Vol. 1/09
Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing in North America
Marching to a different beat A hotbed of creativity at Yarder Manufacturing
Balancing act Running on all three legs at YC
Special What’s in store for laser cutting?
All systems go Support for Car-Mon’s solutions
Rocking the region Metal in Monterrey
PANORAMA
EXPRESS Vol.1/09
FEATURE
8 A flair for the innovative PORTRAIT
Even though Yarder Manufacturing’s core business involves producing a diverse array of metal parts
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for companies all across the United States, they also make a few of their own products.
TOPICS PROFILE
12 Winnipeg – the “heart of the continent” Its name may mean “muddy water,” but there is a lot happening in Winnipeg—including a diverse manufacturing base.
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CUSTOMER FOCUS
14 A history rich in industry Two brothers continue to carry a family vision forward at Metales Industriales de Puebla.
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INTERVIEW
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20 Values, vision sustain YC Precision Fabrication Kim Raul’s company manufactures invisible parts that make things run. FABRICATING
22 Everything is “lekker” Colin David aspired to become a farmer—and ended up as a fabricator.
20 FINANCE
24 Car-Mon clears the air Unique situations are standard fare at this family company.
STANDARDS 24
Special Flexible and reliable Starting on page 15
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TO THE POINT PANORAMA ONE QUESTION INSIDE THE PRODUCT
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DISCUSSION PERSONALITIES STORIES IN SHEET METAL CREDITS
TO THE POINT
Function and Form It’s all around us. Actually, when you ponder the extent to which it impacts our lives, you could say—without even a hint of exaggeration— that sheet metal has become one of the most important foundations of the modern world. The affordability and flexibility of this material has influenced products, and, respectively, manufacturing in a way that is literally life altering. It has enabled manufacturers to generate more efficient products by replacing costlier materials such as cast iron and wood, and what’s more is that its flexibility lends itself to diverse applications. Consider, for example, sheet metal’s prevalence. It’s in your car, your cookware, your kitchen appliances, your son’s bicycle, the front door to your home, and the guardrails that line the route on your drive to the office. Even the jewelry—or components of it—that you purchased for your wife as an anniversary gift may have been laser cut from sheet metal. And this brings up another point: There is much more to sheet metal than its extraordinary functionality. Indeed, there is something to it that meets the eye. This is one of the characteristics that set it apart from other materials. Because of its properties and flexible nature, it easily transcends a required task to become art—without sacrificing its function. The vast and diverse types of applications for which our customers fabricate sheet metal illustrate this point. For example, one manufacturer uses TRUMPF technology to create high-end motorcycle frames from sheet metal that are visual masterpieces, while another company uses the material to fabricate exhaust systems for vintage cars. Others manufacture home accessories, such as artfullydesigned tea kettles and plates that are laser cut from flat sheet metal. Interior and exterior lighting are also noteworthy examples of the combination of function and form that can be achieved through the use of sheet metal and fabricating technology. At TRUMPF, we even offer innovative classes to help our customers create better designs. With only paper, scissors and tape as instructional tools, we teach them new ways to cut, join and bend sheet metal. They come away from the class knowing how to design new parts and redesign existing parts for function, form and cost efficiency. With sheet metal already in just about everything that graces our surroundings, it might cause one to wonder if its applications have been exhausted. My reply to that would be, “What do you need? What do you want? What do you dream?” If the past is any indication, the future of sheet metal, and its marriage of function and form, is only yet to be discovered.
Rolf Biekert, President and CEO
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PANORAMA
Color change for TRUMPF Machines A leopard may not change its spots, but a machine can sure change colors TRUMPF is not only a world leader when it comes to technology, but the company is also strong on style. Last fall, TRUMPF officially introduced the company’s new machine color concept, which replaces the creamy-colored white and bright blue with a brighter shade of white and a darker hue of blue. As an accent, a silver stripe separates the two colors, which gives the machines a sleek, updated look. What will remain the same is the TRUMPF logo. The new colors were put in to service as part of TRUMPF’s modernization and standardization process. The new, eyecatching colors, which seem to “pop” on the shop floor, will help differentiate the company’s products from the many other blue and white machines on the market while preserving TRUMPF’s brand recognition.
> Additional information: www.us.trumpf.com
TruPunch 5000
Zephyr Engineering – Sweet Sounds of Success Helping one musician fine tune his idea into a business “I am just a guy who had a vision and had a friend who had the right industrial skills,” says Jim Normandy, founder of Normandy Guitars. This vision began 20 years ago when Normandy, a young bass electric-guitarist, aspired to own a professional-quality aluminum guitar he couldn’t afford. Aided by a friend who could weld, he made his own. Eventually, with the help of Zephyr Engineering, a job shop in Salem, Oregon, and their TruLaser 3030 with LiftMaster, Normandy turned his prototype guitar into a business. “Zephyr had a commitment and a belief this would turn into something big,” Normandy remembers. But Zephyr project manager, Doug Jones, reveals it was not just about manufacturing a guitar. “Our ultimate goal was to make a quality part that reduces costs and satisfies the costumer.” Normandy Guitars now garners raves from critics and musicians, famous and amateur alike. In 2008, their aluminum archtop achieved “Best of Show” honors when introduced at NAMM, the world’s largest music tradeshow. > Additional information: www.zephyreng.com
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Normandy Guitar vintage Bigby Vibrato Tailpiece
PANORAMA
Action Group donates refund CEO donates $5,000 rebate earned during a TRUMPF laser purchase
Marine Sgt. Eddie Ryan
Fabricating Machine Tools Inc., an Ohio-based distributor that includes TRUMPF equipment among its product offerings, awarded their customer, Action Group, a rebate of $5,000 toward freight costs after their purchase of a TRUMPF TruLaser 5040 with Liftmaster. However, rather than accepting the refund, Action Group’s CEO, Frank Denutte, asked Fabricating Machine Tools to draft a check payable to Marine Sgt. Eddie Ryan, who had lost all use of his limbs due to a brain injury
during a combat mission in Iraq in 2005. Michael Pinchot, the sales representative at Fabricating Machine Tools who was responsible for the business with Action Group, has developed a personal friendship with Mr. Denutte. “Our world is a better place because Mr. Frank Denutte is in it,” he said. “The support and encouragement help to motivate me to get better,” wrote Sgt. Ryan in a letter to Michael Pinchot. > Additional information: www.helpeddieryan.com
Putting you on a straight path Hunter’s new GSP9600HD ForceMatch® wheel balancer services passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks It’s probably safe to say that just about everyone who drives has suffered the experience of a car’s wheels being out of alignment. All you want to do is go straight, but your ride seems to have a mind of its own as it veers off to the side. Fortunately, Hunter Engineering, a global market leader in wheel alignment, brake service, wheel service and safety inspection lane equipment sets your vehicle straight, which results in an improved ride quality and maximized tire wear. And now Hunter’s new GSP9600HD ForceMatch balancer, which contains parts fabricated on a TRUMPF TruPunch 2020 brings the same outstanding advanced vibration management and wheel uniformity to the heavyduty shop that’s currently found in Hunter’s passenger car and light truck balancers. With its robust structural design and precision, the GSP9600HD ForceMatch services wheels with rims from 10 to 30 inches in diameter and weights up to 500 lbs. > Additional information: www.hunter.com
The Hunter GSP9600HD ForceMatch
Health made easy Martin Engineering opens free employee clinic In tough economic times, healthcare is often adversely impacted. Knowing this, Martin Engineering, a TRUMPF customer from Neponset, IL, took a proactive role to enhance healthcare options for their employees. As the economy worsened, they developed a free, onsite clinic with the intention of, as stated by Scott Hutter, CEO of Martin Engineering, “investing in our people” while encouraging preventative care and long-term health. Opened in late 2008, the clinic functions like a typical doctor’s office. The space contains examination rooms staffed by local doctors,
