The Edge Factor Show and Champion Now Join Forces To Inspire New Generations of Manufacturers

August 23, 2012

The Edge Factor Show and Champion Now Join Forces To Inspire New Generations of Manufacturers

Michael Reader

Across North America, manufacturers’ voices lament the shrinking of their workforce while working at all levels to reverse the trend.

Initiatives to inspire young people to enter the manufacturing field are sprouting everywhere, with coalitions being made between schools, local governments and manufacturers to create educational programs that will make a difference.

One project in particular, the Edge Factor Show, led by producer Jeremy Bout, stands out from the rest. Jeremy is an accomplished tool and design engineer…and movie producer. He understands the journey between concept to production and, through his films, presents it in a way that is also understood by the new generations. The Edge Factor Show tells the stories of the people behind successes in manufacturing.

The third in a series of manufacturing films is entitled “Metal and Flesh.” The teaser above shows how manufacturing makes a difference in a war-casualty amputee’s life. It’s both exhilarating and inspiring. According to Jeremy Bout, “Edge Factor is taking a stand for manufacturing. This film is a critical component in our initiative to inspire the next generation of skilled manufacturers.”

However, this project will only come to complete fruition with the support of manufacturers. To help make this happen, Terry Iverson, a business owner serving the manufacturing community, has founded Champion Now, which, in Terry’s words, “exists to change the image of manufacturing…to one that is filled with extreme technology, advanced innovations and exhilarating and good paying careers for the next generation.” Terry’s mission is to create a circle of manufacturing Champions that will support the Edge Factor’s film productions and other educational initiatives to change the perception of manufacturing.

The Edge Factor Show has produced two episodes in their manufacturing series: Chilean Mine Rescue, a story about the challenges and innovations that delivered a successful outcome, and Gnarly Metal, a story about a slopestyle rider competition inspired by “the insatiable need to go faster, further, harder and higher.”

Precision Plus supports educational initiatives such as the ones led by the Edge Factor and Champion Now.

Industry News

August 22, 2012

HollenWolff’s Bearing-Lock Cuff Links, Made in Wisconsin

ball-bearing manufacturer, bearing lock, bygone elegance, clothing stylist, cuff links, cufflinks, cuffs, Elkhorn, Hollenbeck, HollenWolff, Mary Louise Schumacher, Milwaukee, Precision Plus, Swiss turned components, The Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin, Wolff

Michael Reader

From an article by Mary Louise Schumacher of The Journal Sentinel about HollenWolff’s bearing-lock cuff links

“Dressed to the nines for a big fundraiser, two friends chatted about the cuff links clasped at one man’s wrist. They talked about their grandfathers and the bygone elegance of certain masculine accoutrements.

One of the two owned a ball-bearing manufacturing company. The other was a clothing stylist.”

In a precise moment, a new idea was born and a new direction was forged. HollenWolff has designed a new kind of bearing-lock cuff link that is unlike anything ever made. International patents are pending.

Precision Plus is honored to be a part of the project.

Community Involvement

August 10, 2012

The H Foundation and the Goombay Bash – Committed to a Cure for Cancer

August 11. 2012, cancer research, Chicago, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elkhorn, Fundraising, Goombay Bash, H Foundation, Navy Pier, Northwestern University, Oncofertility, Precision Plus, Robert H. Lurie, seed money, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

On Saturday, August 11th, around 1,200 people dressed to the nines–Caribbean style—and ready to party will come together at Navy Pier in Chicago not only to have a great time, but also to make a difference.

The Goombay Bash, as this function is called, is a fundraising event of The H Foundation. The foundation was started in 2001 by a few friends with entrepreneurial spirit who decided that, with some ingenuity, they could make a difference in the fight against cancer. They chose the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago (Cancer Center) to be the engine of their catalyst mission.

According to the H Foundation, “In just eleven years we have raised over $4 Million, donating nearly every dollar raised to the Cancer Center. These funds are used as “seed money” for basic science cancer research projects which then compete for additional government or private funding. As a result, our donation has literally turned into nearly $30 Million of research dollars towards finding a cure.” In 2011 alone, the H Foundation raised over $575,000, a figure that is hoped to be surpassed in 2012.

