E CHO P RESS FRIDAY
C O M P O N E N T S for
Take a look inside the doors of these five area businesses to learn more about what they do and the role they play in the economic development of Douglas County.
SUCCESS
|
SEPTEMBER 6
| 2013 B1
index WASP ......................................B1 Lind-Rite Precision Company..B1 E. Arthur Brown Company ......B2 Thawzall..................................B4 Star Energy Services................B6
WASP
Total parts produced in 2012: 1,528,139 Total employees: 40
Busier than a bee By Crystal Dey cdey@echopress.com If you’ve ever flown or received a package, chances are your life has been directly impacted by Watkins Aircraft Support Products, Inc. (WASP). The company was founded in 1979 by Jim Watkins, a local dairy farmer and engineer. Watkins saw a need for ground support equipment for the aircraft industry. He rented a space in Alexandria and started creating. By 1982, a new WASP building was built in Glenwood, where the company is headquartered today. “WASP is a one-stop shop for equipment used to support aircraft on the tarmac,” explained Vice President of Finance Jeanne Kramer. “In 1985, package handling equipment was added.” Employees at WASP take particular pride and dedication in working for the company. They own it, afterall. In 1997, Watkins sold the company to his employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Kramer has been with the company for 26 years. She said there are a lot of long-term employees. The company’s president and CEO, Dane Anderson, joined WASP four years ago. Anderson, originally from Browerville, brings 30 years of manufacturing experience to WASP. “Being 100 percent employee owned is such a benefit to all our employees,” Kramer said. “That’s probably our greatest accomplishment.” WASP has grown to include three manufacturing sites in Glenwood and one in Falls City, Nebraska. Among the 275 employee-owners in Glenwood are: computer aided drafting operators, mechanical and electrical engineers, shipping and receiving staff, assemblers, fabricators, material handlers, painters, welders, quality assurance technicians, maintenance mechanics and office support staff. Many professionals on staff at WASP are graduates of Alexandria Technical and Community College. There are approximately 80 employees in the Nebraska plant. “We make it a point to get out and work in the shop,” Kramer said of the management staff. Three primary markets benefit from WASP production: non-powered aircraft ground support equipment, pack-
“Being 100 percent employee owned is such a benefit to all our employees.” Jeanne Kramer VP FINANCE, WASP
age conveyors and U.S. military trailers. Since its inception, WASP has distributed more than 100,000 pieces of equipment worldwide. The company mass produces products which keeps costs competitive and attracts revenue to West Central Minnesota. Craftsmen maintain an inventory of more than 6,000 different parts in the warehouse to support WASP equipment. Ninety percent of orders are shipped within 24 hours of receipt. Anderson said local companies like Alexandria Extrusion can help fulfill orders in a timely fashion. “We use local vendors as much as possible,” he said. “Our products are primarily American steel.” Anderson said people like working with WASP because product doesn’t have to be shipped across the ocean, which saves time, money and energy. WASP competes with fewer than 10 companies in the U.S. WASP B8
Lind-Rite Precision Company Committed to quality By Amy Chaffins achaffins@theosakisreview.com Lind-Rite Precision, Inc. is a precision machine shop located in Osakis that has been in operation since 1987. The company doesn’t build or manufacture its own product, rather it’s a “job shop.” Dan Kotek, LindRite Precision’s president, explained, “Whoever needs something machined comes to us and, most of the time, we can produce it. They come with a blueprint and Dan Kotek we make the part to PRESIDENT the print. “We machine a wide variety of materials from plastics, aluminum, brass, bronze, steel and stainless steel,” he explained. “We’re also known for machining tight tolerances and complex M. Morisette parts and we offer VICE PRESIDENT some light assembly.” The machined parts are used across the U.S. in medical, automotive, construction, aerospace, recreation, printing, electrical and agricultural industries.