a lab capable of blood draws and a limited onsite pharmacy. Open two mornings and one afternoon each week, the free clinic is managed by an outside company, Novia Care Clinics, LLC, and allows Martin Engineering employees and family members to receive healthcare without having to take time off, drive to appointments or complete lengthy insurance forms. As intended, these services have already provided great comfort for those at Martin Engineering. > Additional information: www.martin-eng.com
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®
Star Trac Strength training for life MU Students “hit the gym” with Star Trac® In the newly renovated and expanded University of Missouri (MU) Student Recreational Complex, Star Trac’s® complete line of cardiovascular and strength training equipment encourages students to lead a healthy life. The project includes the addition of Star Trac’s® popular E Series cardio equipment, fabricated with their TruLaser 3030 and TruLaser Tube 5000. With an intuitive interface, embedded touch screens and extensive entertainment options, the series is a simple, comfortable and elegant training tool. The university’s transformation of its recreational complex corresponds with Star Trac’s® mission to encourage lifelong physical fitness. More than 500 student athletes across 20 varsity sports, and countless other students on campus, will reap the healthy benefits. Headquartered in Irvine, CA., Star Trac® is the fastest growing company in the commercial fitness industry. In addition to the students of MU, more than four million people in over 75 countries use Star Trac® exercise equipment daily. > Additional information: www.startrac.com
HAWORTH Furniture celebrates company milestone With its 60 years of experience, Haworth sets a standard of industry excellence The founding chairman of Haworth Furniture, Dick Haworth, remembers the company’s West Michigan roots and the growth that made it a world leader in the design and manufacture of office furniture and organic workspaces. Six decades later, with its headquarters in Holland, Michigan, globally Haworth has over 7,000 members, which is the company’s preferred word to use when referencing its workforce. Last November, Haworth Furniture marked 60 years of business. “I am honored to celebrate the journey we have taken to provide workspace solutions that can be installed anywhere in the world with the highest standard of quality,” said Dick Haworth. Since Haworth was founded in 1948, its brand has always reflected innovation and flexibility. In 1954, the company shifted its focus to office environments, such as modular office partitions and panel systems. Business remained centered around office furniture systems until—in the early 1980s—Haworth began offering office seating. Today, the company is proud to provide complete workspace solutions, with components that are manufactured on TRUMPF equipment, including the TruPunch 5000 and the TruBend 5130. > Additional information: www.haworth.com
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PANORAMA
Everything from a single source TRUMPF storage system offers options TruStore and LiftMaster Cart, a new storage system with automatic loading and unloading by TRUMPF, offers diverse options and the type of flexibility that can adapt to changing business conditions. The TruStore basic module consists of only 15 different parts, and its wedge strips ensure that the stands are solid and make expensive floor work unnecessary. The modular storage system was developed with the goal of providing manufacturers with a cost effective and uncomplicated way of moving into automated production. The standardized modular design leaves many development options open for the future. Clear interfaces and a uniform operating concept utilizing the TRUMPF machine control system make working with the storage system simple and comfortable. TruStore 3030
> Additional information: www.us.trumpf.com
Energy saving is hot topic Master-Bilt focuses on energy saving, helps customers comply with new federal legislation January 1 ushered in more than a new year. On that date, the Federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 went into effect, sending many companies scrambling to comply with the new initiative. However, Master-Bilt, a manufacturer of premier commercial refrigeration systems for 70 years, already offered numerous energy efficient options. In fact, the company, which uses a TRUMPF TruLaser 2030 in the production of its walk-in coolers and freezers, was already complying with the new legislation. “Master-Bilt recognizes the growing trend and demand for ‘green’ equipment solutions,” says Bill Huff man, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We are always looking for ways to provide products that will help our customers reap the environmental and economical benefits of energy efficient equipment.” One of the many ways that Master-Bilt helps its customers comply with new federal standards, is to equip their walk-ins with standard spring-loaded hinges and door closers that will close the door fully if it is within one inch of the closed position. > Additional information: www.master-bilt.com
Walk-in commercial refrigeration system
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Yarder Manufacturing president, Richard Yarder (center) with Matt Yarder, front, the company’s organizational leader, and Jeff Conlon, general manager, in downtown Toledo with the Maumee River in the background.
A air for the innovative at Yarder Manufacturing 8
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INTERVIEW FEATURE
When an SOS came in from the producers of ABC’s Extreme Makeover Home Edition, the Yarder Manufacturing Company was there to take the call.
family that resides in The Yarder Manufacturing Company’s community had been selected to receive the opportunity of a lifetime: a new home. And ABC turned to Yarder to help make things, well, more homelike. The family, the Frisch’s, had several children, including adopted sons from Haiti. “We were asked to create something for their home that would tie together the Haitian-American bond,” explains Matt Yarder, who works as a manager in his family’s business. The show’s producer wanted to illustrate this bond in a tangible way that could be physically mounted on a wall of the game room—and the idea needed to be designed and manufactured in just 48 hours. Fortunately, the folks at Yarder Manufacturing were up to the challenge. “The show’s producer came out to look at our facility,” recounts Matt. “When we showed her the TRUMPF TruLaser 3030, she was excited, and said, ‘We’ve never had lasers and sparks on the show.’” Three hours of filming at the job shop resulted in only a few seconds of airtime. Nevertheless, the experience was a positive one that the employees of Yarder Manufacturing won’t soon forget. The plan was to design and fabricate a steel light box that would honor the multi-cultural richness of the Frisch family. “When I first looked at it, I thought it was gaudy,” admits Matt’s father and Yarder president, Rick. The light box is 7 feet long and 32 inches tall. “I originally thought, ‘There is no way I would want that in my house.’ But then I reminded myself that this was Hollywood, where things are bigger and more dramatic.” And when Jackie Frisch flipped on the switch to the light box, which symbolized the cohesiveness of her diverse family, “The experience was just perfect,” says Rick. “It was one of our best, most unique creations.” In fact, Yarder has received several requests from viewers of the television program who are interested in purchasing a light box of their own. But that’s not the company’s only unique creation. Creativity and innovation, it seems, are ingrained in the culture at The Yarder Manufacturing Company. Even though the company’s core business is that of a typical job shop—and involves manufacturing metal parts for companies all across the United States—Yarder, which employs about 55 people, also makes a few of their own products. Their latest invention is YM Custom Grates. Yarder’s stainless steel grill grates are becoming a “must have” item at tailgate parties and backyard barbecues all across the country. (Let’s just pretend that you’re an Ohio State Buckeye fan, for example, who’s hoping to barbecue a Michigan Wolverine. You might want to consider doing it on a YM Custom Grate.) But putting all rivalries and joking aside, each grate is outfitted with your favorite collegiate sports team and is hand-made at Yarder to fit the dimensions of your particular grill, fire pit, oven or fireplace. The grates are created, in part, with TRUMPF technology, using solid ¼” thick 304 stainless steel rods welded to a 10 gauge plate of 304 stainless steel. The team logo is precisely lasered through the stainless plate and made to order for each individual customer. “This is a different beat for us,” says Matt of the family’s grill grate adventure. “We’re going by trial and error with this, and we’ll see where it lands.” The grates are marketed on the >
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(Above) A bestseller in the Buckeye State. (Inset) Yarder Manufacturing designed and fabricated a steel light box for an episode of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover.
