Markets and Trends
Although we ship internationally, particularly with our line of couplings, our contract machining work is primarily for OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in the mid-west. We supply industries such as automotive, recreational, and agricultural, with end-products as diverse as compressors, boat lifts, lawn mowers, many types of on-road and off-road vehicles and equipment, hydraulics and uninterruptible power supply units. Some of our larger customers are Hendrickson Truck & Auxiliary Axle, Oshkosh Truck Corporation, Tyco, Brillion Foundry, Neenah Foundry, Burgess Norton, Enerpac, and Gardner Denver Thomas.
We have a history of actively seeking partnerships with progressive companies. In May of 1998 The World Class Manufacturing Group, Inc. was granted the opportunity to manufacture parts for Hendrickson Truck Suspension. World Class took a key role in the development of Hendrickson’s new AIRTEK Front Air Suspension and Steer Axle System. This exclusive design is the first suspension system that has been introduced in the over-the-road Class-8 truck market using “front air” engineering technology to produce improved ride and handling with less weight and maintenance. World Class assisted Hendrickson in design review as well as manufacturing test products. For their efforts, Hendrickson was awarded the PACE Award, which is an international recognition of companies that developed the most significant new business innovations. World Class was honored to be a part of this project. Hendrickson has major OEM’s signed up to use the new suspension, such as Volvo, Freightliner, Mack, Peterbilt, & other truck manufacturers. This is an excellent opportunity for Hendrickson, World Class Manufacturing, Inc., and Waupaca Foundry, which supplies the castings.
The competitive environment has changed dramatically over the past few years. Many of our competitors, particularly smaller job shops, have been eliminated due to pressures created by a weak economy. Some were unable to diversify in their customer base or the types of machining that they were able to offer. Although there are many machine shops available, few are geared to produce mixed volumes, or handle unusual-sized and complex components. Some shops can only machine certain material types. We have created several market niches for ourselves such as our expertise in working with powdered and sintered metals, and unusual parts such as scrolls and elliptical pistons. Survival in this market also depends on having the right people, skills, and technology.
As the U.S. manufacturing economy continues to evolve, we are confident we have created an atmosphere that will allow us to continue to grow and broaden our customer base. Recent U.S. statistical key indicators of manufacturing recovery in distribution, production and pricing are very promising. Local employment conditions and geographic placement offer us continual access to a well-educated workforce. We are able to quickly gear-up for new opportunities, while maintaining the quality output and range of service customers demand.
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