Production Machining

DEC 2017

Production Machining - Your access to the precision machining industrial buyer.

Issue link: https://pm.epubxp.com/i/906445

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 19 of 51

Helping Precision Machine Shops Be More ProducƟve and Proftable 18 PRODUCTION MACHINING :: DECEMBER 2017 Established in 1921, Smith & Richardson Manufacturing didn't make its mark as a global supplier of precision ma- chined parts until it bought a small screw machine shop in 1986. The company' s original intention was to use the screw machines to supply parts to its foundry operation of mak- ing chaplets, but around 1988, the company began to see mor e potential for growth and expansion in its precision ma- chining operations. Today, the company is headquartered in Geneva, Illinois, with a satellite manufacturing operation in Taicang, China. "We are always listening to our customers and doing what- ever we can to meet their needs," says Renee Schroeder, of- fice manager at Smith & Richardson. "We are dedicated to working with customers to develop customized solutions at competitive prices." Smith & Richardson offers machining, stamping and form- ing services for a number of different industries, including sports and gaming, aer ospace, medical, hydraulics and gas and oil. The company's 66,000-square-foot facility in Geneva uses its precision machining, precision stamping and preci- sion slide forming technology to work with a variety of ma- terials, including steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum and certain plastics. Smith & Richardson is an active participant in Manufacturing Day, an annual celebration that educates on the many career opportunities that exist in manufacturing and aims to im- prove public perception of modern manufacturing facilities. For this year' s Manufacturing Day, Smith & Richardson opened its doors to over 250 nearby students who partici- pated in a guided tour, presentations and giveaways. "When the students came thr ough, I think they were sur- prised at how clean the facility was and how much technol- ogy and automation is involved in manufacturing today," Mrs. Schr oeder said. PMPA Member Smith & Richardson Manufacturing Finds Success in Employee Training and Equipment Investment In addition to Manufacturing Day, Smith & Richardson em- ployees actively work with local high schools to expose students to future career opportunities in manufacturing. Mrs. Schr oeder says Smith & Richardson is greatly focused on hiring recent high school grads and growing their careers through training and education. The company recently hired a retired high school vocational teacher as its director of education and training to develop an apprenticeship pro- gram and to promote manufacturing careers to students and par ents. As part of its education initiative, the company contributes up to 90 percent of the tuition and book costs required for team members looking to continue their educa- tion and are able to maintain a certain GPA. As a PMP A member, Smith & Richardson benefits from the organization's networking opportunities and uses list- serves for solving problems. Another PMPA resource Smith & Richar dson uses for its employees is the new PMPA-MFG program, which is designed to bring reliable training to member companies to better evaluate and train candidates in the best ways possible. PMPA-MFG helps members prepare for the next generation of manufactur - ing employees by offering a number of individual training courses, a one-year CNC operator certificate and employee screening testing. "PMPA-MFG has been a great tool that gives some great in- sights, helpful ideas and is a useful resource to promote our Manufacturing Day ," Mrs. Schroeder says. "The program was able to provide some great videos for us to share with stu- dents who come by our facility for tours." Smith & Richar dson Manufacturing Inc. is located at 727 May St., Geneva, Illinois 60134. Phone: 630-232-2581. W ebsite: smithandrichardson.com

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Production Machining - DEC 2017