D&S In The News

D&S MANUFACTURING SELECTS HAAS AUTOMATION, INC.
AS PRIMARY MACHINE TOOL SUPPLIER

Black River Falls, Wis. — Michael Dougherty, President of D&S Manufacturing, has announced that Haas Automation, Inc. has been named as the company’s preferred machining tool supplier. “We formed a task force composed of both CNC programmers and operators to choose an equipment supplier based on real time production challenges and actual part parameters. The overall objective was to greatly enhance productivity. The incorporation of additional Haas equipment will fulfill this objective,” he stated.

According to Frans Carlstrom, Operations Manager, the success of the selection process was the result of the exemplary commitment level exhibited by participating team members. The team included Erik Brown (Programmer), Rob Bucek (Dept. Manager), Chuck Comstock (Tool & Die), Shane Harms (Lead Man) and Kim Loomis (Dept. Supervisor), as well as machinists Dan Barney, Tom Chandler, Eric Forsting, Harold Hansen, Travis Johnson, Tim Swartz, Travis Swartz and Randy Weikel. They each invested countless additional work hours during the 60 day research period. Six manufacturers were carefully scrutinized and, at the end of the process, each person cast an informed vote. “These individuals are the people who will be operating the equipment on a daily basis,” Carlstrom commented. “Therefore, they offer a unique hands-on perspective that enables them to identify the pros and cons associated with the incorporation of various systems.”

In addition to addressing throughput and cost-containment objectives, the integration of new user-friendly equipment will also maximize production capacity and flexibility because all machines will feature standardized machine controls. Operators will be able to shift seamlessly between various pieces of equipment as well as integrate units into highly efficient cell systems, promoting faster and more efficient programming and set-up rates.

The resulting increases in workforce flexibility and cross training opportunities are also expected to improve productivity rates without the need to hire additional personnel. On- time delivery is also projected to improve. Designed to address existing as well as future production demands, the new equipment will offer the additional benefit of a minimal three year return on investment.

“Our strong commitment to continuous improvement coupled with ongoing investments in today’s emerging technologies ensure that D&S will remain competitive while striving to increase productivity, shorten lead times and control costs for our customers,” Dougherty concluded.

For more than 40 years, ISO 9001:2000 certified D&S Manufacturing has served as a custom manufacturer of exceptional quality large scale components, assemblies and complete weldments for a broad cross section of well-respected corporations that include Caterpillar, Oshkosh Truck, The Trane Company, CNH and Parkson. The company’s extensive capabilities include technologically superior machining, laser, high definition plasma and oxy-fuel cutting, as well as manual and robotic welding equipment. These resources are complemented by diverse value-added services ranging from wet painting and shot blasting to assembly and testing. A dedicated and highly skilled workforce lives a commitment to superior project management, exceptional quality, accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement, which empowers the company to live its slogan, D&S …. Solid™.

For more information, please contact John Barkley, Sales Engineering Manager, D&S Manufacturing, P. O. Box 279, Black River Falls, WI, 54615, 715-284-5376, ext. 307 or fax 715-284-4084. Send e-mail to sales@dsmfg.com, and visit D&S Manufacturing’s Web site at www.dsmfg.com.

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