Super Steel
Address: 7900 W. Tower Ave., Milwaukee
Year founded: 1923
Product or service offered: Contract manufacturer capable of providing a broad range of prototyping, manufacturing, production fabricating, coating and assembly services to a variety of markets.
Projected 2014 revenue: More than $65 million
CEO and president: Dirk Smith
Target clientele: Large to mid-range OEMs in the construction, agricultural, mining, defense, transportation, power generation and heavy industrial industries.
Business organization memberships: Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Wisconsin Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, American Welding Society, Institute of Management, Women in Manufacturing
What has fueled your company’s growth? “Our commitment to our customers, employees and supply base. We truly want to be the best solution at all levels. We’re picking up new customers, but we’re also gaining market share at our existing customers due to performance.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth? “Finding candidates for our skilled trade positions. There is a lack of qualified welders as well as qualified machinists.”
Do you plan to make any changes in your company in the coming months? “Strategic acquisition to further develop and expand our core competencies and value proposition.”
Who are the business people, locally or nationally, whom you admire? And what traits do those people exhibit that make you admire them? “Leaders of organizations that aspire to be the best in their respective arenas. It is the last 10 percent that separates mediocrity from excellence. Fred Luber, Super Steel owner, has also been a huge inspiration and leader in our industry. He is a man that showed daring and insight and is deeply committed to his family, community and business. His passion for the business inspires and motivates those around him.”
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months? “The outlook is strong for contract manufacturers that are performing and have a diversified customer portfolio across all industries.”
What is your company’s most important growth strategy right now? “Employ the best people that want to be a part of a culture of winners and the rest will inherently happen.”