”Yarder’s stainless steel grill grates are becoming a ‘must have’ item at tailgate parties and backyard barbecues all accross the country.“ Internet, on a website separate—but linked to—the Yarder Manufacturing site. The address is http://www.ymigrate.com/. It takes approximately two weeks for the company to produce a custom-made grate. “We’re using the viral nature of the Internet to market, and the word is really beginning to spread,” he says. In fact, Playboy magazine ran a feature story on the grates in January. Because the company is based in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo and The Ohio State University designs have become extremely popular. However, among Yarder family members, Matt says there is a split when it comes to team preference, with his relatives divided between Michigan, OSU, Miami University, and Toledo. His cousin, Jeff Conlan, who is Yarder’s plant manager and a University of Toledo alumnus, says, “The Rockets grill grate is where it’s at!” According to Matt, a Miami University graduate who naturally prefers his culinary fare grilled on his alma mater’s design, the idea was conceived when he and his fellow employees at Yarder were trying to make a simple replacement grate out of scrap material. The original attempt was refi ned and Yarder began acquiring licensing rights to several area universities. It was the winter of 2007 when Yarder launched its factory-direct sales for the grates. But if team logos aren’t your 10 Express Vol. 1/09
thing, Yarder can create custom designs of just about anything that you can dream. Surnames, says Matt, are very popular. “People have a lot of creative freedom with these grill grates and they take full advantage. It’s really fun talking to people all across the country and hearing their stories about why they want to see ‘Big Bob’s BBQ’ or ‘Burned and Turned’ lasered into their own custom grill grate.” In fact, in addition to their light box, Yarder presented the Frisch family with a “Team Frisch” grate. All of this makes one wonder what Matt’s great-grandfather and Rick’s grandfather, Stanley Walter Yarder, would think. He started the family business more than 100 years ago, and it quickly grew under the vision of his son Irving Yarder, Rick’s father. “We just had one of our best years in the business,” says Rick, who attributes the success to “business acumen and good luck.” In addition, he spoke about his company’s low turnover rate among its employees. “We have several families working here, such as mothers and sons and husbands and wives, and they all play a very important part in keeping our culture creative and innovative.” Stanley Walter and Irving Yarder obviously left a family legacy of business insight and ingenuity. In fact, they spearheaded it. The late founder, who launched the business in a
garage located in an old Polish neighborhood, made a line of metal toolboxes that he sold on a street corner in Detroit in the 1930s to skilled trade workers from the auto industry. And next was Irving’s inventive contribution of advertising frames, which are still used today on nearly every transit bus and taxi cab across the nation. Unique tool boxes, grill grates, advertising frames, and oversized light boxes. It makes one curious about The Yarder Manufacturing Company’s next innovation. And you know there will be one.
Innovation unleashed Who:
The Yarder Manufacturing Company, Toledo Ohio, Established in 1930. www.yardermfg.com What: Manufacturers of fabricated metal products and sign frames. Capable of producing small quantities through large production runs. How: TRUMATIC L 2530 (TruLaser 2525), TruLaser 3030 with LiftMaster, TRUMATIC 260 R Punch, TrumaBend V85 S (TruBend 5085), TruBend 5085.
ONE QUESTION
Manufacturers are often quick to cut their marketing programs during difficult economic times. Why should they rethink this approach? Anecdote: The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs. He was hard of hearing, so he had no radio. He had trouble with his eyes, so he read no newspapers. But he sold hot dogs. He put up signs all over town telling how good they were. He stood on the side of the road and cried out, “Wanna buy a hot dog, Mister?” And people bought. He increased his meat and bun orders. He bought a larger stove to accommodate his growing business. He finally had to have his son from college help him out. But then something happened. His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio?” “Haven’t you been reading the newspapers?” “The economy’s a mess. Money’s tight. Everyone’s cutting back.” Whereupon the father thought, “Well, my son has been to college, he reads the papers, he listens to the radio. He ought to know.” So the father cut down on his meat and bun orders, stopped advertising and no longer bothered to stand out on the side of the road hawking his hot dogs. And his hot dog sales fell almost overnight. Now the father and son have plenty of time to follow the news together. “You’re right son,” the father said to his boy. “The economy is much worse than I thought.”
Bill Maier
That anecdote has been on the wall since I founded my business-to-business marketing fi rm 38 years ago. It will never come down because it shows the danger of letting up when times are tough. The man who sold hot dogs sealed his fate because he decided to retreat when he needed to shout even louder. The result, most likely, increased business for other hot dog vendors in town. Th is is the fourth recession I’ve watched my clients navigate – and certainly the worst. But with the previous three, those companies that continued with wise, focused marketing investments fared better than their competition.
The bad times mindset Customers and prospects are looking for signs everywhere to help them navigate the economy, including from suppliers. In fact, today’s communications will get more attention than usual. Take advantage and talk about what your company stands for, instead of just your products. You can inf luence perceptions, strengthen relationships and attract new interest.
Is anybody home? When customers are worried, they are more risk averse. They need to see signs their suppliers are healthy, not disappearing. Go silent and worried customers may venture to competitors to “taste their hot dogs.” Even worse, they may wonder if there is a better way to satisfy their appetite altogether and venture into a new category or different technology. If they decide they like burgers better than hot dogs, they’re even harder to get back. Talking to the market now gives you the opportunity to steal customers from silent competitors. You can gain market share that will stay with you when the economy recovers.
Downsize initiatives, but don’t eliminate them It’s doubtful that any manufacturer can justify a pre-recession spending level, but you can appear to be spending more than you are. For example, spend less on your advertising design and placement, but keep frequency as unchanged as possible. Remember, people are watching for your messages, so you don’t need to be as clever to break through the clutter. In-source some of the things you currently outsource. We’ve created newsletter, sell sheet and html email templates for clients to fill in on their own.
The man who sold electrical fittings During the 1980-1982 recession, we worked with an electrical fittings company run by a very smart man who hated spending money almost as much as he enjoyed making it. His was the only company in its industry that maintained marketing efforts throughout the recession. The result? Share soared and they saw minimal sales decline despite the rotten economy. After the recession, they increased capacity to fill the demand of their increased share. Thanks to their communication initiatives, the company was perceived as being a leader, and much larger than they actually were – enabling them to compete for larger contracts and enter new high-margin specialty markets. In the end, the ‘80s recession was very good to them.
Now is the time to stand out Talk honestly, openly and repeatedly to your market throughout this recession and – unlike the shortsighted hot dog man – you’ll be able to relish the results. Bill Maier is the owner and president of Maier Advertising, recently named one of the top 50 Businessto-Business Advertising Agencies by B-2-B Magazine for the sixth consecutive year.
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Winnipeg – The “heart of the continent” The name Winnipeg, which stems from the Cree words for “muddy water,” does not exactly sound like a place that would flourish in business and commerce.
innipeg, the capital city of Manitoba, is situated at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers—40 miles south of Lake Winnipeg and 60 miles north of the United States border, almost at the geographic center of North America. It is this location that helped propel Winnipeg, known by some as the River City, to become a vital commerce hub in the early development of the city, and pave the way for growth. While close proximity to the rivers was a great benefit for travel and trade in and out of Winnipeg, it also presented a hindrance because of the propensity for flooding. Winnipeg suffered from numerous floods that caused extensive damage and evacuations. After the Great Flood of 1950, Winnipeggers resolved to build the Red River Floodway, an architectural wonder that diverts flood water around the metropolitan area. The structure was completed in 1968. With Winnipeg’s central location, the coming of the railroad in 1881 was vital to its rapid growth. Being connected to the rest of Canada by railway introduced a steady stream of travel and trade and an influx of population that resulted in the building up of a city of standing and importance that is exceeded by only a few cities in Canada. Greater Winnipeg now has a population of over 650,000 and is the eighth largest city in Canada. The city quickly became known as the “Gateway to the West,” as it was the point in which goods passed through to get to the West. Many businesses and industries arose in the city to simply support related commerce in towns from Saskatchewan to Alberta to British Columbia. While few existing companies considered Winnipeg for their headquarters, they set up shop here as a means to help make a profit elsewhere. Mr. Ron Koslowsky, Vice President of Canadian Manufacturers and ExportersManitoba, and a long time resident of Winnipeg, tells us that this theme
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PROFILE
New Flyer Industries manufactures shells for its buses in Winnipeg.
