Manufacturing : From the Production Floor

Home » Steel eNotes - Winter 2010 » Manufacturing : From the Production Floor

First of all, I would like to thank all of our customers for your continued business as well as your support during our manufacturing transition in early 2009. Early in my career in the metal building components industry one of my mentors gave me this piece of insight: “The only constant in business is change.” Now, after taking part in my fourth roll forming facility start-up, and moving into my third new area of the country in the past eight years, I realize that nothing could be nearer the truth.

2009 was certainly no exception. As you know, Aegis underwent a flurry of change that touched every aspect of our organization. The most visible change of course being our new manufacturing location in Edenton, NC. Along with preparing the building and moving the equipment and inventory, we simultaneously began to operate under a new production software system that included several enhancements to meet our business needs. We also selected and trained an all-new production team, most of the members who had never seen or heard of a roll former. Throughout this entire process our main goal was to position ourselves as the industry leader in the areas of customer service and quality. I feel that we have made great strides towards achieving this goal.

Throughout our transition we have received the full support and commitment of MiTek. We are so pleased to be part of such a stable and successful organization--one that is totally committed to the long -term success of our customers. From the top down there is a complete understanding that your success is our success. Within our manufacturing plant, and across all areas of MiTek and Aegis, there is a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of the business, from software to engineering to manufacturing, and product development. This commitment is fueled by the desire to provide our customers with cutting edge technology, superior support, consistent quality, and reliable customer service.

Another tremendous benefit of our move to Edenton has been the opportunity to realign our manufacturing footprint. We are now able to produce and deliver any combination of products in our extensive line, on any given truck, at the best possible cost. Previously we had been handcuffed by multiple items being produced in only one location and transferred between facilities. In many cases, this added three to five days to lead-times, as well as significant freight and labor costs. Now, we are able to produce multiple-product-line orders more quickly and efficiently. Bottomline--fabricators can get the products they need, in the time frame required to be competitive in today’s ultra-competitive market.

The third, and the most important piece of this new foundation, is our people. The strides that I have witnessed with our manufacturing staff are nothing short of remarkable. Our manufacturing team is 100% committed to providing the best service possible to our fabricator partners. From the moment I talked to them about being an Aegis associate, I could tell each and everyone had a sense of personal pride in their work, and would be committed to getting the job done for our customers. As a team, we do our best everyday to improve in the areas of safety, quality, customer service, and cost reduction. We have now worked 7 continuous months accident-free--a huge accomplishment in a new roll form operation. The Edenton team has paid particular attention to product quality, and they accept personal responsibility for every part that they manufacture, package, and ship. As a result, our quality complaints are near zero.

The team also realizes the importance of being the low cost producer in today’s global economy, and each associate does their part to continuously reduce costs in their areas. You have my commitment that we will never stop looking for ways to continuously improve and, as a result, drive down costs.

As we move into 2010 we can be certain of one thing: our business and our market place will continue to change. The most innovative and successful companies are the ones that have built a culture that accepts this change, and employs people who embrace challenge. As an example, Nokia began as a paper mill in Finland in 1865 and morphed into a worldwide leader in the mobile communication industry. Now that’s change!

In closing, let me assure our fabricator partners that Aegis Metal Framing, and specifically the operations team, is committed to continually improving our service to you. From the manufacturing floor, we are looking forward to a great year with you in 2010.

Thank you for your business.

Ryan Cook
Operations Manager