One Business to Meet, Five Things to Think About

Hi there, we're #elumatec, a global operation serving over 35,000 customers, including from our base here in South Bend, Indiana. From time to time, we do meet people who don’t know about our history, what we do or how we work so here’s a quick intro alongside our sincere wish that we can get better acquainted.

Those who know us trust us. They know we can be relied upon for new machinery, for spares, for servicing, for advice, for modifications and rebuilds. They know we’ll be there when there’s a problem to solve, when plans are being discussed or if you need to get an extra ten percent out of the same assets.

And if you don't know elumatec (yet), it’s okay with you, we’d like to start building a relationship now. We’ve got five ideas that we’ve found invaluable over the years and which we’d like to share.

1. Don’t cut corners with #maintenance

Care of machinery should be as much of a routine as brushing your teeth. Simple things like keeping on top of the swarf or checking and topping up oil levels will help to keep everything running smoothly. Routine servicing should also be part of the process. You do it with your vehicles, so bring that thinking to the shop and avoid breakdowns. This is especially important in the current climate.  With high demand for construction products and disrupted supply chains, a breakdown could be a big issue. It makes sense to keep what you’ve got in prime productive condition. 

2. Consumables are meant to be replaced

The clue is in the word consumables. However much we’d like it to be different, machine tools and blades wear. Precision isn’t the only thing affected. A blunt saw or cutter needs more force to do its job, increasing the workload on your equipment, increasing cycle times and pushing up energy consumption. You might assume you’ll save money by using tools when they’re past their best, but in our experience, it’s false economy as your scrap and rework costs rocket.

3. People aren’t machines

In #manufacturing, people can be viewed as resources. Indeed, in some industries, they are resources exploited to the point of exhaustion. And while glazing doesn’t plumb these depths, it can be easy to forget that people aren’t machines. Consider the ergonomics of working methods, the set-up and layout of your equipment, handling and storage facilities. Ask people what the problems are, what safety concerns they have and make changes where necessary. The boost in productivity will justify any investment you need to make, and you’ll retain skilled operatives who have more than muscle to offer your business.

4. Time is fickle

We’d love to be able to do everything at the best possible time, but often while we’re waiting for that time to come along, we miss it. It’s already gone. And then, we decide it’s not worth it. Forget it, wait for the next big thing to come along. And we’re stuck in a paralyzing cycle. Sometimes we have to grab the bull by the horns and even if the timing is not perfect, getting on with a project yields better results than doing nothing.

5. Ask questions

Always, always, always ask questions. How? What? Which? Why? When? Who? Just go for it. Ask your team, your suppliers, your customers, your investors, your friends, your mom. Whether it’s how to get a stronger weld or who’s gonna win the weekend’s ballgame, it starts a dialogue and when you’re talking, magic can happen.

So, our first question: How are you?

What’s your latest fabrication challenge?  Where do you want to take your business to? What’s holding you back?

Let us know. We care. You can reach out to Angie Kerr directly.