Demanding Markets: Investing For Success

Northside Machine Company manufactures precision components for the medical, military, firearms and automotive industries – all demanding and competitive markets. To continue enjoying a first-class reputation with customers through on-time service, quality workmanship and competitive pricing, a company must be lean and efficient.

Fortunately, owner Rich Smith understands that a profitable company needs to provide its employees with the resources and training required to manufacture quality products. This also means being willing to invest in the most innovative machine tools to support his business.

A key factor in Northside's ability to stay lean, and expand its business at the same time, was the addition of three 5-axis Mazak Variaxis 500-5X machining centers. The company's first Variaxis was a used model, which allowed the company to learn about the machine's capabilities at a fraction of the investment.

"We had to re-think how we did things as far as holding parts and tooling," says Smith about working the Variaxis into his operation. "Once we got past that, we went out and bought two more new Variaxis machines with pallet changers. I wouldn't buy another without a pallet changer. They give you so much more uptime on the spindles."

Smith notes that Northside does very little full 5-axis machining with its Variaxis machines, but uses it more for indexing. "We can work on five sides of a part with one setting," he explains. "We run a lot of parts that have multiple holes and slots. For the most part, we can finish the part if not in one setting, then in the second."

Northside's move to Mazak started in 1996, when it invested in a Mazak VTC- 20B vertical machining center from its local distributor, Shelton Machinery. According to Smith, he chose to partner with Mazak "because Mazak incorporated the latest in technology on their machine tools, and Shelton Machinery displayed great knowledge of the machines they sell." Since investing in its first Mazak, Northside Machine has returned to Shelton for 12 additional Mazak machines, including the three Variaxis.

Many of Northside's customers are established companies that require complex parts. The company is also often involved in prototyping parts and following through to the production phase. Through Smith's leadership, Northside Machine has the ability to machine a wide variety of complex parts, either in the development stage or in production because of his vision when purchasing equipment. This company does not purchase equipment for just one project. According to Smith, "We look ahead and try to be diversified without getting away from our core business."

Another reason that Northside consistently provides quality parts on time to its customers is its preventive maintenance program. All Northside Mazak machines are on a preventive maintenance schedule with Shelton Machinery. "It helps to reduce downtime, which increases productivity. Potential problems can be recognized before they cause production issues," Smith says.

Along with a proactive maintenance program, it is also essential to take calculated risks. Northside Machine does this by purchasing equipment that may have more features than it currently needs, but will help them grow in the future. "We know what kind of work we have done in the past where various machine options would have increased efficiency," Smith says. "Sometimes you have to go with your gut feeling, knowing an investment will ultimately pay off in the future. These types of investments make us more competitive."

Speaking of the future, Smith's sons, Mike and Denny, each with mechanical engineering degrees from Purdue University, are deeply involved in day-to-day operations.