Welcome to the November 2011 Issue of the Cutting Edge

Note from the President

On this past November 11th, we recognized Veteran's Day. I hope that each and every resident, citizen and non-citizen alike, took the time to honor the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States. We owe each veteran a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice in defense of the freedom and liberties we enjoy.

We also observe Thanksgiving Day this month. Thanksgiving Day should be a time of reflection and thankfulness for the bounty of this nation and the grace of God that has been extended to us. Even with the economic problems the United States has experienced, we remain a people, who for the most part, live free of want in the necessities of life. Many of us are blessed beyond measure materially but we are all blessed with freedom and the right to pursue our dreams. Join me in pausing to give heartfelt thanks for this country and the blessing we Americans enjoy, as we observe Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 24th.

Company News

Industry News

Industry Events

THANKFUL FOR YOU

Wolverine Machine prides itself on the fact that it has been in business for over 88 years. We are also proud to have customers who help us to paint a picture of commitment, loyalty, business partnerships as well as friendships. Several companies, who are continued, active customers here at Wolverine, have been so for the better part of 20 years.

So, thank you to our customers, clients and friends for helping to keep Wolverine Machine moving ahead and staying strong.  We also look forward to meeting new people and extend an invitation for you to see what Wolverine Machine is all about.

Go to: www.wolverinemachine.com and click on the 'Our Customers' tab to read what they have to say.

MADE IN THE USA

Wolverine Machine holds a high standard, carrying the ISO/TS 16949 certification.  Since 1923, we have produced multiple spindle bar machine parts; CNC machined parts and more recently water jet parts.   Our water jet cutting experience started with automotive parts and has expanded into the military, aviation, recreation, and construction industries. Not only do we have strong ties to the major automobile industry giants but also to the country and its military efforts of the past and present.

Founder Charles O’Neill worked for Chevrolet just before entering the United States Army and serving in World War I.  After his service, he opened the doors of Wolverine Machine in 1923.  With his prior connections, Wolverine’s earliest major customer was Chevrolet and then General Motors Corporation.  After recovering from The Great Depression, the country soon found itself at the emergence of World War II.  On Feb. 9, 1942, Wolverine Machine and the country as a whole, halted all automobile industry part production.  The company switched gears and from that point on, until July 1, 1945, Wolverine Machine made screw machine products for the war effort.  Products were made for tanks and trucks and also ammunition.  The company ran seven days a week, twenty four hours a day, using three shifts each day and only around 50 employees.

Throughout its 88 year history, Wolverine Machine has expanded and grown to meet the needs of its customers.  The addition of not one, but two water jet cutting machines, along with our CNC machines and multi spindle bar machines allows us to stay competitive within many different types of industries, most notably  automotive and defense.  With each new opportunity from these and other industries, we strive to maintain the quality and customer service our existing customers have come to rely on and trust.  We stand strong to our beginnings in the automobile industry but are excited about what the future holds in the military, defense and aviation industries as well.

We welcome quotes from any and all industries.  Simply send them to: quotes@wolverinemachine.com

CNC Machining Center Technology Moving Forward

CNC machining centers continue to grow in popularity due to their flexibility in applications and the ability to process multiple materials, including composite panels, solid wood, plastics and other non-ferrous materials.

The trend toward mass customization is also fueling this demand. "Very few companies these days produce huge production quantities anymore, resulting in the need for flexible, easy to set up and changeover CNC machines," said Jeff Conger, Weeke product manager at Stiles Machinery Inc.

Bill Blackmon, Busellato product manager for Casadei-Busellato, agreed. "The economic downturn has forced more and more companies to accept jobs that involve smaller and smaller quantities or custom products. CNC machining centers are essential to producing these products with the short lead times, high quality and lowest cost demanded by today's customer," he said.

"Machining centers capable of performing multiple operations on the workpiece are the best way to handle the smaller batch sizes associated with mass customization," agreed Larry Tolbert, sales representative for Solid Wood Systems. "It becomes very inefficient to move parts between various machines, adding additional setups at each machine," he said.

Michael Cassell, North American CNC product manager at Holz-Her US also noted, "The repeatability, reduced set-up time, the ability of the machine to run in pendulum process and the parametric capability of software are solid reasons for the use of CNC machining centers for customized processing."

"The trend toward just-in-time manufacturing comes directly from consumer demand for custom products," added Cesare Magnani, sales manager at Biesse America. "Due to their great flexibility, efficiency and precise quality machining in manufacturing custom products, CNC machining centers present the perfect answer to the manufacturing challenges that just-in-time production brings into factories. More and more manufacturers are looking to the CNC to replace traditional manufacturing solutions that were designed for high-volume standardized productions," Magnani said.

"CNC machines have always been the mainstay in flexible production and have been driving this trend for many years," said Rob Howell, CNC product manager at SCM Group USA. Shops of all sizes, he added, are buying these versatile machines.

For this article in its entirety, please click here: http://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/cnc-machining-center-technology--moving-Forward-133105578.html?ref=578

Upcoming Industry Events

2012 Automotive News World Congress
01/10/2012 - 01/12/2012
Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center
600 Renaissance Center #1740
Downtown Detroit Partnership
Detroit, MI 48243
(313) 568-8000
http://www.eventsinamerica.com/events/2012-automotive-news-world-congress/ev4dee8ff8bf579/

Michigan International Auto Show 2012
01/26/2012 - 01/29/2012
DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave. NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 742-6500
http://www.eventsinamerica.com/events/michigan-international-auto-show-2012/ev4defbf06e38d5/

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We hope that you enjoyed this issue of The Cutting Edge. If you would like to learn more about Wolverine Machine Products, you can visit our website at www.wolverinemachine.com or call directly at 800-397-8446. We look forward to doing business with you!