continues to this day. “Winnipeg does not attract new companies with head offices because of the limited available market. What Winnipeg does exceptionally well is grow companies.” This can be seen in many areas of the city. The large companies in Winnipeg, such as bus maker New Flyer Industries and Buhler Industries, Inc., a farm equipment manufacturer, started small and have grown steadily in southern Manitoba along with many others. Why is that? What does Winnipeg have, or not have, that makes big companies not want to move there, yet helps small companies to flourish? It has a remote, central location that has bred stability, affordability and diversity. Through the adversity of the floods and the great distance from other major cities, Winnipeg emerged as what can be best described as an “inland port.” Since 1945 Winnipeg has grown steadily, based on being a major grain, financial, manufacturing, and transportation center. As it is said in the city, the growth is slow and steady and fits the lifestyle of prairie living. Koslowsky also adds that size becomes an issue for companies. “An organization can be effective to a certain size and then can become burdened by complications of its own growth. Winnipeg has stayed efficient by limiting its growth.” This stability transcends commerce and can also be seen in predictable rates of housing costs, population and labor force growth. The successful growth of Winnipeg can also be attributed to the affordability for both companies and residents. In 2006, Winnipeg was ranked by KPMG as one of the lowest cost locations in Canada in which to do business. It is one of the few cities in Canada that has not imposed a general sales tax. Additionally, most of the power to the city comes from hydro-electric sources, which means it is clean and efficient. Average housing prices in Winnipeg are nearly half of those in Toronto, and a third of those in Vancouver. Diversity in Winnipeg is apparent everywhere—in its economy, its population, its climate, and its culture. Winnipeg has the most diversified secondary manufacturing base of any Canadian city, well-supported by an equally varied range of service industries. Today, manufacturing represents the single largest business sector in the country, accounting
for nearly 50 percent of the goods-producing sector and 15 percent of the gross domestic product. Ethnic diversity is another important characteristic of Winnipeg. The city employs an aggressive immigration policy, and as a result has one of the most culturally diverse populations anywhere, with more than 100 languages represented. True to form, even the climate in Winnipeg can be considered diverse. While it is recognized as the coldest city in Canada, it is also one of the sunniest, with 2,727 hours of clear skies on average per year. Winnipeg also enjoys a variety of recreational and cultural activities, including many beautiful parks, fine zoos, a world-class ballet company, symphony orchestra, museums, and is home to the Canadian Football League team, the Blue Bombers. While Winnipeggers get to enjoy all the benefits of this impressive list of attributes, what they don’t have to deal with are the headaches of traffic and overpopulation witnessed in most cities. The remoteness of a city typically suggests isolation and detachment from supply chains and workforce. However, because of Winnipeg’s central location, which is now home to one of the busiest commercial airport hubs in North America, it has spawned unique business practices and partnerships among the business community unseen in other areas of the world. It is not uncommon for manufacturers in Winnipeg to have weekly conversations with their competitors about confidential information. Go to a Blue Bombers football game on any given fall weekend and you’ll likely fi nd groups of workers from competing companies sitting together, discussing business, and perhaps tipping back one of the fine local brews as they enjoy the game. It is evident that the diverse industry in Winnipeg has allowed for an exchange of best practices—perhaps because they are in the middle of nowhere sharing and networking, whereas in the big commercial centers the “everyone for themselves” mentality seems more appropriate. The unique characteristics and rich history of Winnipeg have made it a welcoming gateway for tourists and businesses, a major hub for commerce and trade, a center for arts and culture, and a harbinger for economic growth and opportunity. It is even said by many industrialists and entrepreneurs that “if it works in Winnipeg it will work anywhere.” Express Vol. 1/09
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CUSTOMER FOCUS
A history rich in industry Following the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821), the city of Puebla, Mexico became one of the first Mexican cities to industrialize. Raul and Leonardo Carpinteyro examine a part cut on their TLC Cut 5.
By the early 20th century, it had evolved into a highly industrialized region, focused on automotive and textile production. This history is evident today as Puebla maintains a strong presence in manufacturing, especially in the automotive sector. Raul and Leonardo Carpinteyro’s father founded Metales Industriales de Puebla, or MIPSA in 1972 to serve the manufacturing needs of the area. According to the brothers, the location was chosen for its close proximity to the established industries of Puebla. As one of the first job shops in the area, MIPSA is now a leader in the cluster of metal processing companies that are speckled throughout the area. “During the first years, we specialized in cutting and bending sheet metal to fabricate the cargo platforms for 17 ton trucks,” said Raul, who has served as Managing Director since 1992. “As business started to grow, the first shear was added.” Growth has continued ever since.
Making a transition By the late 1990s, MIPSA had outgrown their facility. After being able to rent the adjoining property, they began the transformation from job shop to steel service center. According to Raul, “We started as a job shop and still maintain a strategic focus on expanding capacities for our customers. So in 1999, we started selling steel as an added service.” In addition, they looked to expand their fabrication capabilities. “MIPSA had conventional metal cutting machines, including a shear, flame cutter, and plasma cutter. Looking for alternatives 14 Express Vol. 1/09
to offer better quality to our customers, we decided to invest in a laser cutting machine,” said Leonardo Carpinteyro, Production Manager. After researching five companies in precision laser cutting, MIPSA decided to purchase their first TRUMPF machine, a TruLaser 3030. This laser now runs a nine hour shift daily – carrying the greatest work load of any machine in the factory. Pleased with their laser cutting potential, MIPSA then began to consider their bending capabilities. “We had press brakes but not precision machines,” said Leonardo. “When we acquired the laser, we felt we had to integrate precision bending into our capabilities in order to offer a complete package.” The TruBend 5130 was chosen to join the four press brakes that already compose the business’s line of bending equipment. With enhancements in laser cutting and precision bending, Raul and Leonardo considered additional services that would help grow their business. Like their father, they found themselves listening to the needs of the automotive manufacturers. “MIPSA reached new customers in the automotive industry,” Leonardo explained, “and these customers not only asked for two-dimensional cutting but also for three-dimensional work.” In an effort to fulfill these customer requests, a 5-axis laser processing machine, the TLC Cut 5, was added to their portfolio. This laser system now averages three production orders a month for projects or customers specifically chosen because of their application requirements.
Structurally strong As young boys, Raul and Leonardo may not remember much about MIPSA’s early years. However, the city’s strong industrial background and the company’s strategic location continue to impact their success. In addition to being a manufacturing hub, the city boasts a strong European influence. This has provided MIPSA customers with a unique familiarity with TRUMPF fabricating machinery. “Puebla is a city where many German companies are located. Everyone knows the TRUMPF brand,” said Leonardo. “This has been a big advantage,” he added. “Our customers are familiar with the machines and trust their quality and performance.” For more than 35 years, MIPSA has been settled in the heart of Puebla. With a clear dedication to quality, they have achieved customer confidence, not only in their machine capabilities, but also for their services and distribution. Now with 58 employees, they are one of the leading steel service and distribution centers in the region and are once again looking to expand their facilities.
Metales Industriales de Puebla Who:
Metales Industriales de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico www.mipsa.com.mx What: A leader in metal processing in Mexico. How: TruLaser 3030, TruBend 5130, TLC Cut 5
SPECIAL
Laser cutting It’s all about single piece production
What’s in store for laser cutting
Laser cutting
Disk and fiber lasers
Large batches
CO² laser
CO²
Thin sheet metal
CO² laser
CO² la
Small batches
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SPECIAL S
Flexible and reliable The CO² laser defends its leading posi position as an all-purpose cutting machine
² laser
Thick sheet metal
aser
Regardless of whether they use a disk, fiber or rod, brilliant solid-state lasers have been widely discussed in recent months. One thing has remained clear throughout, the CO2 laser is defending its enviable position as the all-purpose cutting machine. This workhorse with up to seven kilowatts of output power can cut steel from 0.02 to 1.25 inches thick. The solid-state laser is perfect for delicate work. Certainly, it can cut through thicker steel plate as well, but it simply can’t attain the flexibility of its CO2 counterpart. One reason is a simple lack of experience. Twenty years of knowledge accumulated in CO2 laser cutting, a clear advantage over a modest body of experience and many unanswered questions for newer laser types such as the fiber laser. This is why the solid-state laser will become the unit of choice once large piece counts can be produced in a limited spectrum of materials, meaning that cutting parameters do not change continuously. It also shines in mass production with the ruggedness of its fiber beam guide. For most vendors, ever-changing cutting patterns and short runs are typical of everyday work. While the CO2 laser delivers superb results when fusion cutting both thick and thin materials, the solid-state version reaches its limits even at modest sheet metal gauges of 0.12 to 0.2 inches. Excellent cutting capacity throughout is only one feature of the CO2 laser cutting system. It is also ideal in handling, having proven itself in adverse industrial environments and is technically sophisticated. TRUMPF would not be doing its job as the world’s technology leader if it did not offer a cutting system based on solid-state technology. Introduced to the market as early as 1995, more than fift y systems have been installed to date. The buyers are shops specializing in long production runs for thin sheet metal. The bulk of the market, job shops offering a broad spectrum of parts, remains loyal to the all-purpose machine. Ultimately, that’s due in part to the low investment costs per installed kilowatt of laser output and high process reliability, enabling unmatched economy and profitability.
