Nov 2008 SE Manufacturing News p. 40-41

The Southeast Manufacturing News, published by Gross Publications, Inc. recently featured Precision Grinding, Inc. along with Yama Seiki USA, Inc. and C&S Machine Tools Systems, Inc. on pages 40-41 of the November 2008 issue. The article summarizes the cooperative relationship that takes place between the machine manufacturer, the distributor, and the purchaser of a capital equipment investment.



Precision Grinding expanded our machining capacity and capabilities with the addition of the Yama Seiki VMB-1600 CNC Machining Center during the summer of 2008. The article discusses some of the most important machine considerations for meeting today's CNC Machining requirements including the software setup, the probing/inspection capabilities, the size, the speed and the durability of the machine, and the type of integrated controls. Many of the machine features are listed. The article also discusses the relationships between the parties when meeting the challenges of service and support for the life of the machine. As a result of choosing the Yama Seiki along with their support chain, this capital improvement is leading to quicker deliveries on a wider range of machined plates with more satisfied customers.

Vendor/Client/Manufacturer/Customer cooperation is imperative in the chain of manufacturing today's steel parts. We have recently begun weighing the benefits of growing our company by partnering with other companies who manufacture machines for export. Our target is to manufacture the larger machine plates and steel parts for their specialty machines, whether for construction or for manufacturing production. We've found in addition to building these bonds, there are additional laison associations required for shipping across international borders. We're extremely lucky to live and to do business in the State of Alabama. They offer us many opportunties to meet international diplomats and consulates at regularly scheduled seminars. We'd like to offer a plug to the Alabama Development Office and to Governor Riley who are scheduling an Economic Partnering trip to Australia in June, 2009. Please, contact ADO, the Brock Business School at Samford, the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, or the Governor's office if you have interest in participating in building trade alliances with businesses in Australia and/or with businesses from exotic ports such as India, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Brazil, Peru, and / or to our close friends in Germany.

BAE Systems to host SME Chapter 143 Plant Tour

BAE Systems, Land & Armaments Division will host a Plant Tour for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Birmingham Chapter 143 on December 9th, 2008 at their Anniston, Alabama facility.

BAE Systems, known worldwide as "the premier global defense and aerospace company," manufactures vehicles and machinery for Land, Sea, and Air. Paul McIntosh, our chief host and a member of SME for years, serves as a Department Head for a group of Industrial Manufacturing Engineers designing and building land vehicles. He and his associates at BAE are hosting the plant tour in order to share engineering, manufacturing, and production techniques with associate members. According to Paul, "We'll begin at one manufacturing facility, then meet for a brief dinner, then tour another of our facilities."

Through its community membership, publications, expos, and professional development resources, SME promotes an increased awareness of manufacturing engineering and keeps manufacturing professionals up to date on leading trends and technologies. The Birmingham membership has recently begun meeting monthly. We've already found ways to help with educational projects, such as the Calera High School "Shop Rat Industrial Program" created and taught by Brian Copes. We also plan to help a Student Chapter form in this area.

Several colleges across the state, including Lawson State Community College, have begun to offer students advanced CNC Machining as a curriculum option. Students participating in and graduating from these types of college programs which support manufacturing and machining may find that the support that SME offers them can lead toward future opportunities. LaVada Varner of the Alabama Technology Network works in collaboration with the state of Alabama in order to bring opportunities involved with manufacturing jobs such as these toward fruition.

Precision Grinding supports the growth of manufacturing jobs in Alabama, and we are proud to be associated with members of the SME who are targeting the growth in manufacturing products for domestic needs and for exports.

If you'd like to know more about the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) please, contact Brian Everling, BrianE@PrecisionGrinding.com .