COMMITMENT TO QUALITY
WASP employee Orris Gulbranson bends rollers for conveyors that are used in airports and package handling facilities. Top photo: Dan Forbrook designed WASP’s retractable welded steel telescoping loading conveyor.
Address: 20631 St. Hwy. 55, Glenwood, MN Phone: (320) 634-5126 Website: www.waspinc.com
“We guarantee our work,” Kotek said. “If it’s not made to specification, or made to print, we will fix it, guaranteed. We are very competitive in our pricing and we maintain customer satisfaction, as well as customer service, very well. I feel customer visits are very important. I like to visit customers often; it’s a value-added part of our business. I want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to meet or exceed our customers’ requirements and expectations.”
Tom McLaughlin used a caliper after machining a chuck face part for a printing press on the Haas VF455 Mill. Lind-Rite Precision’s ISO 9001-2008 registration is a demonstration of maintaining its tradition of high quality parts. The company offers statistical process controls, production part approval process and formal auditing criteria. All of this assures its customers will enjoy the highest quality control of their parts production. The company’s mission statement reiterates its commitment to quality:
“Our commitment is to deliver superior manufactured products with unprecedented service. Our outstanding quality, on-time delivery and high adaptability assist our customers in succeeding in their marketplace. We encourage and empower our people to reach their greatest potential, which allows us to provide our services at an exceptional value.” LIND-RITE B8
Address: 509 3rd Ave. E. Osakis, MN Phone: (320) 859-2070 Website: www.lindrite.com
R001959249
B2
extra
|
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
|
2013
ECHO PRESS
E. Arthur Brown Company Specializing in custom-accuracy By Eric Morken emorken@echopress.com The E. Arthur Brown Company has gone from a publisher of computer books in 1982 to a mail-order company that manufactures and supplies accurate guns and firearm products that reach customers all over the country today. For seven years, company president Eben Brown and his wife Jill tried to make a business selling computer products after moving to Alexandria from the Twin Cities area. “Everything I did in the computer business ended up an orphan,” Eben said. “I was getting tired of having to relearn something all the time.” Instead of giving up on running their own business, they simply changed course in 1989. Eben had a Lee 1000 Progressive Reloading Press that was supposed to make reloading one’s own ammunition fast and easy. Instead, Brown was having trouble getting his to work. The simple solution would have been to send it back, but he set out to fix the
issue. What he produced was a Lee 1000 tune-up kit that made small adjustments that he said solved a lot of problems. Others agreed as Brown was able to sell many of those kits. That innovation is still at the heart of what the E. Arthur Brown Company does today in helping customers try to achieve the greatest accuracy possible through custom-made rifles and pistols and the products and accessories to fit their firearm and reloading needs.
WHAT THEY DO The Lee 1000 tune-up kit was produced in the Browns’ basement. That’s where the company started. Today, they operate out of a building in Garfield and employ 12 people, including the Browns themselves. They also have 180 investors who are counting on the company to grow into the future. Eben describes it as a mail-order business that also does manufacturing. He estimates they have around 40,000 recent customers. With no showroom, they rely on a catalog and their website to show their products and process
Below: E. Arthur Brown president Eben Brown goes over some of the ammunition accesories they have for reloading in the shop in Garfield. Upper right: Brown and shop manager Royce Roers show a couple of their custom-made 97D rifles.
“They will appreciate the work that goes into that and the accuracy that you achieve out of it and how simple it is to use.” Royce Roers, MACHINIST most of their orders. The Internet has helped them come a long way from the days of working in the Browns’ basement. “There were times when $16,000 in a month was pretty good,” Eben said. “Now we’ve had days when we’re close to $30,000 in a day.” E. Arthur Brown sells reloading and ammunition supplies, along with accessories for popular guns from names like Ruger, Thompson Center, Remington and Savage. Much of what they sell is custom made with one thing in mind – help produce the most accurate firearm possible. Their custom barrels, stocks, sights, scopes and scope mounts are just a few of the products they make with the highest of accuracy standards. “Everything we’re geared toward is custom-accuracy oriented products,” machinist and shop manager Royce Roers said. “Something that’s better than the factory. We’re doing custom barrels and it’s something that the customer wants and fits their needs. We put on that extra touch and make it a better product.”
