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Precision Plus of Elkhorn, WI Celebrates MFG DAY with an Open House for the Community on October 8, 2015

Michael Reader

We want to extend a sincere “Thank You!” to everyone who helped make Precision Plus’ (PPI) 2015 Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) Open House a success!

In all, there were forty-two guests who participated in the event on Thursday, October 8, 2015–members of our community that included educators, students, business partners, and the public at large.

The evening event, which began at 5:00 pm and concluded at 7:30 pm, centered on the manufacturing process as it is practiced at Precision Plus

Mike Reader, President and CEO of Precision Plus kicked off the evening by introducing the team, and sharing his thoughts about manufacturing. He pointed out the marked shift the industry has made over the years from a “dark, dirty and dangerous” environment, to clean, high tech industry surroundings that offer rewarding, high-paying careers to individuals who can combine their applied knowledge of STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), with the practical know-how of how things get done.

Following, several team members spoke about some of the different aspects of the operation:

  • Bill Wells, Sales and Engineering Manager, addressed the quoting and purchasing aspect of the business;
  • Rachel Cates, CAD Drafting, Engineering & Quality Assurance Support Specialist, talked about the design process, and featured a 3D design of a component;
  • Steve Dues, Application Engineer, explained how the CAM software works, and shared a video that takes a part from a 3D print design, through the CAM software to the CNC machine;
  • Terry Mumper, Manufacturing Engineer, talked about the Tornos machines, and the importance of math for designing CAMs;
  • Tom Lankford, Production Manager, explained how to optimally schedule production on different machines, and talked about the benefits to start “getting your hands dirty early in shop classes,” in order to become successful in a machining career;
  • Dale Wittlieff, Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement, talked about how quality fits into “everything” that PPI does, and explained the specifics.
  • Mark Beilman, Director of Education and Training, spoke about PPI’s education outreach, and showed the “Millennials Video” made by Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce.

Following the presentations, guests took tours of the facility, had refreshments and took home a key chain souvenir, a scaled replica of the component featured by Rachel Cates in the 3D design and by Steve Dues in the video.

We look forward to MFG DAY 2016!

Precision Plus’ Employees Get Fitter and Healthier While Earning Rewards and Reduced Insurance Premiums

Michael Reader

When Precision Plus (PPI) of Elkhorn, Wisconsin delivers a job, it delivers more than just the metal that has been machined into components. It delivers the know-how, dedication, morale, wellbeing, and work-life balance of the people behind the components.

Creating a positive, safe and healthy environment for all employees, has been a continuous goal for Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus, knowing that the benefits have a positive impact not only on the employees but also on the company.

In 2012, PPI contracted with Healics, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a company that provides employee health risk assessments and biometric screenings, establishes biometric markers, offers onsite coaching and onsite wellness programs, and educates the participants on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Over the past three years, employees have seen marked improvements in their health and related habits, including smoking cessation and increased physical activity, as shown by the results of yearly biometric testing.

In conjunction with the Healics program, Precision Plus has contracted with Humana as their insurance carrier. Humana offers a “Vitality Program,” which is an incentivized plan that challenges individuals to achieve different levels of wellbeing by improving on their habits and practicing healthier living. There are five vitality stages within the program—blue, bronze, silver, gold and platinum– and as employees achieve the next goal, the benefits aggregate.

When points and “Vitality Bucks” are earned, participants can receive rewards from the Vitality Mall, such as movie tickets, hotel stays, digital cameras and more. Points are also awarded for wearing a pedometer, or getting a flu shot. After participants achieve the Bronze Level, for example, they can also benefit from certain food discounts at stores such as Walmart.

It is a fact that insurance premiums continue to escalate forcing companies to have to share the cost with the employees. At Precision Plus, the company pays for a large portion of the premiums, with the employee paying the rest.   Companies participating in the Vitality Program, however, can benefit from a great incentive available to them when an employee reaches Silver Status: a 10% premium reduction for that particular employee.

We are happy to announce that to date, several employees have reached Silver Status. Precision Plus, however, has opted to not reap from that benefit, but instead pass it on to the employee as an added reward for his/her accomplishment.

So the phrase “Put the Pedal to the Metal” is taking on a different meaning here at Precision Plus The pedal may be that of the elliptical machine, or the bike in the spinning class…but the results achieved from pedaling, are bound to have a positive effect on the metal that will turn into fine components, thanks to a happy and healthy workforce.

Take a Virtual Tour of Precision Plus, Swiss Precision Manufacturer in Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Michael Reader

Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, takes us on a virtual tour of the plant. The company is a Swiss precision contract manufacturer, typically producing components requiring tight tolerances.

