A good salesperson can sell to anyone once, but it will be your approach to customer service that will keep them coming back. Improving customer service and working on customer engagement are business’ best defense against the increased competition that a recession causes. Our newsletter, The Cutting Edge is focused on customer service this month. Here is a sneak peek at the 7 tips for excellent customer service.
1. Most importantly, the quality of customer service cannot exceed the quality of those who provide it. Your machines or processes don’t give good customer service, your employees do. Hiring and retaining quality employees is the most essential key to making your customers happy. Realize that the way your people are treated dictates the way your customers will be treated.
2. Know your customers. Get to know their expectations so that you can assist them in meeting their needs. Understand what is important to them and continually ask if what you are doing is what your customer would appreciate.
3. Anticipate problems before they happen. In case something goes wrong, have a plan of action ready. Let your customers know what you plan to do if unforeseen circumstances arise so that they know they’re your top priority.
4. Be flexible. Show your customers that you are willing to put forth the extra effort to ensure they are satisfied. Go the extra mile whenever possible and you will certainly reap the benefits. Recently, one of our customers was given a strict deadline to finish a project that seemed impossible. Our newsletter explains how we were able to help.
5. Make sure that your customers know who you are. It is your job to educate your customers on how you can help them and what services or products are offered. Convey your strengths and how they set you apart from the competition.
6. Don’t let them get away. Communication is key to maintaining a lasting relationship so let your customers know that you haven’t forgotten about them. Show them how valuable they are by keeping in touch.
7. Make your customers a part of your service improvement. Actively seek feedback so that you can better understand what improvements your customers would like to see. Click here for a link to Wolverine Machine's customer satisfaction survey.
The Cutting Edge is available on our website if you would like to learn more about customer service. This month's issue features expert advice on how to choose the right supplier, implementing a customer service philosophy, and a quiz to find out if you're a customer service master!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
New Miyano LZ-01R Brochure
After the overwhelming response from the release of our water jet brochure, we have decided to create another brochure focused solely on the Miyano LZ-01R automated chucking lathe.
Featuring self loading/unloading capabilities, which eliminates hand loading, the LZ-01R can process parts quickly. In addition, since the parts are robotically loaded, the accuracy and repeatability of the machine is far superior to any hand loaded lathe. Here at Wolverine Machine we use only the best machining technologies and equipment, including the Miyano LZ-01R, to provide you parts that are accurately and efficiently produced to save your organization time and money. To learn more about what the LZ-01R can do for you, please click the link below.
Miyano LZ-01R Capabilities
Featuring self loading/unloading capabilities, which eliminates hand loading, the LZ-01R can process parts quickly. In addition, since the parts are robotically loaded, the accuracy and repeatability of the machine is far superior to any hand loaded lathe. Here at Wolverine Machine we use only the best machining technologies and equipment, including the Miyano LZ-01R, to provide you parts that are accurately and efficiently produced to save your organization time and money. To learn more about what the LZ-01R can do for you, please click the link below.
Miyano LZ-01R Capabilities
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How Water Jet Cutting Saves You Money
Wolverine Machine houses two of the largest water jet cutting tables in the Midwest, capable of handling complex and intricate parts with tolerances of +/- .003” for virtually any material. These machines have allowed us to greatly expand our capabilities and services offered. The breadth and thickness of materials that can be cut using the water jet cutting process give it a distinct advantage over processes such as laser cutting and traditional machining.
Companies from all industries are turning to water jet cutting for fine detail, clean edges, and less waste. When using water jet cutting, there is no distortion, fraying, cracking, splintering, or slag, and since no heat is involved, the material will not have any “heat affected zones” that can become very problematic. We also use part nesting before the cutting process which optimizes material, reduces scrap, and saves you money. On top of that, Wolverine Machine recycles 100% of the water and 100% of the abrasive used, which brings waste to virtually nonexistent.
The applications for water jet cutting are innumerable, as well as the materials that can be used. Therefore, we have created a brochure solely focused on the benefits and abilities of our water jet cutting machines. It is loaded with information on how the process works and how it can save you a lot of time and money. If you would like to learn more about our water jet cutting machines, click on the link below to view our brand new brochure.
Water Jet Cutting Capabilities
Companies from all industries are turning to water jet cutting for fine detail, clean edges, and less waste. When using water jet cutting, there is no distortion, fraying, cracking, splintering, or slag, and since no heat is involved, the material will not have any “heat affected zones” that can become very problematic. We also use part nesting before the cutting process which optimizes material, reduces scrap, and saves you money. On top of that, Wolverine Machine recycles 100% of the water and 100% of the abrasive used, which brings waste to virtually nonexistent.
