Address: 7641 S. 10th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154
Website: www.nationaltechnologies.com
Year founded: 1959
Product or service offered: Custom precision machined components
Projected 2011 revenue: $24 million
CEO, President/Owner(s): Tom Harrington
Target clientele: OEMs and manufacturers of engines, power generation, hydraulics, fuel systems, fluid control systems
Business organization memberships: Precision Machined Parts Association
What has fueled your company’s growth?
Our commitment to providing the highest quality and quick turnaround at competitive prices.
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth?
Skilled labor. The availability of skilled machinists is declining. There seems to be less and less younger workers getting involved in manufacturing.
Do you plan any changes in your company in the upcoming months?
We are nearly finished with a 40,000-square-foot expansion on our existing 80,000-square-foot facility. In the next few months, we plan on redesigning the workflow of the shop and investing in an advanced ERP system to organize all elements of our business.
Who are the business people, locally or nationally, whom you admire? And what traits do those people exhibit that make you admire them?
Ron Johnson, Senator of Wisconsin. I respect his ability to run a successful manufacturing company in the heart of America despite global competition. I hope his ideas on business and government take root and we can make our economy stronger.
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months?
The general outlook is positive, with a hint of uncertainty. Much of the manufacturing that went offshore is coming back to the states. Companies are finding that the little they saved by offshoring wasn’t worth the quality and delivery headaches. Manufacturing should remain strong in the US for the near future. Our company just needs to remain a leader in our industry to secure our own future.
What is your company’s key strategy for rising out of the recession?
Our strategy has been consistent for a long time, and that is to provide honest value. We know our products, services and industry very well and offer our customers the best value they can find. Our customers are usually our best sales source, often referring other customers to us.
