MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
have been discontinued from production for some time. National still finds a major demand for these services, which is testament to the durability and reliability of the machines we build. In many cases these customers are most likely investing significantly more than the original acquisition cost of the machine.” Skill retention at Tiffin is good. “We benefit from not being
a massive multinational. There is a philosophy that we are one big family in the company. That might sound a bit old-fashioned but if it resonates, and it most certainly does in Tiffin because it has a genuine foundation, then it contributes strongly to the overall performance of the business.” Still, retirements are inevitable, and National’s growth also demands an expanded, skilled workforce not readily acquirable in today’s America. “We are, therefore, very committed to bringing along younger people and ensuring the full complement of staffing we need,” explains Andrew Kalnow. There is nothing superficial about that commitment. National Machinery annually funds up to three engineering scholarships. “We’re essentially paying for a full ride into engineering with a guaranteed job at the end of the five-year university programme. Add two years of in-house training and development before that person starts to meaningfully contribute, and it is a seven-year period before we really see a payback.” The Tooling Technology Center is an obvious beacon to attract young talent brought up in the world of smartphones and tablets. “Perhaps surprisingly, though,” Andrew Kalnow reflects, “We find plenty of people happy to work on the older machines, partially because of the variety and also because they are contributing a direct individual value.”
are more family days and company outings than in our US or even Japanese facilities. We also regularly change our cafeteria contractor – the quality of food is always close to the top of people’s list! The tricky bit is pulling all the levers while ensuring that we maintain acceptable expense control.” Overall, though, Andrew Kalnow is more than satisfied
with a development into China born as much, at the time, from necessity as strategy. “We are very clear, from our own research, that some 60% of the world market value for our type of machinery is now in Asia – substantially more, of course, if one calculates on machine population – so having a strong manufacturing, service and support base in China is essential.” In 2006, though, when the commitment to Suzhou began, National faced a stark domestic market. “North America was, at best dormant, and really one can say dead. It remained that way until late 2009 when there was a cathartic upswing with the rescue of the North American automotive manufacturing sector and a greater consciousness of the necessity of effective regional supply chains.”
“That made National something of an enigma, firstly in terms of being the only remaining American company amongst the successful machinery makers; secondly in having a strong home market in North America, which was so active for everyone in the 1990s, but then almost literally disappeared in the 2000s.” Including those assembling for affiliate company, Cleaning
Technologies Group, National now employs 125 people in Suzhou. A recent agreement means the plant also produces some Mectron inspection machinery under licence. “This has been very successful with good sales into China and we are really pleased with that,” says Andrew Kalnow. So, what are the plans for the Tiffin Open House in September?
“There are four major audiences,” outlines Andrew Kalnow. “The first is actually our own people. Monday of the Open House week will be dedicated to current employees, who will all take the full tour to see what we will be showing their customers. It will be a special opportunity to stop and see what is done in each area of a large facility with a very diverse range of functions.” “We’ll also,” he adds, “be inviting our Quarter Century Club –
In Suzhou, the employment challenges are different and National Machinery is not immune from the high level of labour mobility in China. Family principles, however, clearly have a positive effect and, although demanding continued effort and not a little ingenuity, the reward for National has been significantly lower ‘churn’ than the typical 20% annually that plagues other firms operating in China. “We’re doing all the things that other people are doing but, perhaps, we are doing it a bit better, and bit more. There is a definite sensitivity to the employees. There
retirees who served more than 25 years with National. Then we will have three days dedicated to our customers. As well as a guided tour of the whole factory and office complex, which will take about 90 minutes, there will be a series of six technical seminars each day – including from our affiliates – Mectron, Ransohoff (CTG) and DTI. There will be three National demonstrations – a Lean FORMAX with a CTG cleaning line; the new FORMAX XXV and a warm former. Mectron will also have its own demonstration area. Of course, we will also be extending hospitality to our customers and providing great opportunities to relax and network.” “The final weekday will be for suppliers and friends of the firm, including local support businesses. Then on Sunday it will be Open House for the community, when employees will be encouraged to bring family and friends but there will also be a general invitation to all members of the community. Traditionally, when we’ve had these types of events we have had very good attendance so we are very excited about it.” We’ll be bringing photographs and a report of the Open House
in the November issue of Fastener + Fixing Magazine.
www.nationalmachinery.com
98 Fastener + Fixing Magazine • Issue 89 September 2014
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