other incentives.
Speed Thrills
Swiss Automation's success is based on machining complex parts quickly, accurately and consistently.
Growing with Swiss Automation
Swiss Automation Inc. employs 172 people and runs 115 machines in two locations in Chicago's northwest suburbs. In the past year the company expanded by about 25 percent when it opened its second location, adding some 56 employees and 26 new machines.
Get a (new) life
END USER: A large aerospace manufacturer. CHALLENGE: Avoid buying a new machine by retaining use of a 25-year-old lathe. SOLUTION: Rebuild the lathe and retrofit it with a new control. SOLUTION PROVIDER: Infinity Rebuild Inc., (704) 588-4995, www.infinityrebuild.com