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SPECIAL Laser cutting
Cutting with light A CO² laser can cut this face plate made of 0.08 inch aluminum just as easily …
Knowledge warehouses: Technology tables Nesting parts, making common cuts where needed or placing micro-joints exactly where there is a possibility of tip ups, are all functions available in the NC job order generation program and can be called up with just a few mouse clicks. To keep cut quality high, the NC program selects suitable values for all processing parameters and delivers those values to the machine’s controls. Technology tables are used for this purpose. These are knowledge warehouses where practical fi ndings are stored. Packed into these mundane-looking sets of tables is all of the TRUMPF expertise accumulated over decades. Based on the material type and thickness, alloy and workpiece geometry, lens focal length and nozzle diameter, the machine tool receives absolutely reliable values for all processing parameters. The appropriate laser output, cutting speed, nozzle spacing and focal length, as well as the required gas pressure for a given type of gas, are stored here and associated with the size of the contour. This information puts virtually every task within the machine’s reach.
Innovative power Experience counts, and that’s why customers are in good hands with TRUMPF for their laser cutting needs. As the technological front-runner and world market leader, TRUMPF knows its way around every market. It has the right solutions for every task associated with cutting sheet metal – and those solutions are being continuously improved with a wealth of innovations. The new TruLaser Series 5000 is distinguished, for example, by even greater dynamics and shorter nonproductive periods. The single cutting head strategy reduces setup time and error sources and makes it possible to process all material types and thicknesses without having to change the cutting head. Specially developed techniques ensure the best results in regard to cutting speed and quality in all of the laser cutting machines. PierceLine, for example, monitors the piercing process and yields considerable time savings when processing thicker sheet metal. SprintLine reduces axis movements to a minimum. FocusLine produces the best results thanks to automatic adjustment of the focal length. TRUMPF also offers appropriate solutions for high-speed cutting of thin sheet metal using nitrogen or for high-pressure cutting of thick steel and aluminum.
… as a carrier plate, 1 inch thick, made of mild steel.
Quality features at a glance → Roughness: Ten micrometers for sheet metal 0.15 inches thick is the target for Illustration: Gernot Walter
eliminating refinishing at visible edges.
→ Perpendicularity: With proper adjustment, the deviation from a right angle can be limited to 0.004 inches in sheet metal 0.4 inches thick.
→ Kerf width: The width of the cut inevitably rises with increasing sheet metal thickness – it is about 0.006 inches for sheet metal about a tenth of an inch thick.
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→ Groove deflection: Reducing the advancing speed can almost completely eliminate the groove trailing effect, even in thick sheet metal.
→ Burr-free: Laser cutting eliminates burrs and thereby the additional step normally required to finish the edges – an important quality feature.
→ Pitting: Just like erosion, pitting interrupts the regular cutting surface and can be avoided with the appropriate parameters.
INSIDE THE PRODUCT
TRUMPF’s gripper technology in action.
Small, thin, lightweight – that’s the world served by TRUMPF gripper technology.
They are true lightweights, but they carry considerable weight in some job shops. In the past, bending small components consumed massive amounts of time and labor. Gripping, bending, re-gripping, bending, re-gripping, bending, and then starting all over again. Th is was done by hand for each and every item produced. The mechanical gripper made by TRUMPF, used in conjunction with the BendMaster, can now take care of all of this, plus handle pieces up to 12 x 8 inches in size, at a maximum gauge of ¼” with weights of up to 3.2 pounds. Thanks to short cycle times it makes bending small parts extremely productive.
Getting a grip on pint-sized parts
Specializing in tiny items
the amount of re-grips to complete a part. The reduction in re-grips greatly reduces the amount of time involved in bending small components, by up to 15 seconds per re-gripping operation when compared with a gripper without the additional axes. Especially when dealing with small parts, component re-gripping is an important subject due to the interference curve of the robot head or the small surface available for gripping the part. This mechanical gripper is set up just like any normal gripper using a pneumatic coupling, either manually or with the new automated gripper changing operation. The gripper takes the required work pieces from the sheet loader which is set-up parallel to the main operating sequence.
The newest gripper owes its success to the additional sliding axis as well as the additional rotary axis located directly at the part pinch point. These combined features allow the part to be placed into the machine in close proximity to the lower tools while drastically reducing
The new mechanical gripper offers sheet metal processing companies an opportunity to expand their spectrum of part processing capabilities. Easily replaced supplementary jaws save time
Automation expands the line
and the gripper doesn’t shy away from sensitive surfaces. Materials such as aluminum can easily be processed with the scratch-free jaws. Gripper technology follows the trend toward comprehensive automation. TRUMPF equips almost 40 percent of all of its punching and laser cutting systems with automation components. Automation made its debut in bending with the specialized four-axis robot, BendMaster 60 and 150. These machines were engineered to handle the true “heavyweights” of part production, up to 88 and 220 pounds respectively and spanning as much as 10 feet. With the mechanical gripper, the BendMaster has now become a specialist for small parts as well. With this newest technology the BendMaster covers an even broader product spectrum and is a truly universal solution for both small and large components. > Additional information: Shane Simpson, 860-255-6039 Email: shane.simpson@us.trumpf.com Express Vol. 1/09
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INTERVIEW
Values, vision sustain YC Precision Fabrication While much has evolved over the past century for the Pennsylvania-based company, some things have remained the same.
arlier this year, YC Precision Fabrication’s president, Kim Raub, discussed how, without ever sacrificing its principles, the company he leads has weathered good times and bad. Mr. Raub, who has been at the helm since 2002, has taken the company’s fabricating division from a $2.5 million business to a $10.5 million business in just six years’ time, a feat achieved through a combination of technology and the tenacity of the human spirit.
E
machines have given us the capability to run “lights out” and have greatly increased our production output. Our capabilities include laser cutting, punching, bending, shearing, assembly, welding, and finishing. We were fairly lean to begin with, and the right equipment helps to make us even more efficient. In addition, our value added services include just-in-time delivery, engineering assistance, bar coding, and custom packaging. We approach our business as if it had three legs of a stool, which we define as price, delivery and quality. All three of these things must be in place, which helps us stand out in the industry.