THE 97D RIFLE One of the products that they are most proud of is their custom-made 97D rifles. They first produced their BF handguns in the early 1990s, which are designed to deliver optimal long-range power and accuracy. From there came their first rifle that they introduced in 1997 known as the Model 97. This was followed by the 97D, which is a small frame, single-shot rifle that’s versatile enough to be used for big game as well as small game. “That’s kind of our flagship,” Brown said of the rifle. “We don’t make all that many of them, but what we make are really nice. I’m very proud of them.” Roers said they produce about 200 of the 97D rifles annually. All the metal work is done on site in Garfield with their wood stocks being custom made for them. The end result is a gun with an elegant look, made to be superbly accurate with little recoil that is easy to carry in the field. The standard model sells for $999.
E. Arthur Brown has an estimated 40,000 recent mail-order customers all over the United States.
Address: 4088 County Road 40 NW, Garfield, MN Phone: (320) 834-3000 Website: www.eabco.com
l l i t SHOPROP UD
WE’RE COMMITTED TO YOU. As a true partner, we can help with all of your financial needs!
3015 3 015 H Hwy. wy. 29 S, Alexandria
Wi-Fi Hot Spots Available! Hours: M-F 10am-9pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm
Shop more than 30 stores in comfort!
Online Banking ng | Lending Products | Personal & Business Checking
R001950170
R001959365_093
R001959365
Made Fresh Daily!
PETE’S SOUTHSIDE DELI Every Gathering. Every Event. Everyday Low Prices. Daily Lunch Specials • Fried Chicken • Entrées • Meat & Cheese Trays •Olive Bar Large Selection of Salads • Fresh Deli Meats • Soups • Rotisserie Chickens •Many Types of Cheese • Take-N-Bake Pizzas • Build Your Own Salad Bar
PLUS SO MUCH MORE!
We Also Do Catering...No Job Too Small or Too Large! Call Ryan or any of the Southside Deli Staff at 762-1158 or email ryans@petescountymarket.com. Scchedule an appointment to tastee our our food food or request req quest a menu. meenu. Schedule
Hwy. 29, Midway Mall, Alexandria 320.762.1158
Visit our website at: www.petescountymarket.com SERVICES: Gift
Email: info@petescountymarket.com
Cards • Online Shopping • Lottery • Fax • Carpet Cleaners • Money Orders • Postage • Film Processing
We cheerfully accept WIC vouchers and EBT cards. Locally Owned & Operated for 74 years. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographic or pictorial errors R0019595000
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
| 2013
ECHO PRESS
|
extra
B3
“There were times when $16,000 in a month was pretty good, Now we’ve had days when we’re close to $30,000 in a day.� “I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be the same size as Cabela’s at some point.�
Eben Brown, PRESIDENT
Top: One of the company’s custom-made pistols is on display near the front desk. Left: Gunsmith Ken Noordmans puts the final assembly on some of the custom barrels that E. Arthur Brown makes for a Thompson Center firearm. Above, shop manager Royce Roers cuts some of the barrels. “It’s a unique rifle,� Roers said. “It’s for someone who’s into nice firearms. They will appreciate the work that goes into that and the accuracy that you achieve out of it and how simple it is to use.�
BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE The company has already come a long way since getting its start more than 20 years ago, but it is hardly content with where it’s at.
“I have shareholders and I am obligated to make it grow,� Eben said. “I don’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be the same size as Cabela’s at some point. I don’t know if we will have retail stores like Cabela’s because that’s a whole different thing. But the biggest company in mail order right now I think is Midway USA and they are all mail order. I see us going in that direction.�
When real estate changes hands, We make sure the hand-off is easy! Locally owned and operated abstracting, title insurance and closing company. Providing quality products and services to our customers for over 20 years!