A testament of how this “seed money” leads to additional millions of research dollars from government or private funding, is the case of the Cancer Center’s research in the emerging area of Oncofertility. In the fall of 2011, the Feinberg School was awarded a $21 million grant from the National Institute of Health to help women preserve their fertility while treated for cancer. A basic science research project started with “seed money” turned into a fruitful project with potentially amazing results.

Precision Plus is proud to support fundraising efforts that make a difference, such as those which benefit Northwest Memorial Hospital in Chicago and University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Click here to make a difference. It’s time to find a cure…

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AFTER THE GOOMBAY BASH – A FOLLOW UP

The H Foundation event on Saturday, August 11th at Navy Pier raised close to $500,000. Thank you to the 850 attendees that dug deep to make this happen, all to benefit basic research at The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Industry News

July 25, 2012

Precision Manufacturers Address Shortage of Skilled Personnel on Many Levels

Baby Boomers retiring, Congress, continued education, Elkhorn, joint efforts, manufacturing in the U.S., manufacturing jobs, manufacturing training, national problem, new jobs, new opportunities, PMPA, precision manufacturers, Precision Plus, Senate, shortage of skilled workers, the danger zone, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Shortage of skilled precision manufacturing craftsmen is rapidly approaching the danger zone. As Baby Boomers retire from their positions at a rate of 10,000 per day, we are confronted with vacancies which are unable to be filled due to the lack of availability of qualified and trained men and women.

As manufacturers, Precision Plus and many others are undertaking a targeted bulls-eye campaign, to address this issue from all possible points:

BY WORKING WITH OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
In March of 2012, a group representing PMPA (Precision Machined Products Association ) flew into Washington, DC to engage in conversation with government officials regarding this impending issue. The Franklin Partnership arranged 75 congressional visits for members of PMPA , while Second Vice President Darlene Miller of Permac Industries, arranged meetings and a tour with White House Officials. Many important issues relevant to preserving manufacturing in the U.S. were discussed, with an emphasis in tax reform and job training. A second Fly-In is scheduled for early October. By then, according to PMPA, “Attendees will have a chance to tell their elected officials directly about the importance of manufacturing as they campaign. It will also better position PMPA as we head into the lame duck session having recently briefed members of Congress about our priorities on tax reform and other issues.”
BY WORKING WITH OUR LOCAL STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Precision manufacturers have vowed to bring awareness to local elected officials by inviting them to tour our facilities and sitting down for frank discussions on how to improve the future of manufacturing.
BY ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING AND SUPPORTING TRADE ORGANIZATIONS, SUCH AS PMPA
We are many, but collectively, we are a force and we have one voice. Nothing comes without acute dedication to our beliefs, in that our country deserves to once again soar in the manufacturing world.
BY CONTINUING TO OFFER EDUCATION AND ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO OUR CURRENT EMPLOYEES
Precision manufacturers understand that time does not stand still and that in every person exists the goal is to better themselves.We promote and provide further education to solidify their skills and knowledge. By being involved in formulating high-caliber continuing technical education curricula, such as that provided during the PMPA’s Annual Technical Conference, we ensure that our employees are at the forefront of industry and technology know-how.
BY WORKING WITH LOCAL TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES TO DEVELOP COURSES AND TRAINING TO PROMOTE THE RESURGENCE OF MANUFACTURING IN THE U.S.
Precision manufacturers are actively working with local colleges and technical institutes to establish courses and training that will result in the opportunity to provide high-school graduates with a valuable option of going into a trade. Specialized technical curricula will ensure graduates comprehend and can fulfill the responsibilities of a craftsman-type job.
BY WORKING WITH ORGANIZATIONS THAT PROMOTE TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW TO HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS
We are committed to bringing technical studies back to the high-school level. As such, we will support organizations who are actively engaged in the promotion and advancement of technology training at the high-school level.

