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WMIA Member News

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Stiles Machinery l Kaesar Compressors l 20-20 Technologies

Weinig Group

Sixth Annual Executive Briefing Conference Provides Valuable Learning Opportunities

Presenter Steve Yastrow invites the audience to implement the concepts from his opening keynote address.

Stiles Machinery Inc. announced the Sixth Annual Executive Briefing Conference (EBC) delivered an up-close look at what’s next with business and technology in the panel processing and woodworking industries. The conference was held March 14-16, 2007, in Dallas, Texas. The EBC is an

industry-wide forum where decision makers, educators, and leading technical and business experts can exchange ideas and learn from each other. Since its inception, attendance has steadily increased from the inaugural 55 to over 150 participants at the 2007 EBC with representation from over 20 different industry segments. With all the business challenges and opportunities in the marketplace, the woodworking industry realizes that education, networking, and brainstorming are needed to stay ahead of the game. Conference attendee Debbie Behring of JB Cutting stated, “As a small, up and coming business, it was very beneficial to my growing company. I have a lot of great ideas to take back and implement!”

The conference began with Steve Yastrow's opening keynote address, "Profitable Customer Relationships", outlining ways to improve business performance through a customer-focused approach. Other briefings included Measuring Lean, Watching Your Waste, Emerging Technologies, and Minding the Labor Gap. The conference concluded with Ellen Cheever's closing keynote address, "Design for One and All,” highlighting the preferences of each generation segment and sharing how to market to each group.

In addition to an intriguing lineup of educational presentations, the 2007 EBC also included plant tours showcasing two locally-based manufacturing operations. At PIN attendees observed how a “store in a box” is produced from in-house design and engineering to paperless, seamless integration from the panel saw through final assembly. The visit to AmericanAirlines Maintenance Base provided an intriguing look at how another industry is converting from traditional processes to lean techniques. The Executive Summary will be available shortly to help apply the thought-provoking ideas, solutions, and strategies presented at the 2007 EBC.

The EBC is a not-for-profit event. Any profits will be donated to advance the efforts of WoodLINKS USA. The event is made possible through the support of industry partners such as Stiles Education, Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP), Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), Composite Panel Association (CPA), FDM Magazine, the National Association of Store Fixture Manufacturers (NASFM), and WoodLINKS USA.

For additional information, contact Steve Waltman, V.P., Stiles Machinery Inc. at 616-698-7500.

Seminars Aim to Help Manufacturers Plan for Growth

Stiles Machinery Inc is proud to announce that the annual Holzma U.S. seminar and open house will be held June 6-7, 2007 at the Holzma U.S. headquarters in Gastonia, NC., from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day.

The theme of this year’s event is “Planning for Growth” and includes a program outlining the steps that can be taken to prepare for both growth and volume changes which manufacturers will need to handle as a result of today’s market forces. Increasing production velocity, cost effective quantity one manufacturing, product customization, as well as other timely topics will be presented. Both classroom sessions and machine demonstrations will be incorporated in the day’s program to illustrate flexible manufacturing solutions which can accommodate both volume growth and the evolution of that growth.

Innovative products from Holzma, Homag, Weeke, Bargstedt, and other Homag Group companies will be in operation, and experts will be available to discuss solutions for specific manufacturing concerns. For more details on the “Planning for Growth” seminar and open house, please contact Laura Hunt at Holzma U.S., 704-861-8239 or register online at www.stilesmachinery.com/seminars.

Stiles Recognizes Dealer Partners for Outstanding Market Share Achievements

Advanced Machinery receives the Gold Market Share Achievement Award. From left to right: Steve Jesnek, Director of Dealer Development, Stiles; Malan Johnson, Advanced Machinery; Deanne Johnson, Advanced Machinery; Peter Kleinschmidt, President, Stiles.

Stiles Machinery Inc. announced that select dealer partners received a Market Share Achievement Award for record sales in 2006. Acknowledging the strategic importance of their dealer network, Stiles recognizes their dealer partners with a Market Share Achievement Award based on record sales in their territories. For outstanding sales in 2006, the gold award was presented to Advanced

Machinery Systems (Kaysville, Utah), the silver award to High Tech Industries (Vero Beach Fla.), and the bronze award went to Edward B. Mueller Co. (Cincinnati, Ohio).

