Posts Tagged ‘aerospace manufacturing’

Sustainable jobs need sustainable growth

April 25th, 2011
By: Tim Heston

In May 2009, as I merged onto a congested I-94, driving from the airport to the ALAW Advanced Laser Applications Workshop outside Detroit, I saw a billboard for W Industries, a local metal fabricator. Not only was it odd seeing a contract fabricator advertised so prominently, but the sign’s design was unique. Black and sleek, its bold letters proclaimed the company’s manufacturing expertise in the aerospace and defense sectors.

The word automotive wasn’t anywhere on the billboard, even though--like most things in Detroit--W Industries has roots in the car business.

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Manufacturing rockets: Metal fabricating what’s next

April 5th, 2011
By: Tim Heston

This week I recalled one of my favorite television moments. During an early West Wing episode, one of the president’s advisers, Sam Seaborn, argues for the extension of NASA funding. After several minutes of heated banter, his counterpart asks why space travel is so important when we have so much trouble to deal with here on planet earth. Seaborn paused, and then spoke distinctly.

“It’s what’s next.”

This week, Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announced it was tackling what’s next. With news of war, earthquakes, and nuclear fears, the news that SpaceX is planning to build the largest rocket since the Saturn V--well, let’s just say it’s been too long since a headline made me smile.

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Taking stock of employee ownership

May 25th, 2010
By: Tim Heston

Butch Munson has worked at the same metal fabrication company for 43 years, and in a few years he plans to retire. He’s had a good career at LeFiell Mfg. Co., a tube and specialty fabricator in Santa Fe Springs, Calif. Sure, the shop has had its ups and downs, but generally the company has always found a way to do things better and faster. The firm’s won numerous awards and has gained a reputation as a supplier manufacturers can count on. Most important, the financial well-being of every employee, including Munson, has benefited.

After all, they own the company.

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