Tag : leaders in manufacturing

Manufacturing Shop

Tips for starting your own CNC machine business

Just like any business, starting your CNC manufacturing shop can be challenging. However, often are the times when CNC machining and CNC automation operators ask themselves whether it is time to start their own machining business or offer their labor to other companies.

If you feel that it is time for you to own your own machine shop, it is best that you do it. Nevertheless, no matter the motivation, it is not always easy to start your own business especially one dealing with us manufacturing products. A manufacturing shop requires a lot of capital and therefore, you need to have a lot of savings and if not, you need to have the credit worthiness to obtain a loan .You need money, resources and most of all you need to find customers which is the most challenging part.

In this article, we take it upon ourselves to educate you on the most essential tips needed to own your CNC manufacturing shop.

Be aware of the risks

Before you get into any business, you need to identify the risks associated. You need to know whether you have what it takes to mitigate those risks or to survive the perils. You probably know of the statistics that most businesses fail in their first year of operation. More so, manufacturing in the US is not such an easy industry to penetrate due to the competition. So, before you venture into this business analyze the risks.

Prepare your business plan

Once you have established the risks, write a business plan and make sure it incorporates all the risks. In your business plan, focus on the factors likely to affect your business such as competition among other threats. Also, plan on your sales and marketing strategies. At the same time, determine the rate in the market so you can know how to price your products.

Start small

Once you have your business plan and everything under control, start small. It is normal to want to have a large shop because you think people are more attracted to businesses that look established. However, it is not advisable to do that since you have no idea how the market is. First, test the market and your team by starting small. Have some few machines and from there build capital.

If need be, first start your business with a used machine before buying a new one. In that way, you will know how to use the tool efficiently before you buy a new one. However, it is not a must you buy a used one especially if you already know how to use the machines. But, don’t rush to expand without understanding the market.

Develop partnerships

When starting a new business, it can be very tricky finding customers. However, that depends whether you are starting from scratch or if you are buying an existing business. If it is an existing business, it is good you learn to maintain the customers and if it is new, learn how to get them. So, it is very important to create connections whether by having your friends help get clients or by partnering with other business. Make sure you have good relationships and nurture them even after your shop expands.

Research shows that the type of manufacturing shop or what you looking to produce plays a major role in obtaining customers. Therefore, you can create partners by targeting segments in your marketplace. For example, develop connections with people who buy your products at a good rate or those who are in most need of your products.

Structure your business

Starting a business can be costly and so, it is expected that you will try to cut cost as much as possible. However, as much as you want to cut cost, remember that you cannot work by yourself. You cannot control sales, control finance and at the same time produce goods. So, structure your business in a way that you have the best team needed to steer a machining shop.

With the above tips, you can relax knowing you are headed for success. All the best as you start your Manufacturing Shop.

Manufacturing Plant

4 Tips to Managers and Prospective Managers of Manufacturing Facilities

Several factors come into play when managing a manufacturing facility. The floor brings together different specialists sometimes from fields that are two worlds apart. For instance, the shipping supervisor gets to interact with the manufacturing specialist while production managers consult the plant manager or even the finishing specialist on matters concerning the manufacturing process. Additionally, it is imortant to note that management involves taking a more radical approach. There are ways of handling hurdles associated with the manufacturing plant. Here are four tips on how to manage a manufacturing plant. If you are planning to go up to the ladder, then understanding these early will set you up for the challenge.

1. Focus on Profits

It is possible that your facility still uses the output as a measure of performance. While this can be good for accounting purposes, it is not a great way of handling workers. Only machines are rated based on the quantity they churn out. Instead of focusing the attention of employees on the number of tons churned out per day, let them understand how their effort contributes to the overall profit.

It is then possible to create a reward program that grows as the profits increase. As a result, the employees, partners, and shareholders can share in the fruits of good labor. If you are planning to be a manager, then start viewing your input in relation to the profits. Figure out how you can do more than add daily output.

2. Annual to Weekly Review

How often do you review your performance or that of your team? Time flies, you are handling more customers, and the staff is changing even faster. The only way to grow is to have short-term goals usually daily goals and review your success weekly. Yearly performance review is an outdated idea that has no place in the 21st-century manufacturing industry management.

As an employee, have your daily targets. If you are working with a team, set these goals and share them with your supervisor. At the end of the week have a sit-down and analyze your performance.

3. Teammates are Not Soul Mates

While teamwork is to be encouraged in the workplace, these people are not to be welded together as a unit. A workforce in a manufacturing facility is not similar to a police task force where people are partners for life. Managers should bring together the best team for the work at hand. They can get to know each other during briefings. However, such a structure requires that personnel allocations decisions be flexible.

As an employee eyeing a managerial post, learn to work in different teams. When faced with a hurdle, find ways of getting help from the person best qualified to help even if they are not part of your team.

4. Process is King

Profit based rewards propagate a focus on the results. The problem with this is that it assumes the role of the process. Only a properly designed process can lead to an excellent performance and product that, in turn, leads to improved profits. A manufacturing manager should recognize employees who excel at how they carry out their operations.

A prospective leader in the manufacturing plant should also learn to improve the efficiency of the part of the process for which they are responsible.

Managing a manufacturing facility requires one to think broadly and creatively. Have a gamer’s mentality; you and your workers should always be aiming higher to an attainable goal. Once achieved, let the reward be tangible and worth the struggle. Above all ensure everyone shares in the victory and fruits.

manufacturing future

Is there a future for the manufacturing industry in the US?