How would you describe YC Precision Fabrication to someone who is unfamiliar with the company? On the fabricating side of our business, we are a contract manufacturer In addition to paying close attention to your business philosophy, which with 60 full-time employees that builds to our customers’ specifications. you illustrate with the three-legged stool analogy, how does the company’s Our other business area is the wholesale plumbing division. heritage affect its future? We produce a variety of products for OEM customers and subcontractors. We have enjoyed a successful past; however, we are very aware that Most of the parts that we machine remain behind the scenes. For example, past performance does not predict future success. What has sustained they’re under the hood in the engine compartment of a bus, beneath the us in the past and carried the company through challenging times is chassis—or behind the doors of an elevator. We manufacture the invisible our commitment, which is part of our vision, to incorporate state of the parts that make things run. You can’t see them, but they’re there and art technology into our operations while continuing to maintain good, they’re integral to the operation of the component. old-fashioned customer service—as well as promoting values such as In addition to custom fabrication, some of the other industries that we integrity, leadership, humility, determination, teamwork, customer serve include the military, air conditioning manufacturers, commercial focus, and responsibility. These things are not just words to us; we live appliances, rolled fenders, and heavy equipment. our values. It’s this combination of technology and values, along with The company was launched in 1902 as York Corrugating. The stamping determination and great pride, which allows YC Precision Fabrication to division was established in 1917, and among our first products were not just survive, but to flourish. We’re not just family owned, we’re family replacement fenders manufactured for the Ford Model T and Indian based. I’m fifth generation, and I’m practicing the same value principles motorcycles—which competed head to head with Harley Davidson. In as my grandfather. Values remain ever important. fact, about 90 percent of YC’s business was metal stamping until the late From a practical perspective, YC Precision has always been a fairly lean operation since its inception. However, especially in this challenging 1980s when it became a job shop serving diverse industries. Also, there is a unique art form that’s practiced here at YC Precision business environment, we’re applying that same concept of “lean” to each Fabrication, which most people find interesting. We produce aluminum and individual, and encouraging every employee, personally and professionally, stainless steel fenders for just about every fire truck and emergency vehicle to operate in a manner that’s consistent with such efficiency. in the United States, which are hand polished here by employees who are true craftsmen. It’s really kind of a lost art. A touch and feel for the craft is What are some of the significant cultural changes that YC Precision has made since you became president, which are playing a part in the developed over time, during the rolling and polishing of the fenders. company’s transformation? There are a few things that stand out. First, YC Precision Fabrication is From your perspective, how does YC stay competitive? YC Precision Fabrication is a lean operation which uses the latest no longer a union shop, so that was transformational in terms of the technology in TRUMPF laser and automated punch presses. These company’s culture. It’s tough to shift from a union base to that of a more 20 Express Vol. 1/09
Most of the parts YC creates remain behind the scenes. For example, they’re under the hood in the engine compartment of a bus, or behind the doors of an elevator.
YC Precision, which was started more than 100 years ago as York Corrugating Company, has a rich heritage based on integrity.
traditional manufacturing environment. Also, our motto is that we’re “A Cut Above the Rest,” and the reason this is true for YC is because our fabricating operation utilizes the best in technology, which has certainly increased our efficiency and precision. And that brings us to the topic of our name. It was changed last year from York Corrugating to YC Precision Fabrication. People thought that we made boxes when they heard the word “corrugating.” Back in 1902 when the company first launched, YC manufactured corrugated roofing, among other things, which is how the name York Corrugating originally came about.
Kim Raub, YC Precision Fabrication president
creativity when it comes to customer focus. Even So much of YC Precision’s success hinges not when the times are challenging, we continue to only on cutting-edge technology, but on values persevere and succeed. It’s the YC way. such as integrity, humility and responsibility. How do you find this mindset in the people who work for you? YC Precision Fabrication We hire on attitude, and we have our defined values that we hold up to all prospective Who: YC Precision Fabrication, York, PA employees. Attributes that we’ve already Established in 1902 mentioned, along with leadership and www.ycprecision.com teamwork, are core to our employees—even What: A job shop that offers metal stamping before they come to work for YC Precision and fabricating. Fabrication. Our people go above what’s How: TRUMATIC 2020 R (TruPunch 2020), expected as a matter of routine, which is TruLaser 3030, TruBend 3066 demonstrated through our responsiveness and Express Vol. 1/09
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Everything is “lekker” “Howzit ?” means “How’s it going?” It is a mixture of Afrikaans and English, two of South Africa’s 11 official languages. And if you ask that particular
Photos: Seppi Hochfellner
question of Colin David, he will answer “lekker” — which means “fine, great.”
Colin David (left) and his son Geoffrey use their own helicopter not only to observe the South African savannah. It can also take them to a customer’s location as fast as the wind, if necessary.
t six o’clock in the morning, when Colin David sets out for work, traffic is still moving briskly on the freeway between the capital, Pretoria, and Johannesburg to the south. No more than an hour later, tens of thousands of commuters creep by numerous construction sites and long stretches of fog on the high savannah. In most places, however, the rapidly growing city has caught up with the beltways built to serve as bypasses. Gated luxury communities, almost hermetically sealed and with integrated golf courses, are followed by poverty-stricken sheet metal settlements without electricity or running water — nothing unusual in South Africa. In 1993, Colin and his wife Billie purchased the Vera Cruz sheet metal fabrication plant from a Portuguese businessman. It had a small production hall, a few press brakes and punching machines, ten workers and annual sales of just over a million rands
A
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FABRICATING
The David family in the new production hall, with the conical-profile park ticket machine.
(about $113,000). Today the Davids realize profits cup will ensure us growth even beyond the of almost 80 million rands ($9 milllion). Just last year 2010,” predicts Colin David. He continues: year they moved into a new 54,000 square foot “And, we still offer great cost advantages facility and the staff has grown to more than 140. on the international market. Naturally this One of those is son Geoffrey, who joined the firm makes us even more interesting as a supplier after completing his engineering studies in 1998. in times of increased cost consciousness. In Colin did not always aspire to be a successful recent months, we have received inquiries fabricator. “I actually wanted to be a farmer,” from European manufacturers through our explains the company’s founder. At the end has undertaken massive investments over website.” And Colin and his son are planning of the 1970s, he quit his job at an advertising the past 10 years — investments in modern to prepare Vera Cruz for orders from the agency and began setting up a chicken and machinery and in accumulating expertise. automotive industry suppliers in coming The company fi rst invested in automated years. “We will have to do some hard work rabbit farm. The barns and feeding systems he saw during a trip to Germany had left a great machinery. Colin explains: “Regardless of the on our processes in order to guarantee part impression upon him. Since there was nothing wage levels, reliable and full utilization of the traceability, for example,” the CEO explains. comparable available in South Africa, Colin machinery around the clock simply cannot But this versatile manager does not only David bought a spot welding machine, built the be achieved with manual operation.” Even have ambitious plans for Vera Cruz. Soon he systems according to his own plans, and welded the fi rst TruPunch 5000 with SheetMaster wants to buy a “game farm” in the northern the cages in his own garage. Word quickly got gave the company an enormous boost. That part of the country to satisfy his youthful around and one order followed another. “Soon was followed by automated laser cutting dream. But instead of rabbits or chickens, he was doing nothing but building cages and I systems, new press brakes and shears made by Colin David will take care of large animals had to manage the farm,” his wife Billie laughs. TRUMPF. such as buffalos, rhinoceros and lions. An additional factor in ensuring cost Today she is responsible for the finances of Vera Cruz. Husband Colin tends to business affairs effectiveness and maximum production quality, Parking ticket machines while son Geoffrey manages the production. and one not to be underestimated in South for the streets of Johannesburg Together they have transformed what was Africa, is employee training. “We have to train then a simple sheet metal operation into every production employee ourselves and we one of the leading job shops in South Africa. offer a six-month training program for new Who: Vera Cruz Manufacturing, Greater It has been some time since the Davids machine operators,” Geoffrey David explains. Germiston near Johannesburg, have built any cages. That has more than been Even though the labor market in South Africa South Africa. Founded in 1980, 140 replaced by everything else that can be made has an acute shortage of engineers and skilled employees, sales of 80 million rands from sheet metal including cable trays, metal workers, there is very little turnover at Vera Cruz. ($9 million, as of February 2009). cabinets and shelving systems, lifts, and housings “The people feel good here. We are growing www.veracruz.co.za for automated tellers or parking ticket machines. and offer good opportunities for advancement. What: South African job shop with an We adhere to the virtues of openness, honesty international clientele in the fields of and fairness in our dealings with customers, High standards electrical and electronic equipment, In spite of all the changes, what has remained suppliers, and employees,” adds Colin David. furniture, warehouse fittings, and is Colin David’s philosophy: “We do not worry elevator engineering. about our competition. We just try to do better Lions, rhinos and the automotive How: TruLaser 3030, TruLaser 3530, than our customers expect. The basis for good, industry suppliers TruPunch 5000 with SheetMaster, long-term business relationships is the fact In spite of the current financial crises, the David TruPunch 5000, TruBend 5230, that working with Vera Cruz pays off for our family is optimistic about the future. “Our TruBend 3120, TruShear 5064 customers,” he says. To achieve that, the firm banking system is stable and the soccer world
South Africa is the gateway to the continent’s markets.