In this guided tour, Reader shows us how tiny components used in a variety of industries are actually made, some of them boasting tolerances as tight at 5/10,000 of an inch, or about 1/10 the diameter of a typical strand of hair.

Parts manufactured at Precision Plus on automatic lathe machines begin as bar stock, which through a number of operations is “peeled away” yielding complex, mission-critical components for industries such as aerospace, military, automotive, medical/dental, pneumatic/hydraulic and industrial.

In this video, Reader also talks about how the manufacturing industry has changed over the years, now requiring to employ exceptional individuals who excel in math and science and who can have the ability to program machinery and produce complex components with tight tolerances. The company supports many educational initiatives, offers internships and apprenticeships, and works with programs that support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines.

This video was produced by Wisconsin Manufacturing & Commerce, an organization that supports Wisconsin manufacturers. October has been designed as Manufacturing Month in Wisconsin.

Precision Plus to Host a Manufacturing Day Open House on Thursday, October 8, 2015

Michael Reader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin, Joins the Manufacturing Community to Celebrate the Industry, Improve Public Perception, Promote Career Opportunities, and Inspire the Next Generation of Manufacturing Professionals

ELKHORN, WISCONSIN, September 28, 2015 – In celebration of Manufacturing Day (MFG DAY) 2015, Precision Plus invites the community to attend an open house on Thursday, October 8, 2015 from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm, with the goal to continue to dispel outdated perceptions of the manufacturing industry, while sharing the outstanding opportunities available through careers in high-tech manufacturing.

A brief presentation by several Precision Plus Team members is scheduled to begin 5:30 pm. Guided tours of the plant and operation will follow the presentation. Light refreshments will be served at the completion of the tours and the Precision Plus Team will be at hand to answer questions.

“There is an increased demand for highly-skilled individuals to design, program and operate technology,” said Mike Reader, President of Precision Plus “Unless we proactively act together to reverse the trend, the shortage of skilled workers will be unprecedented.”

This is the fourth consecutive year for Precision Plus to host an open house to celebrate Manufacturing Day, a national event first organized in 2012 to promote the manufacturing industry. MFG DAY is supported by manufacturers throughout the U.S. and Canada who host events for students, teachers, parents, job seekers, community leaders, legislators and the community at large to spread the word about 21st century manufacturing.

Precision Plus is an ISO 9001:2008 registered contract manufacturer of precision turned components, specializing in Swiss-type turning , and serving customers across industries who demand exceptional quality.

To register for the Precision Plus Manufacturing Day Open House, click HERE. For more information, please contact Mark Beilman, Director of Education and Training via email or by calling 262-743-1700 ###

For a PDF of the invitation above, please click HERE.

Precision Plus Completes Recertification of ISO 9001:2008 Accreditation Status

Michael Reader

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, Wisconsin has recently completed a recertification audit to remain accredited as an ISO 9001:2008 organization. The audit was conducted by an independent third-party auditor.

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies representing 162 member countries, which collectively develop international standards for products, services and systems. The ISO is an independent, non-governmental organization with standards that aim to ensure quality, safety and efficiency, and are instrumental in global trade.

The ISO 9001:2008 Standard refers to the requirements for an organization to have a quality management system in place that meets the requirements outlined by ISO, which are generic in nature and can be met by any organization “regardless of type, size and product provided.”

According to ISO, any organization seeking to meet these requirements:

  • needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide product that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and
  • aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

Dale Wittlieff, Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement at Precision Plus (PPI) is responsible for ensuring the company meets the requirements set by ISO. When he joined the company in 2012, Wittlieff was charged with the task of reengineering PPI’s quality management system, which has been since followed by maintaining and improving on the system’s effectivity by means of continuous assessment.

Audits of PPI’s quality management system occur every three years over 3.5 days, with 1.5 days surveillance audits scheduled for the two years in between. For all audits, Precision Plus must present work instructions, procedures and documented evidence to show their system’s compliance with the standard.

This year, ISO has revised and released ISO 9001:2015 and replaces the 2008 version. This update increases the requirement sections from eight to ten, includes new areas such as risk management, and removes some items. Dale Wittlieff has already begun planning out the reengineering process required for Precision Plus to meet the 2015 standards.

Wittlieff is also responsible for coordinating audits required by customers whose mission-critical products demand a thorough assessment of PPI’s quality management system. Accountability and documented evidence are a major part of the process.

For more information, please contact Dale Wittlieff by email or by calling 262-743-1700.