Brown knows the key to growth is not just copying what others do but figuring out what it is that they do better than the competition. One thing he says they have identified is that they know the ins and outs of what they are selling. That helps them in manufacturing and also in answering a customer’s questions. It’s that knowledge that will lead them into what they believe is a bright future.
“It’s endless,� Roers said of the company’s potential. “I’ve seen it from the basement where it was just the two of us to what we have now. It takes time if you want to do it right. You have to make sure you don’t take risks that are unnecessary, but as long as we keep producing and bringing in new products, innovating, they all started somewhere. That’s all our hopes too. We want to keep growing.�
ACCURATE GUNS, BARRELS, SCOPES, RELOADING & MORE
EABCO.COM
330th 0th An Annni niver verrsary sary! 5XJHU 7& (QFRUH 6DYDJH $5 0RGHO ' 0X]]OH %UDNHV 5XJHU 3LVWROV
:H DSSUHFLDWH RXU OR\DO FXVWRPHUV DQG SODQ WR NHHS RQ VHUYLQJ H[FHOOHQW SURGXFWV DQG VHUYLFHV 1804 So. Broadway, Suite 140 Alexandria • 320-763-6858 • Mon.-Fri. 8am-4:30pm
R001616601
‡ *DU¿HOG 01
extra
|
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
|
2013
ECHO PRESS
“Our main focus is to sell quality, fuel-efficient rental-store-friendly portable heaters and to support our customer base with 24/7 technical support.”
Thawzall
B4
David Reller THAWZALL GENERAL MANAGER
Turning up the heat By Tara Bitzan tbitzan@echopress.com Anyone working in Minnesota knows that the window of opportunity for outdoor work could quickly slam shut for up to four months each year. But one local company has made it possible for businesses that rely on outdoor work to extend their seasons year-round. Thawzall, LLC of Alexandria manufactures versatile, self-contained, conveniently portable ground frost David Reller GENERAL MANAGER removal systems and accessories designed to efficiently and cost-effectively thaw frozen ground, cure concrete, and provide temporary heat to winter jobsites.
HOW IT BEGAN The idea for a portable hydronic heating system was conceived by Jerome Jakobson, an Alexandria plumber, in 1996 to help a contractor friend who was behind schedule when the winter freeze hit.
His goal was to develop a system to thaw frozen ground and to cure concrete in the winter months. Jakobson produced hundreds of prototypes, developing his system using a low-pressure, closed-loop system. He eventually sold his plumbing business and obtained a patent in 1999 for a model with a manifold fluid distribution system that featured quick disconnects and multiple heat zones. The business, known as T.H.E. Machine Company, was relocated to Glenwood for a time. In 2007, Jakobson sold the business to five Alexandria investors. The name was changed to Thawzall, LLC and the business was moved back to Alexandria in 2012. The company currently employs about 20 people.
became popular with the oil and gas industry. “It took little fuel to deliver a lot of heat,” Reller explained. He added that Thawzall’s products are still available to the smaller contractors trying to complete basements, driveways and do ground thaw during the cold weather months, but noted that the demand has grown in the much larger project areas. Thawzall technology is popular among road and bridge contractors and for use on airport runways. It has also been used heavily in Al-
berta’s Oil Sands in Canada, where the company does a considerable amount of business. But the main customer of Thawzall is the large rental stores. The product prices often make them off-limits to smaller contractors, and larger contractors would rather rent the equipment as needed and not have to worry about regular maintenance, which makes the rental option quite attractive. After a few years of use, the rental companies then offer the equipment to contractors at a reduced price.