Malan Johnson, president of Advanced Machinery Systems, and his wife, Deanne, were presented with the Gold Market Share Achievement Award at Stiles’ corporate headquarters in Grand Rapids, Mich., on March 7, 2007. Peter Kleinschmidt, president of Stiles, praised Malan for his company’s success, which he attributed to a commitment to building relationships with customers during their 18-year tenure with Stiles. “Advanced Machinery provides their customers with a solution to their problems by providing new opportunities, rather than focusing on machine sales,” stated Kleinschmidt, “They truly have a passion to do the right thing for the customer. Stiles is proud to recognize Advanced Machinery for their outstanding representation not only of our products but also of our core values.”

For additional information, contact Steve Waltman, V.P., Stiles Machinery Inc. at 616-698-7500 or swaltman@stilesmachinery.com.
 

Free Catalog with Technical Details on SmartPipe^TM Distribution System

Kaeser Compressors announces its complete, 16-page four-color SmartPipe™ product catalog. This helpful reference provides technical details such as part numbers, product dimensions, weights and material information on our modular aluminum compressed air distribution system. Get all the specifications on SmartPipe --

the versatile piping system featuring lightweight materials and push-to-fit connectors that can be installed without threading, welding or sweating. Learn just how easily SmartPipe can be integrated into existing systems and modified to accommodate changing needs.

With product images, installation tips and a cross index of associated part numbers, it’s now easier than ever to choose just the right parts for superior performance and a quick and easy installation.

For more information, call 800-777-7873 or visit  www.kaeser.com/smartpipe.

Clean Up Your Air! Complete Air Treatment in One Compact Package

Moisture, oil and dirt in compressed air lines hurt product quality, reduce productivity and increase maintenance requirements in shop equipment. Kaeser Compressors’ High Temperature Refrigerated Dryer (HTRD) removes moisture and filters contaminants in one compact, easy-to-install, low-maintenance package. All HTRD models include a precooler/reheater, chiller, two-stage separator/filter and automatic drain. They are specifically designed to work well in environments where contaminant levels are high, and to handle high inlet temperatures.

Kaeser HTRDs are ideally suited for use with 5 to 25 hp piston compressors in commercial and industrial facilities.

For more information, on how a Kaeser HTRD can clean up your air, please call 800-777-7873 or visit us at www.kaeser.com/cleanair.
  

20-20 Pattern Systems Renews its Commitment to Customers

20-20 Pattern Systems announces a new industry standard for delivering professional services, offering high level of customer service, professional standards and full accountability. Over the next four months, 20-20 PS will award Certified Specialist status to premier team members and implement training “ServiceBlocks”.

Via 20-20 University Internet sessions for software basics to onsite training for enhanced learning, ServiceBlocks are flexible 10 hour bundles clients can use to achieve their goals in a manner most effective for them.

“20-20 Pattern Systems ServiceBlocks offers clients easy access to Certified Specialists that provide training, catalog support, consulting, report writing, software integration and custom support services,” said Tom Burke, Integrated Services Manager for 20-20 Pattern Systems.

The certification status is part of 20-20 Pattern Systems group priority to satisfy its current customer base. It will introduce performance standards, with each session tracked and reported for quality assurance purposes via customer service reports.

20-20 Technologies completed the acquisition of Pattern Systems International in January 2007, bringing to 20-20’s proprietary product portfolio the Cut Planner application, a leading automated sheet panel cutting optimizer that saves time and material for cabinetmakers and woodworkers, while reducing waste and risk of errors.

Weinig Hires Riehle As V.P. System Solutions

Weinig Group America, based in Mooresville, NC has hired Peter Riehle to head up its newly formed System Solutions Division. As Vice President of System Solutions, he will oversee and coordinate the company‘s new thrust toward providing customized, fully integrated, flexible work cells and systems for Weinig customers. Weinig’s new division will focus on full integration of all Weinig products, consulting, engineering and the full range of services. Riehle brings his extensive experience in software, engineering and sales to his new post at Weinig.