A Note from Mike Reader

Busy Spring at Precision Plus

Greetings to you from Mike Reader and Precision Plus,

I hope all of you are enjoying the return of warmer weather with all the goodness and emerging greenery it brings. This was originally intended to be a monthly newsletter, but I must admit, it has been a challenge to meet that goal this year with all that has been and is still going on. As I look back to the last newsletter, I see it was sent on March 6^th, which was well over two months ago. Time flies when you are having fun, and that is the case, on most days.

2018 – Off to a Great Start

Where does the time go?

We are now more than 60 days into the new year, and for me it seems like just yesterday, we flipped our calendars to 2018. As I am hearing from most, business is strong and the future looks promising, regardless of the stock market gyrations. But while business activity is strong for us, there is always an invisible cloud of concern for the future, and it keeps us on our toes.

Merry Christmas from Precision Plus!

“Are you ready for Christmas?” It’s a question you frequently hear (and maybe ask) this time of year. There are those who have been “ready” for weeks now, efficiently checking the items off their list, a little bit at a time. There are others who, year after year, leave it all until the last minute, rushing around up until Christmas Eve. There is still shopping and baking and card mailing to be done! If you are someone that feels stressed out during the holidays, slow down and relax. Remind yourself that it’s not the things that matter, but the people around you.

Reorganization & Recognition

It’s hard to believe we are now into December, and before we know it, 2017 will be behind us. This year has flown by at a blistering pace, likely because we have been very busy helping our customers grow their businesses through the efforts of a great team of Precision Plus problem solvers. In my last “note” from November 10^th when I recapped the previous month’s activity, I also hinted of our internal efforts to realign our org chart, work on our strategic planning, and the recognition of our outstanding team members. I can tell you that much has been done in these areas to better position us for even greater success as we head full steam into 2018.

Happy Thanksgiving

As the big day draws near, many of us are scrambling to cram five days of work into three, while preparing for Thanksgiving Day. I’ve always enjoyed this holiday that focuses on three of my favorite things: family, food and fun times together. At Precision Plus, no other holiday allows for two days off right before a weekend, giving us a whopping four days in a row to relax and unwind! We are grateful for that, especially knowing that other industries and organizations do not always have that luxury. I encourage people to focus on quality time together when they have the chance to make the time.

Manufacturing Month Wrap-Up

For the past several years, October has been proclaimed Manufacturing Month by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). To help promote their mission to change the outdated perceptions of American Manufacturing, NAM has encouraged manufactures all over the country to open their doors, hosting tours and events for community members of all ages. While it is targeted as the first Friday in October, we like to say, “Every day is Manufacturing Day for Precision Plus.”

GTC and Precision Plus at AACC Briefing in Washington, D.C.

It’s been a busy month as we recognize Manufacturing Month during October. Last week’s theme for Manufacturing Month was High-Tech Manufacturing. Our high-tech industry has changed – and is still changing – by leaps and bounds in the last 20 to 40 years. Still, business owners find the demand for skilled workers in our industry is on the rise. We also continue to fight that outdated perception of the dark, dirty factory. While we modernize our facilities, discover innovative processes, and create new positions, we also depend on our partnerships with local educators to help us find and instruct the talent that will become the next generation of manufacturers.

Celebrating Our Workers on Labor Day 2017

Summer – where has it gone, and how did I miss it?

It seems to me like we just celebrated Memorial Day, honoring our service men and woman. Now we are staring down at Labor Day, which confirms summer is officially over where I come from. Our interns have either left already, depending upon where they go to school, or will depart by the end of this week. We are sad to see them go after a great few months, but we wish them the best. Summer seems to go by in a blink of the eye. I hope you took the time during the warmer months to rest and relax and enjoy some fun with your loved ones. As we know all too well in the Midwest, WINTER IS COMING. While winter was fun as a kid, I do not enjoy it nearly as much in my adult years. Let’s hope fall sticks around long enough in between.

Invest in Your Greatest Asset: Your People

Last week, Precision Plus sent 14 team members to Columbus, Ohio, to attend the PMPA National Technical Conference (NTC) and the Precision Machining Technology Show (PMTS). The NTC featured keynote speaker Titan Gilroy of Titan America sharing his passion for American Manufacturing. The conference focused on technical skills, problem solving, and management training for the frontline team members who make it happen every day. We pulled some pretty important folks away from the production floor for a few days, but the opportunity to learn and compare notes with industry peers was just too valuable to pass up. 

Looking Ahead at Precision Plus

As we put Q1 of 2017 in the rearview mirror, what does Q2 look like going forward?

MORE, MORE AND BETTER!

More advanced machine tools, more talented people, and better results for our customers.

Let me first look back to the last quarter of 2016. Buyers leaned out their inventory as the world held its breath, watching the U.S. elections unfold. I can only characterize that time as one of overcapacity and uncertainty. This lethargic environment changed rapidly as we entered the new year, like a dragster coming off the line when the lights turn green.