EVOLVING PRODUCT LINES While the original product was designed for the general contractor, the company’s product line has evolved over the years to overcome economic shifts and demand. “In 2008 and ’09 the bank and construction industry crashed and we needed to shift gears and invest in new technology,” said David Reller, Thawzall’s general manager. The result was a portable, extremely efficient, flameless heater. The product
R001953151
Address: 104 Donovan Drive, Alexandria, MN Phone: (320) 759-1588 Website: www.thawzall.com
Big service. Small hassle. Does your business bank go above and beyond to meet your needs? We do. Bremer business bankers take the time to understand your business, and your unique needs. Then we work with you to provide individualized solutions. And you’ll discover that working with us is a breeze. So talk with a local Bremer banker. It could be the start of something big.
Mission, To provide fuel efficient, rental-store friendly portable heaters and provide 24/7 technical support via our toll free number Vision, To become a world class manufacturing company where our employees feel proud of their achievements TCH250 is a new model portable hydronic (glycol) thaw, cure, heat heater.
The big small bank.
H1350 is a 1.35 million Btu flameless heater used in the oil/ gas markets where open flames are prohibitive.
Alexandria Downtown • 763-6622 Alexandria South • 762-3716 800-908-BANK (2265) Bremer.com Member FDIC. © 2013 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.
Thawzall is glad to be a part of the Alexandria Community!
The area’s Largest full-service Super Market. ~ Fresh Baked Bakery ~ Largest variety of Natural/Organic foods ~ Deli, large selection of lunch meats, salads & imported cheeses ~ Best Olive Bar in Alexandria ~ Largest variety of Fresh Produce
R001959209
~ Creekstone Farms Black Angus Beef, Smokehouse specialty meats, Amish All Natural Chickens
Open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week! 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com | Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria
~ Full FTD floral department with expert designers on staff
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
| 2013
ECHO PRESS
|
extra
B5
SUCCESS STORIES • Despite the coldest winter since 1879, the Gopher stadium project in Minneapolis realized savings of $1,000 a day due to lower fuel consumption utilizing Thawzall equipment. • Thawzall was used on a SuperTarget construction site in St. Paul, and thawed 83,000 square feet in one layout (the largest thaw in the world). • A Twin Cities metro project required thawing of a frozen water leaching system at a dump site. Because of methane gas, an open flame was not tolerated. Thawzall was brought in and the project was completed without incident in five days. • Thawzall has been used to thaw ice dams on flat roofs, warm concrete to prepare for epoxy coating, clean up an accident site when a truck carrying petroleum products crashed into a frozen lake, and thaw 18 feet of frost so that the Olympic hockey rink in Colorado Springs could be repaired. “Our main focus is to sell quality, fuel-efficient rentalstore-friendly portable heaters and to support our customer base with 24/7 technical support,” Reller said. The company’s foresight and willingness to transform with the economy and demand has made it one of the top two U.S. companies in production of heating systems. Assorted models of Thawzall machines are currently in service all over the world.
THE PRODUCTS Thawzall offers five models of hydronic heaters for use in smaller residential foundations to large-scale national construction projects. The heaters can thaw from 2,400 to 12,000 square feet of frozen ground at one time.
For curing applications, the smallest model can cure up to 6,000 square feet, while the double boiler model can cure up to 36,000 square feet of concrete. The Xtreme Heat model provides more than 1 million BTUs of useable heat. All of the units can be hauled by a three-quarter-ton truck. All products are created with safety and efficiency in mind, as illustrated by the low pressure operation, flameless heat and ease of use in the quick disconnect, multi-zone manifold fluid distribution system that ensures the BTUs contained in the heating fluid reach their intended destination in the most efficient manner possible. The company also offers a variety of accessories, including a concrete curing station, a remote manifold, unit heaters and hose reel assemblies.
Pictured is one of Thawzall’s flameless heating units. The units are designed and manufactured at the Thawzall shop in Alexandria. It takes approximately six weeks to build a unit like this.
