Our last blog addressed how more companies are returning to American vendors, as the economic advantages of doing business overseas is eroding. Lee Manufacturing is both very grateful and fortunate to benefit heavily from this transition.
As a result of this increased business, we recently added a number of new machines to our fabrication department in order to meet our increasing demand. Among these machines is a new 6 ton “Pem” brand hardware insertion press. The addition of this machine brings our total number of “Pem” hardware insertion machines to four. Also recently added was a fourth Wiedemann Computer Numerical Control turret punch press to our CNC Department. Now with four identical turret punch presses, our operators have the ability to download programs or share available tooling into any machine coming off a job (operating under the next man-up, or rather “machine-up” philosophy). This fourth machine not only gives us the ability to focus more on samples and prototypes, but also improves our lead time on all of our soft tooled jobs. Also added was a new 60 ton hydraulic break press. Now large 14 gauge enclosures don’t stand a chance of not bending exactly where they’re told.
We also took the opportunity to upgrade half of our welding department with new 55 KVA Lors spot welders. The other half will be changed over very soon. What can we say, China’s loss is our gain…we just hope we don’t get blamed for the current down-turn in the world’s stock markets due to China’s economic slow-down.