Boys’ Club No More – Ladies of Harley Make Their Mark on the Biker World

Michael Reader

An excerpt from Life in Rock County – Great People, Great Stories, Volume 4, Issue 3, Fall 2015

While motorcycle riding primarily was a man’s world decades ago, more and more female riders have grown to love the purr of an engine beneath them. These bikers have firmly embraced the femininity of the hobby and have inspired ever-growing lines of clothing and gear made especially for them.

In the South Central Wisconsin Janesville Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), about 30 percent of the members are female. The Ladies of Harley have become a major player, meeting monthly as a group for rides and planning their annual Poker Run, raffle and silent auction at Boardtracker Harley-Davidson’s (formerly Kutter Harley-Davidson/Buell) Spring Open House. The event, held every May, raises money for CAMDEN Playground, a play area for children with special needs.

One of these ladies, is Precision Plus’ Laura Farnsworth, the company’s Shipping Manager. She is an active member of the community who combines her love for riding motorcycles with the riding club’s mission of raising money for the CAMDEN Accessibility Playground in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Laura Farnsworth, 56, loves to brag about her dedication to riding. She has become well-known in her H.O.G. chapter for her long rides: In 2013, she won the female prize for logging the most miles in one year (20,000).

A resident of Darien, Wis., Laura points out that up until a year ago, her bike was the only one in the parking lot at Precision Plus in Elkhorn, Wis., where she works as a shipping manager. “I thought it was funny that the only motorcycle there belonged to a girl,” she says. “Years ago, when I used to ride, I turned heads. People would look at me and say, ‘There’s a woman on a motorcycle!’”

While Laura has been riding since she was 17, it took her daughter Sarah Conroy, 34, of Elkhorn, Wis., a little longer to obtain her motorcycle license — she got it just three years ago. “When you think about it, riding a motorcycle is a really expensive hobby,” she says. “I spent years in college and earning my master’s degree in counseling, and I was so far in debt that buying a motorcycle was the last thing I was thinking about.”

Sarah had ridden as a passenger on her mom’s bike for years. Eventually, she found the allure of the open road to be irresistible and started taking classes. Shortly after obtaining her license, she tagged along with her mother to an event at what is now Boardtracker Harley-Davidson in Janesville and met John Harris. “He said, “You wanna go for a ride tomorrow?” Sarah remembers. She did, and now the two are engaged and planning a wedding for February 2016.

Sarah was able to solve her financing issue, too: She bought a Honda last summer, and this spring, she bought Laura’s first Harley from her. “Her bike is classic, and it’s a keepsake,” says Sarah. “It’s kind of neat to say it was her first Harley, and now it’s my first Harley.”

The article also features two other women, Kellie Sinks, who teaches other women to ride motorcycles and is a motorcycle safety instructor at Boardtracker Harley-Davidson, and Jody Sterr, who has logged thousands of miles together with her husband. Precision Plus celebrates the Ladies of Harley and applauds their cause.

For a PDF of the article, click HERE.

What’s It Like Working at Precision Plus in Elkhorn, Wisconsin as a Summer Intern?

Michael Reader

As we, at Precision Plus, were ready to send off our 2015 summer interns to (or back to) college, we asked them what they thought of their experience, what they took away from it, and how their internships may have an effect on their future careers.

This is what they had to say:

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After being an intern at Precision Plus for two years I’ve come to fully understand how on the job learning can greatly benefit my college experience. It’s taught me skills that I would later use some way in the classroom or in my extracurricular activities. I would definitely recommend being an intern at Precision Plus; it’s a great atmosphere, there are plenty of helpful co-workers, and any internship that can be done before graduating from school will help define what you want the future to hold. I have truly enjoyed my experiences here and have learned so much. Thanks to everyone at Precision Plus -Britt Campbell

The 3-year summer intern experience I have had at Precision Plus has awarded me with a better understanding of the manufacturing industry. In my first summer I got a little experience on the different types of machines and areas within the company. The second year I trained other interns while working as an operator, explicitly on the Tornos CAM platform. This was my third summer at Precision Plus, and I have gained a lot of further knowledge on the Tornos machines. I now know how to setup new jobs, and make adjustments to existing ones. This entire opportunity has allowed me to work with my hands and apply problem solving practices, which has been very rewarding to me. I thank everyone that I have worked with over the summers for their guidance and teaching me about manufacturing. -Bob Dall

My experience as an intern at Precision Plus has exposed me to what actually happens in the world of manufacturing a part. I have learned what features on parts are easy or difficult to hold, differences in materials, and fine-tuned my print reading skills. All of these things I believe will help me in my future as an engineer to make better parts, thus better products at cost effective pricing. The internship is something that many other people my age do not get the opportunity to be in, effectively setting myself apart in the job market. Whether you are straight out of high school or planning on attending a 2-year or 4-year post secondary education, an internship in something close to your field is very important. Actually having a job, no matter the field, is a large thing to help future employment opportunities. Precision Plus is helping me to transition from education to the workforce through my internship. -Matt Dowell

