Address: N53W24635 S. Corporate Circle, Sussex, WI 53130
Website: www.waukeshametal.com
Year founded: 1971
Product or service offered: Complete metalforming services including custom metal stamping, sheet fabrication, tool design and build, assembly, and a variety of other value added services.
Projected 2012 revenue: $30 million
Leadership: Jeffrey Clark, president and chief executive officer; Michael Steger, vice president and COO; Bob Markowiak, program manager; Bill Milbrath, operations manager; Vicki Pinnow, administration/HR manager.
Target Clientele: Automotive light, medium and heavy duty vehicles, aerospace, audio, electronics, lighting, medical/dental equipment, military and consumer products.
Business organization memberships: Precision Metalforming Association, Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Milwaukee 7, Original Equipment Suppliers Association, National Association of Manufacturers, Waukesha County Business Alliance, Sussex Chamber of Commerce, Grafton Chamber of Commerce, Automotive Industry Action Group.
What has fueled your company’s growth? “We have balanced organic growth this year by expanding business with current customers and closing on a large number of target accounts in related industries.”
What is the biggest obstacle to your company’s growth? “Our ability to attract new talent with the needed skills into the organization is critical to maintain our growth curve. A key challenge for our industry is to assure the public education system provides career tracks for young people that includes skilled trades apprenticeship programs.”
Do you plan any changes in your company in the upcoming months? “We are completing a new five-year strategic plan that includes changes in our operational footprint and product offerings.”
Who are the business people, locally or nationally, whom you admire? And what traits do those people exhibit that make you admire them? “Those that have found a disciplined approach that provides a reasonable return for all stakeholders while achieving balance in life with family and friends.”
What is the outlook for the business conditions of your industry over the next several months? “Manufacturing continues to be an economic bright spot in most market sectors, but any positive condition seems fragile at this point.”
What is your company’s key strategy for rising out of the recession? “Executing a disciplined business model every day.”
