E CHO P RESS FRIDAY
C O M P O N E N T S for
Take a look inside the doors of these five area businesses to learn more about what they do and the role they play in the economic development of Douglas County.
SUCCESS
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SEPTEMBER 6
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index WASP ......................................B1 Lind-Rite Precision Company..B1 E. Arthur Brown Company ......B2 Thawzall..................................B4 Star Energy Services................B6
WASP
Total parts produced in 2012: 1,528,139 Total employees: 40
Busier than a bee By Crystal Dey cdey@echopress.com If you’ve ever flown or received a package, chances are your life has been directly impacted by Watkins Aircraft Support Products, Inc. (WASP). The company was founded in 1979 by Jim Watkins, a local dairy farmer and engineer. Watkins saw a need for ground support equipment for the aircraft industry. He rented a space in Alexandria and started creating. By 1982, a new WASP building was built in Glenwood, where the company is headquartered today. “WASP is a one-stop shop for equipment used to support aircraft on the tarmac,” explained Vice President of Finance Jeanne Kramer. “In 1985, package handling equipment was added.” Employees at WASP take particular pride and dedication in working for the company. They own it, afterall. In 1997, Watkins sold the company to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Kramer has been with the company for 26 years. She said there are a lot of long-term employees. The company’s president and CEO, Dane Anderson, joined WASP four years ago. Anderson, originally from Browerville, brings 30 years of manufacturing experience to WASP. “Being 100 percent employee owned is such a benefit to all our employees,” Kramer said. “That’s probably our greatest accomplishment.” WASP has grown to include three manufacturing sites in Glenwood and one in Falls City, Nebraska. Among the 275 employee-owners in Glenwood are: computer aided drafting operators, mechanical and electrical engineers, shipping and receiving staff, assemblers, fabricators, material handlers, painters, welders, quality assurance technicians, maintenance mechanics and office support staff. Many professionals on staff at WASP are graduates of Alexandria Technical and Community College. There are approximately 80 employees in the Nebraska plant. “We make it a point to get out and work in the shop,” Kramer said of the management staff. Three primary markets benefit from WASP production: non-powered aircraft ground support equipment, pack-
“Being 100 percent employee owned is such a benefit to all our employees.” Jeanne Kramer VP FINANCE, WASP
age conveyors and U.S. military trailers. Since its inception, WASP has distributed more than 100,000 pieces of equipment worldwide. The company mass produces products which keeps costs competitive and attracts revenue to West Central Minnesota. Craftsmen maintain an inventory of more than 6,000 different parts in the warehouse to support WASP equipment. Ninety percent of orders are shipped within 24 hours of receipt. Anderson said local companies like Alexandria Extrusion can help fulfill orders in a timely fashion. “We use local vendors as much as possible,” he said. “Our products are primarily American steel.” Anderson said people like working with WASP because product doesn’t have to be shipped across the ocean, which saves time, money and energy. WASP competes with fewer than 10 companies in the U.S. WASP B8
Lind-Rite Precision Company Committed to quality By Amy Chaffins achaffins@theosakisreview.com Lind-Rite Precision, Inc. is a precision machine shop located in Osakis that has been in operation since 1987. The company doesn’t build or manufacture its own product, rather it’s a “job shop.” Dan Kotek, LindRite Precision’s president, explained, “Whoever needs something machined comes to us and, most of the time, we can produce it. They come with a blueprint and Dan Kotek we make the part to PRESIDENT the print. “We machine a wide variety of materials from plastics, aluminum, brass, bronze, steel and stainless steel,” he explained. “We’re also known for machining tight tolerances and complex M. Morisette parts and we offer VICE PRESIDENT some light assembly.” The machined parts are used across the U.S. in medical, automotive, construction, aerospace, recreation, printing, electrical and agricultural industries.
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
WASP employee Orris Gulbranson bends rollers for conveyors that are used in airports and package handling facilities. Top photo: Dan Forbrook designed WASP’s retractable welded steel telescoping loading conveyor.
Address: 20631 St. Hwy. 55, Glenwood, MN Phone: (320) 634-5126 Website: www.waspinc.com
“We guarantee our work,” Kotek said. “If it’s not made to specification, or made to print, we will fix it, guaranteed. We are very competitive in our pricing and we maintain customer satisfaction, as well as customer service, very well. I feel customer visits are very important. I like to visit customers often; it’s a value-added part of our business. I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to meet or exceed our customers’ requirements and expectations.”
Tom McLaughlin used a caliper after machining a chuck face part for a printing press on the Haas VF455 Mill. Lind-Rite Precision’s ISO 9001-2008 registration is a demonstration of maintaining its tradition of high quality parts. The company offers statistical process controls, production part approval process and formal auditing criteria. All of this assures its customers will enjoy the highest quality control of their parts production. The company’s mission statement reiterates its commitment to quality:
“Our commitment is to deliver superior manufactured products with unprecedented service. Our outstanding quality, on-time delivery and high adaptability assist our customers in succeeding in their marketplace. We encourage and empower our people to reach their greatest potential, which allows us to provide our services at an exceptional value.” LIND-RITE B8
Address: 509 3rd Ave. E. Osakis, MN Phone: (320) 859-2070 Website: www.lindrite.com
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