The applications for water jet cutting are innumerable, as well as the materials that can be used. Therefore, we have created a brochure solely focused on the benefits and abilities of our water jet cutting machines. It is loaded with information on how the process works and how it can save you a lot of time and money. If you would like to learn more about our water jet cutting machines, click on the link below to view our brand new brochure.
Water Jet Cutting Capabilities
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Cutting Edge Debut
Wolverine Machine Products has launched a new e-newsletter, The Cutting Edge! The publication addresses issues such as safety, quality, employee relations, and many other factors needed for organizational success. Subscribers will also get current industry news, new product announcements, company-specific updates, and expert advice on best practices.
The first issue, which released on March 4th, covers a variety of topics with emphasis on quality in manufacturing. There is information regarding cost versus price when outsourcing, 14 points for total quality management, and a section highlighting Wolverine Machine’s addition of a new Zeiss CMM. There is also an exercise for subscribers to get started on “thinking outside the box” when it comes to quality management.
The Cutting Edge will be delivered free of charge to those who sign up from Wolverine Machine’s website. To view the debut issue, click here.
The first issue, which released on March 4th, covers a variety of topics with emphasis on quality in manufacturing. There is information regarding cost versus price when outsourcing, 14 points for total quality management, and a section highlighting Wolverine Machine’s addition of a new Zeiss CMM. There is also an exercise for subscribers to get started on “thinking outside the box” when it comes to quality management.
The Cutting Edge will be delivered free of charge to those who sign up from Wolverine Machine’s website. To view the debut issue, click here.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Wolverine Machine Introduces New Quality Technology
It has long been Wolverine Machine’s strategy to focus on high-quality, value-added processes in order to remain successful. For more than 7 years, Wolverine Machine has used Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMS) in addition to many other quality assurance measures. CMMs are highly accurate machines that inspect parts with tolerances of 9 microns (which is roughly 1/10th the diameter of the average human hair) and smaller.
Wolverine Machine is proud to announce the addition of a new CMM, the Zeiss Contura G2 RDS, into its 32,000 square foot facility located in Holly, MI. This new Zeiss CMM will add to the company’s multitude of current quality assurance machines, expanding precision measurement capabilities and quality control/reliability. “The new high-tech features of the Contura G2 bring us the ability to capture substantial quantities of accurate measurement data in a shorter time while increasing our production, reliability, and quality,” says Steve Pyrc, Quality Manager at Wolverine Machine.
The completely redesigned bridge-type CMM features a next generation scanning platform, perfectly suited to the measurement of complex features and parts. Contura G2 RDS is capable of reaching 20,376 positions in 2.5 degree increments using styli as small as .3mm in diameter. Wolverine Machine purchased many additional fixtures and accessories for the CMM including the ViScan optical probe, which now makes it possible to perform touch and optical measurements on one machine. The ViScan optical probe is an ideal tool for non-contact measurement and analysis of more difficult to check small parts and soft work pieces. “This is the most successful and sought after machine Carl Zeiss IMT has ever developed,” says Josef Schernthaner, Vice President of Operations at Zeiss. This new machine will certainly add to the satisfaction that Wolverine Machine’s customers have come to know and count on. If you would like more information on Wolverine Machine's quality assurance technology or to see how we can help with your next project, please visit us at www.wolverinemachine.com.
Wolverine Machine is proud to announce the addition of a new CMM, the Zeiss Contura G2 RDS, into its 32,000 square foot facility located in Holly, MI. This new Zeiss CMM will add to the company’s multitude of current quality assurance machines, expanding precision measurement capabilities and quality control/reliability. “The new high-tech features of the Contura G2 bring us the ability to capture substantial quantities of accurate measurement data in a shorter time while increasing our production, reliability, and quality,” says Steve Pyrc, Quality Manager at Wolverine Machine.
The completely redesigned bridge-type CMM features a next generation scanning platform, perfectly suited to the measurement of complex features and parts. Contura G2 RDS is capable of reaching 20,376 positions in 2.5 degree increments using styli as small as .3mm in diameter. Wolverine Machine purchased many additional fixtures and accessories for the CMM including the ViScan optical probe, which now makes it possible to perform touch and optical measurements on one machine. The ViScan optical probe is an ideal tool for non-contact measurement and analysis of more difficult to check small parts and soft work pieces. “This is the most successful and sought after machine Carl Zeiss IMT has ever developed,” says Josef Schernthaner, Vice President of Operations at Zeiss. This new machine will certainly add to the satisfaction that Wolverine Machine’s customers have come to know and count on. If you would like more information on Wolverine Machine's quality assurance technology or to see how we can help with your next project, please visit us at www.wolverinemachine.com.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Price vs. Cost When Outsourcing
When many companies face a decision of whether or not to outsource certain productions, one of the biggest factors is price. Why pay a local company $5 for a part when the same part can be made in China for $2? Especially now through the economic downturn, more companies than ever are trying to save every penny possible to make it through to the other side. However, the realization is that the costs incurred in most outsourcing ventures overseas end up being much more than the company ever expected.
