THE CHALLENGE STRATTEC Security Corporation has been supplying locks and keys for the automotive market since vehicles were invented. This Milwaukee, Wis., company is a worldwide leader that has driven the innovations in its field, including the move from mechanical to electromechanical...
THE CHALLENGE While the manufacturing industry has long been a part of the American economic lifeblood, it has certainly had its share of highs and lows. Cayce Washington, owner of Valley Tool in Water Valley, Miss., had experienced his own personal adversity, but finally found...
THE CHALLENGE Woller Precision Machine in Pound, Wis., makes components for the medical, defense and consumer appliance industries. It also produces small-batch quantities of aluminum interior commercial aircraft components. The company wanted to expand its production capabilities...
THE CHALLENGE Quality Vision International (QVI) of Rochester, N.Y., is a global leader of metrology solutions. Its brands include OGP, VIEW Micro-Metrology, Quality Vision Services, RAM Optical Instrumentation and Certified Comparator Products. The company’s diverse product...
THE CHALLENGE MacKay Manufacturing is a high-mix, low-volume job shop in Spokane, Wash. The majority of the products it manufactures are medical and aerospace components made of steel. Years ago, as the economy slowed and competition ramped up, MacKay was determined to...
THE CHALLENGE Abipa Canada Inc. of Laval, Quebec, is a Tier 2 supplier of small to mid-sized aircraft engine and structural components. The company wanted to be more competitive with low-labor-cost countries and realized that having stand-alone machining centers with an operator...
THE CHALLENGE DV Systems of Barrie, Ontario, Canada, produces 500 different models of air compressors. With plans to build upon a growing customer base in the United States, it sought to improve its competitiveness. The company hoped that replacing its outdated equipment would give...
THE CHALLENGE Quality, customer service and innovation are critical to AFAB Precision Machining. In order to drive success in each of these areas, AFAB goes to great lengths to ensure customer success. The Lake Forest, Calif., company specializes in precision parts for the medical...
THE CHALLENGE All Axis Research & Development LLC of Claremont, N.H., creates prototypes for clients in the electronics, aerospace, glass and industrial printing industries. It also manages larger runs and creates fixtures for the parts it designs. Because it is regularly...
THE CHALLENGE Axxis Corporation produces parts used in the energy, aerospace, automotive aftermarket and medical device markets. The Perris, Calif., shop wanted to improve flexibility and labor efficiencies to drive down part costs for its customers. The company was looking...