I very much enjoyed my time at Precision Plus The problems I was presented with, although frustrating at times, provided challenges that stretched my abilities and gave me a learning experience that cannot be provided in a classroom.  My favorite thing about this internship was being able to work in a field that pertains to my career aspirations. I will be majoring in computer engineering at MSOE this fall and, as the major suggests, hope to become a computer engineer. Working in an IT position has given me insight into how the computers I will be designing work together and communicate. Learning firsthand how a larger network is maintained has given me a perspective that not many students, and many fewer incoming freshman, will have. This advantage will help me not only in the classroom, but also in the job market. I would definitely recommend this internship program. Although there is only one IT intern position and I wouldn’t want someone else to take it, I know the other interns get similar firsthand experience that is invaluable to anyone going into manufacturing or a related field. -Jessica Flock

My name is Kyle Gorst.  I’ve been with Precision Plus for a year now, and am heading into my first year at Gateway Tech.  Doing this internship with Precision Plus has been very beneficial to my future career. They put me through all of the departments in their shop and taught me a lot. I am currently a CAM and Miyano operator.  I would recommend this internship to any student interested in the manufacturing field. -Kyle Gorst

This internship has been extremely valuable to me. The way I believe it has been the most valuable is by giving me real experience in the manufacturing industry. This experience is something that cannot be gained through classes or books, but rather it can only be gained through an opportunity such as this one. The most beneficial thing I have learned during my time at Precision Plus is the knowledge of all of the steps involved in creating a certain part. As an engineer, it is one thing to be able to design a part that works in a model on the computer, but it’s an even more important thing to design a part that not only works in a model, but also is feasible to make without being cost prohibitive. By working here, I have gained a better understanding of what some of the limitations are of designing a part, which will hopefully set me apart from other engineers who have not had hands on experience like this. -Brad Killen

Overall, I had a great summer being part of the internship program here at Precision Plus I would say that my main role was a floater; I would help out where needed. I spent numerous weeks working in the finishing department, Quality Assurance, and as a CAM operator. While some jobs were more boring than others, the work day went by fast. There is always a job to be done, so you’re never left sitting looking at the clock. Over the past two summers, I have gained many valuable skills that I will be able to use in future jobs. I also believe that interning here has made me more marketable. I would highly recommend this internship. -Sergey Klyukvin

I gained the most from learning on the job and experiencing hands on what it’s like to create and design parts from scratch.  I enjoyed the critical thinking skills I had to endure while working on set ups as well. Learning different viewpoints from the other workers around here has helped me to better understand the multiple ways there are to inspect parts as well.  This experience has helped me to pursue this career even further than I had originally planned.  Working at Precision Plus has definitely encouraged me to always try my best and always be open to try new things. -Amanda Mudlaff

To say my experience at Precision Plus Inc. this summer has been invaluable is an understatement. I have been trained in multiple facets of the ‘business’ sector of Precision Plus Inc. – everything from quoting, to a visit to a customer plant has been covered. I also had the opportunity of testing/validating a laser engraver for some of the parts produced, which I really enjoyed. I really believe that my ‘real-world’ engineering knowledge has started to take form, and can be attributed to the experience I’ve received these past two years interning at Precision Plus Inc. I would certainly recommend an internship at Precision Plus Inc. for those pursuing a technical field of study. It’s a testament to work force commitment that a company of this size would invest so much time, money, and effort into us interns. I think I can speak for all of us when I say it is greatly appreciated. -Jake Ruemmele

Working as an intern for Precision Plus has been an invaluable experience as I was able to not only design parts, but also witness the process of making them. This experience will be extremely useful in my future plans of becoming an engineer. Knowing and understanding the manufacturing process will help make designing new parts or products much easier because I will know the process that goes into actually making them. At first, I pictured working in a factory as being dirty, grueling work, but after working here, I have realized that the manufacturing industry has improved drastically and is no longer the dirty work it used to be. I would recommend entering into the manufacturing to people who work better with their hands and to future engineers so that they can find what interests them in this field. -Tristan Steiner

My name is Troy Steinfest, and I was given the great opportunity to intern at Precision Plus The two summers that I spent here has given me the experience that will help me in my future endeavors. This opportunity will also impact my education as I will be furthering it as I attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. I would recommend any student looking into engineering to consider finding an internship like this that allows someone to see the overall process of how a business works. My favorite experience while working here has to be learning all the individual points of manufacturing a part, and then seeing all the individual work come together to form the final product. The platform that I most enjoyed in the process is Material Handling. Here I was able to see all the material that enters and leaves the company. I learned that a very important factor in keeping a company running smoothly is organization. These experiences are ultimately priceless, and I recommend all students look into programs similar to what Precision Plus has set up. -Troy Steinfest

Precision Plus thanks the summer interns for their contribution and enthusiasm, and wishes them continued success in their studies.