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he general manager of Illinois-based CarMon Products, Inc. agreed to share his experience with readers of TRUMPF Express magazine, and he called the recent process of obtaining the financing for a new, TruLaser 2030 through a TRUMPF Inc. program that offers flexible funding options, “Very easy.” He explained, “There is not much to say because TRUMPF made the process so painless.” Car-Mon Products is an industry leader in the removal of carbon monoxide and other toxic materials from the air. While the company designs and builds a wide range of standard products for vehicle exhaust, welding fume removal and dust collecting, much of their work is for customers’ custom applications. As a kid, Jeff played sports and worked at CarMon on occasion during high school. He studied economics in college, not really thinking that he would ever join the family firm. However, as fate would have it, he became involved full time. “But it’s not like only one person runs the business,” he said, noting that there are several family members involved with Car-Mon. As general manager, Jeff described his role in the company that was started over 60 years ago by his grandfather, Cornell Imming, as “helping to pull all of the pieces of the business together.”
T
A company takes flight
Car-Mon clears the air Jeff Imming doesn’t have much at all to say about his company’s experience with TRUMPF Finance. But that’s a good thing. Really, it is.
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In 1943, Cornell, who worked at Chicago-based heating and ventilation contractor O.A. Wendt, developed the first known under-floor system for the purpose of removing vehicle exhaust. The design was created for a prototype of a Cadillac dealership that would occupy a multi-story structure, with the showroom on the first level and the maintenance and repair area on the second floor. A requirement of the contract was that a design to remove exhaust fumes had to be submitted to General Motors for approval. GM embraced Cornell’s design, which involved a fabricated steel receptacle with a hinged door that was placed into the flooring and connected to sheet metal ducting that ran between the second floor and the ceiling of the first floor.
FINANCE
“We’re an engineering-based manufacturing company; providing complete systems to meet customer application requirements.”
The system was adopted for other dealerships being built in urban areas, and an underground version that fit into sewer tile became the standard for exhaust systems in new car dealerships. Cornell Imming’s innovative solution eventually developed into a stand-alone manufacturing company, and by 1946, Car-Mon Products was up and running—and a new line of HVAC products was launched. Jeff explained what it is that sets Car-Mon apart in the 21st century: “We’re an engineering-based manufacturing company, providing complete systems to meet customer application requirements.” Because the company is so focused on custom work, every day presents unique opportunities for the employees at Car-Mon. According to Jeff, many of the company’s design and manufacturing challenges involve the design and fabrication of odd-shaped fittings to adapt to exhaust systems found on military vehicles of all types—including aircraft. For example, they developed a retractable exhaust extraction system for the auxiliary power unit on board the state of the art F-22 Raptor aircraft. Another challenging application was for the wing tank ventilation of the U.S. Air Force’s C-17 aircraft that involved the design and building of a 45 foot rotating gantry.
Car-Mon produces components used in the F-22 Raptor.
was seamless, the rates were very competitive and it wasn’t required that we complete a lot of paperwork. TRUMPF has a better understanding of the value of their equipment than do other lenders”. In addition to customizing and streamlining the fi nancing process for customers, Janet said that through TRUMPF Finance, which is a TRUMPF-owned company, customers can realize several benefits, which Custom, seamless solutions include improved cash flow, preservation of working capital, better Almost every product that Car-Mon creates comes off of a TRUMPF management of the company’s bottom line, tax advantages, streamlining laser or punch. So when the company needed to increase capacity, of the purchasing process, and preservation of bank lines of credit in Jeff called TRUMPF. Car-Mon already had a TRUMATIC L 2510 (TruLaser the event the company needs access to funds for another purpose apart 2030) and a TRUMPF punch (TRUMATIC 2000 R). And although Car- from a capital equipment purchase. Mon had used bank financing in the past, “It was a lot easier to go with There is a synergism between TRUMPF Finance and its customers. TRUMPF,” said Jeff. After all, as Janet Barone explained, “We tailor the fi nancing to the Janet Barone, TRUMPF’s manager of customer contracts and financing, specific needs of the customer.” And for a small manufacturer like Carsaid that Car-Mon Products was an ideal customer to participate Mon Products, it is essential to utilize creativity, engineering and the in TRUMPF Finance. “We were able to add value to their TRUMPF ability to fabricate from raw materials to effectively deal with an ever experience, by not only providing the technology they needed, but by changing business environment. addressing their financing needs as well. We needed to be more flexible and competitive than their lending partner of many years. For example, Car-Mon Products Inc. we were able to coordinate their approval with their delivery expectations eliminating any unexpected shipment delays.” She also emphasized that Who: Car-Mon Products Inc., Elgin, IL, Established in 1902. TRUMPF offers financing plans to not only existing customers, but also www.car-mon.com to those in a variety of circumstances including new customers, start up What: An engineering based manufacturing company specializing in the companies and more. capture and removal of noxious fumes. Car-Mon’s reasons for going with TRUMPF Finance instead of How: TruLaser 2030, TRUMATIC L 2510 (TruLaser 2030), TRUMATIC 2000 R turning to another source, according to Jeff, were because “the process Express Vol. 1/09
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Promoting business success Jorge Areyzaga is the Managing Director of TRUMPF Mexico. What is TRUMPF’s connection to Monterrey? TRUMPF Mexico was originally founded in Monterrey in 2000. When the business began to grow, TRUMPF decided to move its office to the German Center in Mexico City. However, that office was closed in January of 2007 and its operations were relocated back to Monterrey. While Mexico City is the capital of the country, Monterrey is really the heart of the Mexican metal industry. What is TRUMPF’s level of commitment to the Mexican market? TRUMPF currently has 43 employees in the Monterrey office, which is a new, 64,000 square foot facility located in the Apodaca Technology Park. The sales, service, 26 Express Vol. 1/09
demonstration, and production areas are all housed in this area. Th is $10 million advanced manufacturing facility includes a 4,200 square foot showroom, and it is open to fabricators and manufacturers from all over the country for tours and technology demonstrations. In addition, we plan to increase our offering of training in Spanish for our Mexican customers in the areas of operation and basic maintenance. We are very involved in our community at TRUMPF Mexico, and we are committed to sharing our knowledge and expertise with the local fabricating industry. It is our hope that they benefit from the innovations, efficiency and competitiveness offered by TRUMPF technology. We are interested in promoting business success, not only for our
DISCUSSION
passports to consider. We are very pleased to be able to conduct training classes in Mexico, in Spanish. Is there a typical customer in the Mexican market? We have customers that are successful Mexican job shops, supplying both the national and export markets, and we also see international companies who have found in Mexico a competitive environment for their operations. We have been involved with companies from the automotive, aerospace, agricultural equipment, electrical and electronic equipment, and oil industries who are mostly located close to the U.S. border. Out of TRUMPF’s broad range of equipment, the products that have been most successful in the Mexican market are the TruPunch 2020, the TruLaser 3030 and the TruBend Series 5000, because of their proven reliability and competitiveness versus comparable products. Making it look easy, Jorge points out the bending of a large part on the TruBend 8600.