HOW IT WORKS Thawzall’s HEATZONE™ technology is an innovative, patented, portable heat distribution system similar to in-floor heat zones installed in homes and buildings. Temperatures across the area to be heated are accurately controlled and heat is uniformly distributed by circulating heated fluid through hose connected to
Thawzall’s heat distribution system. Fully contained units use a boiler system to heat a biodegradable, environmentally safe propylene glycol mixture, which is circulated through the industrial hydronic hose. The zone system is flexible and delivers heat more evenly and efficiently, regardless of temperature.
The closed loop circulation system is safer to operate, efficient, easier to maintain and cost effective, using less fuel to maintain even pressure and thawing. The equipment runs on one 20-amp 110 outlet, and the company offers 24-hour technical and application support.
Above: Matt Anderson and Eric Larson work in the shop at Thawzall in Alexandria. The company was relocated back to Alexandria in 2012 after operating in Glenwood for a time. Opposite page:Steven Dilly (right), drafter, goes over some specifications with employee Steve Anderson.
Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission
YOUR FIRST STOP FOR: • Business Planning • Site Selection Assistance • Financial Packaging • Commercial Tax Incentives • Demographic Information • Revolving Loan Funds • Community Stewardship
AAEDC 610 Fillmore St, Suite 1 • Alexandria, MN • 56308 Phone: (320) 763-4545 • Fax: (320) 763-4457 aaedc@rea-alp.com • www.alexmn.org R001960499
extra
|
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
|
2013
ECHO PRESS
STAR Energy Services, LLC Stars at what they do By Al Edenloff aedenloff@echopress.com You could say that those who work out of the nifty new building at 6875 County Road 28 SW Alexandria are “stars� at what they do. They help cooperatives figure out how to save on electrical costs and offer expert, technical advice in a variety of other areas as well. They are STAR Energy Services, LLC, and their corporate office is based right here in Alexandria. Their services include electrical engineering, electrical testing, inspections, computer technology, geographic information systems or mapping, safety coordination and software development. The company formed in 1997 although the need for its expertise began in the early 1980s when cooperatives were searching for ways to reduce costs. Runestone Electric Association, Agralite Electric Cooperative and Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative began sharing an electrical engineer, stray voltage testing services and high-volume equipment purchasing. That made a lot more sense than each cooperative finding its own consultant or contractor. STAR Energy filled all of their needs.
Soon, Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association joined STAR and others quickly followed. Today, STAR has 30 employees who provide services to more than 50 clients in Minnesota, Iowa andWisconsin. They hope to add North and South Dakota to their territory also. The company has annual revenues of more than $3.5 million. That’s significant growth from a company that started with just two employees 16 years ago. “In a nutshell, the main thing we do is planning,� said Al Haman, CEO and principal engineer of STAR Energy. The company analyzes and forecasts electrical loads. Using computer simulations, it examines the flow of electricity through power lines. It keeps track of where new homes, businesses and powerlines are being built and how that will affect the electrical grid. They test electrical equipment and meters. They develop and update computerized mapping systems that show, level by level, where every power pole is, even where every meter is. “There are 400,000 unique points of data,� Haman noted. “It’s a very big data base.� STAR Energy also supports the day-to-day operations of the cooperatives’ linemen. A safety coordinator meets with the cooperatives weekly. The company also helps with OSHA investigations.
“In a nutshell, the main thing we do is planning.� Al Haman
STAR ENERGY IS NOT REA
STAR ENERGY CEO
Because they’re located next to each other, STAR Energy Services, LLC and Runestone Electric Association are sometimes perceived as the same entity. They’re not. The two have shared similar locations, however. When STAR began, it leased space from REA’s downtown office. Then when REA added a warehouse at its site along County Road 28, STAR moved to that location and leased space there. STAR quickly outgrew the space – it was designed for five employees and the company now has 13. It built a new facility nearby that was finished this past July.
Al Haman is the CEO and principal engineer for STAR Energy Services. He’s been with the company since 1999.