The precision manufacturing community commits to pursue a targeted bulls-eye campaign to address the deficit in skilled manufacturing labor force that exists in the United States today.

Community Involvement

July 10, 2012

Pier 290: Good Food for Good People in Williams Bay, Wisconsin

Bill Gage, Gage Marine, ingenuitity, Lake Delavan, mahogany boat manufacturing, marina, Mother Nature, new restaurant, Pier 290, Precision Plus, reclaiming, recycling, restored wood, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, year-round

Michael Reader

Wisconsin craftsmanship takes on a new challenge!

The Gage family has been serving the Lake Geneva boating community for three generations and now embark on another venture, Pier 290. With excursion boats based at the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva, boat service/sales in Williams Bay and Hwy. 50, and pier service around the lake, Bill and Rachel Gage set their sights on further complementing the boater experience.
Their vision was to remake the Williams Bay operations into more than just boating and fuel, but expanding into dining, refreshments and a comfortable place to unwind.

The vision must have been long in the making as the trove of memorabilia and repurposed pieces is impressive to the visitor. One foot through the door and your eyes are overwhelmed with the woodwork and creative use of old propellers and other pieces. Bill had salvaged many of these over the years, including classic woodwork from several of the old Lake Geneva mansions as the wrecking ball threatened to turn them into splinters.

Also salvaged before being torn down was butternut paneling from the “Reader House” at Lake Lawn Lodge in Delavan, and hand-hewn beams from one of the lodges. The master wood craftsmen with Gage Marine’s wood boat restoration team were challenged to bring all these old pieces of hardwood back to life, doing a fantastic job.
Another opportunity presented itself last year when a storm knocked down several old Black Walnut trees in the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay. Always an opportunistic looking to turn lemons into lemonade, Bill saw this as flooring materials for the new restaurant. Here again, the Gage woodworking team set about transforming logs into flooring planks. Not the typical work for the skilled team of classic mahogany boat refinishers, but very successful nonetheless.

So check out Pier 290 and all the other great things Gage Marine has going on in Williams Bay and watch this great video by Bill Gage where he talks about his vision.

Community Involvement Industry News

May 1, 2012

Midwest’s Rockford, Illinois: A Shining Star In The Aerospace Industry

aerospace, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Illinois, industry, manufacturing in the United States, Midwest, Nothern Illinois University, precision parts, Precision Plus, Rockford, Swiss turned components, up and coming

Michael Reader

The Rockford, Illinois region is located in the middle of North America, equidistant between Milwaukee and Chicago and part of the third largest economic corridor in the U.S. According to the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, “The region offers abundant land for development at a low cost per acre, much of it within Foreign Trade Zone #176. This strategic location provides excellent direct access to markets via four interstates (I-90, I-88, I-39 and I-43); Global III, Union Pacific Railroad’s intermodal hub; and Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), the 18th largest air cargo airport in the United States and home to the second largest UPS hub in the nation (parcel and heavy freight).”

The Greater Rockford Area is also a hub for the U.S. aerospace industry, hosting over 170 aerospace suppliers and employing over 6,000 people. The Rockford region is home to five major tier one aerospace supply companies: Hamilton Sundstrand, Woodward, B/E Aerospace, Mag Aerospace Industries, Inc. and Supplycore. Additionally, local universities strive to bring science to the area. Rockford’s nearby Northern Illinois University (NIU) awards over 400 engineering degrees each year and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – a world leader in aviation and aerospace education – which established a campus at the Chicago/Rockford International Airport in 2008 and offers a number of aeronautical degrees, including masters in aeronautical science.

Jeff Kaney, an entrepreneur who has founded two aerospace companies in Rockford, and who is chairman of RAAN (The Rockford Area Aerospace Network) says companies in the Rockford cluster constitute all elements of the aerospace supply chain, including assembly, inspection, testing, repair and software.

Kerry Frank, president of Comply 365 Solutions, a software firm that develops software for the Kindle Fire, iPads and other portable devices used by pilots and flight attendants, says the cluster has brought a great awareness regarding aerospace to the Midwest.

