How to recognize a class act: Has anyone been to class recently?

Our customers like to look at parts. They like to review equipment lists. They sometimes want plant tours. As companies in our field go, we're very proud of these things. But when you go shopping for a turned-parts supplier, lift the hood and check out their training program.

Over the past couple of years, we've grown and changed a lot, adding many different capabilities-prototyping, new CNC and Swiss equipment, assembly processes, and so on -- and I suspect any successful and dynamic business in this field has encountered similar pressure to remain agile. Many of our team members have been asked to take on new and challenging roles to accommodate this fluid situation. Not only have they risen to the challenge, but they've also been trained to help train others.
 
 

Here are some other pretty exciting examples that won't show up on any equipment list:
 
bulletWe worked with our local community college to create a machinist's training program focused specifically on our needs. One employee attended this training (during afternoon work hours) and subsequently moved into an advanced Brown & Sharpe set-up training program run by in-house personnel.
bulletThree other employees attended week-long training covering the set-up, operation and programming of a specific Swiss-type CNC piece of equipment. When a small company like Fordsell takes three people out of the shop for a week, that's a pretty strong testimony to their belief in training.
bulletAnother machine operator was recently sent out of state to develop his CNC programming capabilities. Since then, he's taken on expanded responsibilities, where those new skills are making a real difference.
bulletWe even notice major throughput improvements when we conduct in-house training in the area of setup and changeover. For example, a modest investment in that area made a measurable difference recently on the second shift in our CNC drilling and tapping machine department.

So next time you're walking through a shop, try to get a copy of its resumé. Not everyone has an advanced degree, but it would be nice if there's a classroom or two in its recent past.

More info:

If you would like to learn more about Fordsell, please continue to explore our website or contact us with questions and/or comments. If you would like to add your name, or the name of a colleague to our free e-mail newsletter, please visit our newsletter subscription page.