Address: 6875 Country Road 28 SW, Suite 2, Alexandria, MN Phone: (320) 762-1697 Website: www.star-energy.com
A L E X A N D R I A T E C H N I C A L & C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E
SERVING: DOUGLAS, POPE, TODD, OTTER TAIL, STEARNS & GRANT COUNTIES
•RESIDENTIAL •COMMERCIAL •INDUSTRIAL •AGRICULTURAL •CONSTRUCTION ONSTRUCTION
Sunda y,
Octobe r 27 2 013, 1 -4 p.m m. Cam
pus W ide
• 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • COMPETITIVE PRICING • PAYMENT PLANS • FOUR DELIVERY TRUCKS • CONTRACTING PROGRAMS
O‍פ‏n HH a us t t t s u t‍ ה‏r t th st c rs, t‍ ה‏st !" #d $% e$%&nt, #d ďŹ ' t (i )r *th +sts u. u. +sts ll 4 -l /012s ss8om #d th 56 c nst:;Đžs b a+a 9 @ g. a=0ab> ?
Experience the Cenex Difference!
320-763-6557 • 800-862-8936 1705 S. Broadway • Alexandria
PLAN TO
ATTEND
No pre-registration is required for this event. For more information, please visit the event site at:
www.alextech.edu/OpenHouse
XXX BMFYUFDI FEV t t t +FGGFSTPO 4USFFU "MFYBOESJB ./ t " .FNCFS PG .JOOFTPUB 4UBUF $PMMFHFT 6OJWFSTJUJFT TZTUFN "O &RVBM 0QQPSUVOJUZ &NQMPZFS &EVDBUPS t 5IJT EPDVNFOU JT BWBJMBCMF JO BMUFSOBUJWF GPSNBUT CZ DBMMJOH FYU PS
t 1.
t 1.
Ask for “Lane� or “Dewey�
R001614548
B6
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
| 2013
ECHO PRESS
|
extra
B7
A stained glass image of the STAR Energy logo, designed by an employee, adorns a wall at the company’s office at 6875 County Road 28 SW, Alexandria. What does the future hold for STAR Energy? Haman said the company will strive to grow its non-owner revenue, those that aren’t part of the cooperatives. That means working more with alternative energy systems such as solar power and wind turbines. It won’t be selling or installing the systems, Haman said, but it will help coordinate how these new emerging technologies will integrate with the electrical system, making it more stable and affordable. No matter what exciting direction the electrical industry takes in the future, it’s a safe bet that STAR Energy will be plugged right into it, offering advice and guidance from its staff of stars.
A map shows the footprint of STAR Energy Services and the cooperatives it works with to lower costs and increase efficiencies. It serves more than 50 clients in Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Hillary Bjorstrom, a geographic information systems specialist, has worked for STAR Energy Services since 2007.
Electrical engineer James Pachan talked with a client on the phone. He’s been with the company since 2008. STAR Energy employs 30 workers.
Proud neighbor and owner of STAR Energy Services Looking out for you with reliable electricity, superior customer service and innovative energy solutions
licensed|bonded|insured|established 1998
PLUMBING/INFLOOR HTG
LLC
• Residential • Remodel • Light Commercial • Hydronic Radiant Floor Heat
6875 Co Rd 28 SW, Alexandria, MN 762-1121 800-473-1722 www.runestoneelectric.com
Off-Peak Rates From
Ron Wagner
Ryan Wagner
320-834-6234|320-760-5818|brandon, mn
R001783488
R001783294
Becoming an electrical engineer is no easy task. After earning a bachelor’s degree, electrical engineers must pass a fundamentals of engineering test. Then, they work for four or five years under the guidance of an accomplished engineer. After that, they apply for a professional exam and once they pass, they’re finally registered and assigned a number. But it doesn’t end there. They must also keep their license current by fulfilling continuing education requirements. As technology evolves and “smart grid” policy changes, there are always new things to learn, Haman noted.
extra
|
FRIDAY
|
SEPTEMBER 6
|
2013
ECHO PRESS The parts machined at Lind-Rite Precision are used across the U.S. in medical, automotive, construction, aerospace, recreation, printing, electrical and agricultural industries. The company machines plastics, aluminum, brass, bronze, steel and stainless steel. Last year, the company machined 1,528,139 parts.