Local news reported that the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) reported a strong start to 2012 with a 14 percent increase in first quarter passenger traffic year-over-year. Each month in the quarter saw strong passenger growth with March being the busiest month in RFD’s history. During its record-breaking month of March, 32,473 passengers came through RFD. March also had the largest increase in year-over-year traffic for the quarter, posting a nearly 18 percent jump. The previous busiest month at RFD was in March 2008 with 29,361 passengers. Punta Cana and Denver destinations have really helped drive passenger growth with their strong bookings,” said Mike Dunn, RFD Director of Economic Development and Government Relations.

Precision Plus is a proud supplier to the aerospace industry, supplying mission-crucial components that are used from single-engine aircraft to the Space Shuttle.

Company Updates

April 16, 2012

Precision Plus Sales and Engineering Manager Bill Wells Receives PMPA Recognition

awards, Bill Wells, Brookfield, Elkhorn, Mike Duffin, National Technical Conference, PMPA, Precision Plus, recognition, Richard Hoster, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

On April 11, 2012, during a PMPA district meeting which took place in Brookfield, Wisconsin, PMPA President Richard Hoster and PMPA Executive Director Mike Duffin presented Precision Plus’ Bill Wells with two awards: the first award recognizes him for his outstanding service as the 2011 National Technical Conference Chairman, and the second award commends him for his tireless efforts as PMPA’s Wisconsin District Chairman.

Bill, who serves as Sales and Engineering Manager at Precision Plus, invests a tremendous amount of personal time and energy to continuously improve the programs PMPA has available for its members.

We are all truly grateful for all his contributions and congratulate him on his achievements.

-Pictured are Precision Plus’ Bill Wells and PMPA President Richard Hoster-

Company Updates

March 8, 2012

New State-of-the-Art Miyano Increases Production Capabilities at Precision Plus in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

ABX-51TH3, complex, components, Elkhorn, Miyano, parts, Precision Plus, state-of-the-art, Swiss-turned, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

We are anxiously anticipating the arrival of our new Miyano ABX-51TH3. This new Super Precision Turning Center will be capable of processing high-end parts efficiently in a single setup by being able to mill and drill even more complex parts than what equipment allows now.. This will bring the number of Miyanos precision turning centers in our shop to four.

Miyano ABX-51TH3

The ABX-51TH3 Miyano is a 2-spindle, 3-turret turning center with 2-Y-axis. A Y-axis control is featured on each of the two upper turrets (right and left), which makes it possible to have revolving tools attached on all of 12 stations. A lower turret, which could operate either right or left, can also have revolving tools on its own 12 stations, which results in 3 tools being able to work simultaneously, performing complex operations both front and back, in a single machine setup.

Miyano’s newest precision turning center sets a new standard for bar machines with its high precision and high functionality features.

Our new custom-specked turning center will also come with three attachments: an FMB Turbo 5-55 Bar Loader, a ChipBLASTER High Pressure Coolant System and a Hainbuch Collet-Style Clamping System.

The FMB Turbo 5-55 is an automatic bar loading magazine for processing bars in diameters from 5 to 55mm and in lengths of up to 4200 mm. Quick change polyurethane guide channels allow for quiet operation at high RPM while feeding round, square or hex bar stock. There is no metal to metal contact and it features an automatic feed system.

The ChipBLASTER High Pressure Coolant System features automatic variable volume, double ChipBLASTER’s super duty pump, double compression filter hold down, and multiple pressure options. It is also equipped with four outputs for accommodate multiple operations.

The Hainbuch Collect-style Clamping System is a SPANNTOP Modular system, with a through-bore for bars and tubes. It features parallel/cylindrical clamping, and offers optimal holding power and rigidity. Its design allows for easy change-overs and minimal wear. Its concentricity is of < 0.01 mm.

Precision Plus is on a never-ending quest to design and manufacture precision components that will save our customers production time and money. Next week’s arrival of our new Miyano Super Precision Turnning Center will be just another step in our quest.

ABX-51TH3 Specs

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