own company and our customers, but when other companies in the area are successful, it’s beneficial to all of us in the region. TRUMPF is committed to the Mexican market and invests in this country’s economic development and its people. In addition to offering our expertise in manufacturing and technology, we have pledged our support to both the Red Cross and local firefighters. What is TRUMPF producing in Mexico? State-of-the-art TRUMPF equipment and manufacturing techniques are used to produce frames for TRUMPF fabricating machines that are manufactured in North America. We use the TRUMPF TruLaser 5060 with a 6 kW laser to cut the frames for our 2D laser cutting machines, and some components are bent using a very large press brake, the TruBend Series 8000—which has the distinction of being the biggest TRUMPF machine of its type in Mexico, in terms of both capabilities and size. The frames are then welded together, which is
the most time consuming part of the operation, and afterward are painted and packed for shipment to the United States for machining and final assembly. What are some unique characteristics of the Mexican market? It’s difficult for small companies to get financing in Mexico. Although it’s tough in other parts of North America, it’s a particular problem in Mexico. TRUMPF works with the Ex-Im Bank, the Export-Import Bank of the United States, to assist our customers in Mexico. This bank does not compete with private lenders, but it assists in the export of U.S. goods to international markets by guaranteeing the loan. In addition to sales and manufacturing, in Mexico we are particularly focused on customer training initiatives. TRUMPF machines are state-of-the-art technology, and even though TRUMPF offers customer training in Farmington, there are travel considerations such as cost and items such as visas and
How long have you been working at TRUMPF Mexico? I began my career at TRUMPF in 2006 as Production Manager. Before my current appointment as Managing Director of TRUMPF Mexico in January, I was operations manager. What do you like best about your job? I like everything about my job! But there are two things that stand out in my mind. One is being able to support our Mexican customers. Although we are all operating in a tough economic climate, the manufacturers in Mexico impress me with their tenacity of spirit and their interest in fi nding ways to increase their competitiveness in order to come out of the current impasse stronger than ever. And because I have a manufacturing background—I am an industrial engineer from ITESM with an MBA from the Nürtingen University of Applied Sciences in Germany—I am fully aware of the challenges that our customers face during these difficult times. Also, I value the opportunity to work together with the team at TRUMPF Mexico to find ways to improve our own efficiency and still increase our service level to all of our customers, either for the sales and service side of our business, or for the products we manufacture for our sister company in the U.S. Express Vol. 1/09
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�Conversing with them in a different language and learning about their ideas was very interesting.“
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PERSONALITIES
A studious adventure An intern’s experience highlights cultural differences and similarities.
Walled Lake, Michigan is a long wayy from Petting, Germany, and Kyliee Leidich, who was 18 years old at the time, e, was a little shocked last year when she he he first arrived in the small village near the Austrian border, which is situated closee to Salzburg. “The first night I got there, I said to myself, ‘I’m actually by myself in a strange ange country.’” It was her first trip abroad. Through a partnership with AFS Intercultural Programs, children and relatives latives of TRUMPF employees are offered d the opportunity to travel to Germany and participate ticipate in a high school year abroad program. Fortunately, the shock of being so far away from home immediately wore off for Kylie, the daughter of employee Hans Leidich and Julie Leidich. An accomplished gymnast, scholar and d musician, i i Kylie, K li who h iis now studying music at Brigham Young University in Idaho, stays in contact with some of her German friends through e-mail and Facebook. What was the most memorable contrasts in the cultures? My daily routine with my host family was not dramatically different from what I left behind in the U.S. I had to ride a bus to and from school every day. It was dark when I left the house in the morning and dark when I returned at night. I did my homework, practiced the violin often and joined the gymnastics team. However, instead of spending time on the computer or in front of the television, I would read or spend time outdoors. Also, a significant contrast between Germany and the U.S. is that everything there is so old and has so much history; I really enjoyed the architecture.
W hat was it like to attend high school What in n Germany? Germa Here in the U.S., we have a lot of sports and activities; I was always at school. But in Germany, activities sports aand activities are not included in school. Although the clothing fashions are pretty Alth simila there are a few small details that similar, differe erentiate the countries. Teens in America prefer comfort in the form of sweats, sweaters and boots. b But in Germany, everyone is very dres dressed up when they step outside. Students approached their future differently than they do in the U.S. Here, almost everyone I know is going to college. alm In Germany, while some of the teenagers went to university, some would get an we apprenticeship and others would go out and get a job. Most did not go on to university. For example, e a girl my same age had already been working b ki in i a job j b for f three th years. To me, that was very surprising.” When you think about your experience, what brings a smile to your face? The best thing about it was the people. Conversing with them in a different language and learning about their ideas was very interesting. The whole experience was very different for me. While I was there, my host father was elected mayor of the village. I learned a little bit about the parties and the political process, and I attended the election celebration with my host mother and father. Also, I had the opportunity to go to Munich for the Oktoberfest, which was a lot of fun. It was exactly as you imagine it to be. There was good food, singing and everyone was so dressed up. The entire internship experience was incredible, and I’m fortunate to have had the opportunity. I saw so many cool things and learned a lot about history. Express Vol. 1/09
29
STORIES IN SHEET METAL
CREDITS
Bly’s steel barrels
TRUMPF Express 1/09 Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing Published by
Who was responsible for today’s
TRUMPF Inc. Farmington, CT 06032 www.us.trumpf.com
55-gallon oil drum? It may be unbelievable, but it was one of
Responsible for the content
America’s most famous reporters
Sheila LaMothe
of the late 1800’s, Ms. Nellie Bly.
Editor-in-Chief
Melanie McMillan 860-255-6112 melanie.mcmillan@us.trumpf.com
Nellie Bly’s famous reports made her the most well-known woman journalist of her day. She started her career with an article for the New York World about the conditions in an insane asylum by going under cover and faking insanity. Who would believe that the same woman, Nellie Bly, or Elizabeth Jane Cochran as her real name was, also invented the 55-gallon oil drum? Traditionally wooden barrels were used to ship product from America’s oilfields, which was always problematic. Even with the introduction of pipelines and tank cars, the need remained for manageable sized, durable, leak-proof barrels. In 1902, Standard Oil Company introduced a steel version of the common 42-gallon oil barrel; however, it would not be the last version of the steel barrel because it still leaked. In 1894, Nellie Bly married the wealthy industrialist Robert Seaman, who was 40 years older than she. Soon after, she became the innovative president of Iron Clad Manufacturing Co., which produced milk cans as well as boilers, tanks and very famous kitchen ware. At that time, Nellie Bly was not only considered the best woman journalist, but also the only woman in the world managing such a large industry by herself. And these would not be the only things that would make her well known. During a visit to Europe in 1904, she saw glycerin containers made of steel which became the inspiration for developing her own “Metal Barrel.” Of course, some of her experiments to develop the perfect steel barrel failed. Her first version leaked, and the second was defective because the solder gave way. Then she tried brazing the barrels, but the brazing metal ruined the liquid inside. Finally her tenacity paid off. 30 Express Vol. 1/09
Editorial Staff
Mike Gordon Susan Grohs Stefanie Karner Sheila LaMothe Karen Miller Design and production
John Mik, MIK Advertising & Design Printing and assembly
Paladin Commercial Printers, LLC Contributors
Bill Maier Laurie Rogowski pr + co. gmbh, Stuttgart Nellie Bly is famous for her journalistic skills, but she also patented a steel barrel design for the transport of gas, oil and other liquids.
She patented her new steel barrel design, started to sell it to the American public and became the only manufacturer in the United States who was able to produce this particular type of steel barrel for the transportation of oil, gasoline and other liquids. Iron Clad soon reached their peak, producing 1,000 steel barrels a day with 1,500 employees. Unfortunately that didn’t last for long. In 1911 a charge of fraud led the company into bankruptcy. Nellie Bly decided to return to newspaper reporting covering women’s suffrage events and the war, but her steel barrels became the omnipresent 55-gallon drums of today. Nellie Bly should not only be remembered as “the best reporter in America,” as the New York Evening Journal designated her upon her death in 1922, but also for her great invention for America’s oil industry.
Photographs
Steve Adams Photography Car-Mon Products Haworth Furniture Hunter Engineering Hans Leidich Maier Advertising Master-Bilt Martin Engineering New Flyer Industries Times Herald-Record Emilio Toledo YC Precision Fabrication Katrina Yarder Zephyr Engineering Illustrations
American Oil & Gas History Society
Express Vol. 1/09
31
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