When you think of the manufacturing industry, what comes to mind? For most people, the term manufacturing brings a picture of reserved and dirty workers with different machines. That is not the case anymore, thanks to manufacturing technology. It is now a high tech industry which produces products such as iPhones, prototypes and vacuum cleaners among more.

Though the manufacturing industry is not a solution to all our economic problems, it is very important when it comes to creating job opportunities. It contributes to economic growth, and at the same time, it raises technological skills in the world. In most countries including the US, it is the backbone of industrialization, and so, the state of manufacturing should be a priority for any nation.

Over time, the manufacturing industry has evolved bringing both challenges and opportunities. There have been changes in the economies of production, nature of products, consumer demand as well as supply chain which has made companies change their way of doing business. That means, for any company to survive in the industry, they have to embrace change otherwise they will be forced out of the market.

As manufacturing technology evolves and develops, barriers to entry are eroded, and that means new markets can be developed. That creates competition and even if the vast CNC manufacturing companies still dominate the market, more innovative models are developed which make the manufacturing industry to continue growing. Therefore, as long as any US Manufacturing companies take advantage of these new opportunities, there will be a future for this sector.

Mechanical engineering schools and US Manufacturing schools should embrace the changes in manufacturing technology and educate the students on how to produce products that have a future despite the various changes. In that way, the manufacturing industries will keep growing since new and innovative CNC machining, and CNC automation models will be developed.

In the meantime, as the country waits to see how the NAFTA agreement will turn out, the manufacturing industries can only hope that it is not signed. In that way, there will be an increase in employment, stabilized trade and satisfactory wages for the people of US. However, as per now, there is pressure on the manufacturing industries given that the margin separating the manufacturers and the product sellers is slowly fading away. Most manufacturers are forced to build or create on order.

Looking at all the above factors, is there a future for the manufacturing industry? Is there a future for the mechanical engineering schools? Do the students focusing on manufacturing have a place to be in future? That will only be determined by the manufacturers. Are they creative and innovative enough to create a market even where there is no demand?

Manufacturers will need to understand the forces driving their industry. By doing that, it will be easy to leverage the skills and convey a structural advantage as they restructure their business models. As a manufacturer, you need to define your success by embracing the new manufacturing techniques.

So, is there a future for the manufacturing industry? Yes, there is as long as the companies consider factors such as product size and complexity, laws and regulations and level of technology or digitalization. Every business has to act smart and also, US manufacturing schools need to research ways of keeping the manufacturing industry. After all, it is the backbone of most economies.

OEM Manufacturing

7 Incredibly Simple Hacks of Highly Successful leaders in Manufacturing

OEM manufacturing in the USA has changed continuously over the years, partially because of the significant technological advances. However, some of the core secrets of successful manufacturers remain constant. Consider the following incredibly simple hacks from highly successful leaders in manufacturing to achieve greater heights.

#1. Embrace the technology

Technology plays a significant role in the success of all businesses. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the latest tech innovations. One example of the technology that should be integrated is CNC automation. You can install robots to perform repetitive tasks and increase production while reducing costs. This will help your business to be leaner and more efficient.

#2. Reinvest in the business

Whether your firm utilizes expansive CNC machining or small hand tools, the equipment condition is vital in manufacturing operations. A successful manufacturer reinvests into the industry’s heart (the machinery that keeps it functional). Thus, Re-examine the servicing schedules and ensure that the machinery is performing at optimal levels. Avoid scheduling for maintenance only when the equipment fails or when they are not in use.

#3. Focus on service

Successful leaders in OEM manufacturing develop excellent levels of customer service to build loyalty. They field service queries from retailers or distributors when products are delayed or defective. Besides, they’re ready to answer to customers whenever faulty products enter the market. It is therefore essential that every CNC manufacturing firm makes a point of maintaining high service standards and evaluate service performance regularly.

#4. Have the right team at your disposal

Pay close attention to the people you hire in your manufacturing business because they can either make or break it. Besides being from the US manufacturing schools, you ought to figure out just how passionate a person is about working for the company. In addition, you should hire mechanical engineering professional staff from formal and certified mechanical engineering schools.

#5. Retain the best

Employee retention is crucial to ensuring manufacturing efficiency. While most workers view an employee benefits program as an incentive to remain on the job, the package can be an excellent source of motivation. If your employees aren’t motivated, production slows down, and your manufacturing firm might falter.

#6. Continuous improvement

For successful OEM manufacturing, you should view improvements in its entirety. Most manufacturers focus on improvements that entail the processes or products, and yet this is only one portion. To be devoted to development, evaluate every portion of the business because all parts make up a whole. For instance, you can consider offering safety training on the frequently changing regulations to keep your workers up to date with the latest trends.


#7. Communication

Successful OEM manufacturing firms value meaningful communication. That includes keeping employees updated on the procedures and products as well as having an open line for them to express their concerns. Regular meetings can be an excellent means of making sure that the employees get the information they require to carry out their tasks correctly. Furthermore, utilize technology to quickly bring them up-to-date with any developing changes. Correspondingly, supervisors should be available to the workers. If the employees can’t discuss safety concerns or improvement ideas, you might be missing on a wealth of information.

Bottom Line

As the global manufacturing sector grows, successful in-house operations rest on fundamental factors– keeping productivity up, morale high, and costs low. By paying attention to the above great tips, you can yield global dominance and be an example of how US manufacturing is remarkably resilient in the increasingly competitive economy.

At Tag Team, we pride ourselves on machining components for virtually all industries OEMs. With over thirty years expertise, our ability to collaborate with engineers in developing prototypes allows us to produce high-quality components at lower costs.

For more information, call us today at 303-841-5697 for a free quote!