Take for example Boeing, who decided to outsource the majority of components for its latest and greatest project, the 787 Dreamliner. The lighter and more fuel-efficient Dreamliner is Boeing’s first major new airplane in over a decade. The decision was made to rely on hundreds of foreign suppliers for the majority of the parts, which proved disastrous to production. Originally scheduled to start delivery in May 2008, Boeing now expects delivery in December 2010, over two years late. Not only that, but the project has ended up costing Boeing over $2.5 billion more than planned because of the inconsistencies of the suppliers.
Boeing’s misfortunes highlight a very real issue that companies must face when it comes to the decision of whether or not to rely on foreign suppliers. While it can be a very profitable venture, the hidden costs are often not seen until it is too late. Shipping, training, logistics, legal counsel, project management, duties and taxes, and the cost of intellectual property and quality are just a few of the total cost factors that need to be examined very closely before a decision is made.
Local suppliers offer a higher-quality advantage than most foreign manufacturers due to more experience and a superior standard for quality. At Wolverine Machine, we uphold our commitment to quality during every step of the process, guaranteeing absolute customer approval. Our customers do not need to worry about fluctuating production, late deliveries, inconsistent products, or increasing costs because we have been successful in ensuring satisfaction for over 86 years. If you would like to learn more about Wolverine Machine and how we can help with your next project, please visit www.wolverinemachine.com.
Take for example Boeing, who decided to outsource the majority of components for its latest and greatest project, the 787 Dreamliner. The lighter and more fuel-efficient Dreamliner is Boeing’s first major new airplane in over a decade. The decision was made to rely on hundreds of foreign suppliers for the majority of the parts, which proved disastrous to production. Originally scheduled to start delivery in May 2008, Boeing now expects delivery in December 2010, over two years late. Not only that, but the project has ended up costing Boeing over $2.5 billion more than planned because of the inconsistencies of the suppliers.
Boeing’s misfortunes highlight a very real issue that companies must face when it comes to the decision of whether or not to rely on foreign suppliers. While it can be a very profitable venture, the hidden costs are often not seen until it is too late. Shipping, training, logistics, legal counsel, project management, duties and taxes, and the cost of intellectual property and quality are just a few of the total cost factors that need to be examined very closely before a decision is made.
Local suppliers offer a higher-quality advantage than most foreign manufacturers due to more experience and a superior standard for quality. At Wolverine Machine, we uphold our commitment to quality during every step of the process, guaranteeing absolute customer approval. Our customers do not need to worry about fluctuating production, late deliveries, inconsistent products, or increasing costs because we have been successful in ensuring satisfaction for over 86 years. If you would like to learn more about Wolverine Machine and how we can help with your next project, please visit www.wolverinemachine.com.
Friday, January 15, 2010
University of Michigan Solar Car at NAIAS
The University of Michigan’s Solar Car Team is gearing up for this summer’s American Solar Challenge, a 7-day solar car race from Tulsa to Chicago to be held in late June this year. The U of M team has high hopes for this race as they are 5 time champions. U of M’s 2009 solar car, Infinium, placed 3rd out of 38 teams from around the world in the World Solar Challenge. The World Solar Challenge was held in Australia in October of 2009.Wolverine Machine is proud to say that we are silver sponsors of the U of M Solar Car Team, having fabricated crucial components for Infinium. Our superior water jet cutting capabilities allowed the team to create intricate parts, which were used to make their car more efficient. The waterjet cutting process was ideal for the parts that the U of M team required. All parts were cut from aluminum sheet stock to net shape or near net shape. Some parts required additional CNC milling work to be done. Because of Wolverine Machine’s extensive array of equipment, both the waterjet cutting and CNC milling could all be done under one roof. This allowed us to expedite the parts that the team needed and handle some last minute design changes. The high precision of the waterjet cutting machines at Wolverine Machine allowed us to cut the parts to the required tolerances with only minor CNC milling work required.
The U of M Solar Car Team will be displaying Infinium at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, which is open to the public from January 16-24. We would like to encourage all of you to check it out, and see how Wolverine Machine’s parts were used to fabricate this top-quality solar car. While there, be sure to wish the team best of luck in their upcoming race, in which we are confident they will once again win!
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