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, WI To Hold a MFG DAY 2015 Event on October 8th

Michael Reader

Manufacturing Day℠ (MFG DAY) commemorates modern manufacturing with an annual celebration. The principal goal of this day, typically held in early October, is to inspire the next generation of manufacturers.

Precision Plus of Elkhorn, WI will hold a MFG DAY event on Thursday, October 8, 2015, from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm. Presentations and tours for students and the public are scheduled to start every half an hour. Following each tour, there will be a Q&A session and refreshments will be served. Precision Plus asks that no open-toed shoes be worn.

For highlights and a slide show of Precision Plus’ 2014 MFG DAY celebration, click HERE.

You may register for Precision Plus’ MFG DAY event online NOW, or by calling 262-743-1700.  For more information on this event or to schedule a tour on a different day, please contact Mark Beilman, Director of Education and Training.

We look forward to a full house!

Precision Plus’ Solar Array Stats: CO2 Emission Saved: 15,189.97lb; Equivalent Trees Planted: 390.04; Light Bulbs Powered: 30,305.88 For a Day

Michael Reader

Today is August 29, 2015, at approximately 12 pm. It is a cloudy day in Elkhorn, WI, with the temperature barely making it over 60°F, and 80% chance of storms. Yet, the solar array installed on Precision Plus’ rooftop, is currently generating 22.46 kW of power (of its potential 99 kW), having produced 34.8 kWh so far today. Somewhat low, if compared with the total 649.523 kWh generated August 11th, a sunny day. But it’s cloudy and it is raining.

Since the array went live on August 7, 2015, it has produced more than 10MWh of energy. All things considered (sunny and cloudy days in Elkhorn, Wisconsin) the solar array is predicted to produce about 6.5% of the power consumed by Precision Plus

The installation, under the supervision of Kettle View Renewable Energy, LLC of Random Lake, WI took about a month to complete. The video below documents its progress. The images and the video within, are courtesy of Neil Fleischhacker, Facilities Manager at Precision Plus, who was also responsible for this project.

To read more about Precision Plus’ solar array, click HERE.

For any questions or comments, please contact Neil Fleischhaker by phone or email.

Precision Plus Adds Mecco Laser Marking System to Its Suite of Secondary Operations

Michael Reader

There are many reasons why Precision Plus (PPI)’s customers are requesting that components as small as 1/8” in diameter be marked in one way or another: branding, material identification, serialization, and date coding, among others. In an era where the precision of a component could mean the difference between life and death, companies are taking component identification to the next level.

Paul McDonough, Manufacturing Engineer at Precision Plus, explains that investing into a laser marking system for relatively low volume custom jobs, addresses these types of customer customization requirements.

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PPI recently purchased and installed a MeccoMark® Laser System, a desktop solution with a 4.3” marking area, and a rotary circumference marking area of up to 4” in diameter. The system in place at PPI accepts parts up to 10.5” high. “Although any MS font can be programmed to print,” explains McDonough, “to keep things simple, we are using Tahoma, and offering standard heights ranging between .040” to .160”.”

In addition, the system has bar and QR coding capabilities, can mark most metals and some plastics, can mark logos and images, and provides many serialization options.

The MeccoMark® System has become a part of PPI’s suite of secondary operations, which depending on the part and the process required to complete it (i.e., aluminum anodization, electropolishing steel, etc.), may come before or after another secondary operation.

Loading components into the fixtures for marking, however, remains a manual operation. The process can take from 3 seconds to 3 minutes to complete, subject to the size of the component and the complexity of the mark.   “Because the parts going through the system are typically part of low volume custom orders, it does not justify any further automation,” adds McDonough.

Paul McDonough joined Precision Plus in May of 2015, after 17 years with Dentsply, a dental equipment and supplies manufacturing company, where he was dubbed “The Project Guy.” At PPI, he is looking to identify the increasingly specific needs of customers for precision components, and assess the viability to add in-house processes to reduce turnaround time and increase quality.

Precision Plus welcomes Paul McDonough to the team!

Paul McDonough can be reached by phone or email.

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