WASP PROGRESSION 1979 - Founded by Jim Watkins in Alexandria 1983 - New building built in Glenwood 1985 - Package handling equipment added 1997 - Watkins sells company to employees 2001 - Conveyor building added to Glenwood site 2002 - U.S. military trailer production
WASP
from
Metals used in WASP products are precision laser and plasma cut to reduce the amount of wasted product. Portions leftover are recycled and reused.
B1
PRODUCT LINES WASP conveyors and catwalks are used to sort packages in a multi-level UPS sorting facility in Louisville, Kentucky. Boxes are scanned on all six sides and separated into proper distribution lanes. An automated network of welded steel telescoping loading conveyors saves on back-and-forth manpower and time. Dan Forbrook, nine-year employee with WASP, helped design the telescoping conveyor. WASP also manufactures crew and passenger staircases, baggage carts, military trailers and support parts for each product. Not only does the company create the hardware, they make it pretty too. Components hang to cure in an electrostatically-charged powder coating room at one of the manufacturing facilities in Glenwood. A rainbow of paint colors flow through a paint gun that adds a positive charge to the powder paint. It adheres to negatively charged steel and is finished with a blast of 400 degree heat. Hawaiian Airlines selected an intense purple color for some of its products. Anderson said the shades come in wacky
names like Charlie Brown. A bit of pizzaz in an otherwise usual warehouse scene. A bright yellow hue is blasted onto cargo dollies that are used to transport crates containing luggage and supplies to the plane. Scissor lifts lower the containers from the belly of a plane onto the dolly. From there, cargo makes its way to sorting facilities.
FUTURE ENDEAVORS Anderson said the company is adding jobs and has high goals for the future. By 2015 the goal is to become a $100 million company. Aiming toward that, the company has added a new product line. In 2002, WASP designed and tested a trailer certified for nuclear missile transport that is used by U.S. military. “We saw a huge decrease [in sales] after 9/11,” Kramer said. “A lot of airlines terminated purchase agreements.” She added that the company is coming back from that loss. “With the government sequestration, there’s not a lot of military buying going on,” Kramer said. “The added product line will help broaden the company’s growth and diversity.”
“We use local vendors as much as possible.” Dane Anderson,
PRESIDENT/CEO, WASP
LIND-RITE TIMELINE LIND-RITE
from
B1
CAPABILITIES AND SPECIALTIES Lind-Rite Precision’s machining capabilities include: CNC Vertical Machining Centers, CNC Turning Centers, CNC Swiss Turning Centers, Multi-Spindle Automatic Screw Machines and Single Spindle Screw Machines. However, the company specializes in Swiss Machining. These machines are designed to turn small, complex, precision parts. Unlike conventional lathes where the part is stationary and the tool moves, a Swiss-type turning center allows the part to move and the tool is stationary. Swiss Machines also have a sub spindle, which allows machining from both ends of the part at the same time. “This decreases the cycle time, which saves us time and saves our customers money,” Kotek said. Swiss machining allows for multiple operations and closer tolerances, which means greater accuracy. It’s an area of machining that Lind-Rite Precision owners intend to expand. Lind-Rite Precision now uses a new parts inspection tool – the Micro-Vu Sol Measurement System. The Sol provides a versatile solution for precision part inspection. It significantly reduces inspection times and increases inspection capabilities. The Sol features one-micron resolution scales and software that includes automated edge and focus detection, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, and reporting.
NEW OWNERS Lind-Rite Precision was started in Alexandria in 1987 by former owners Jeff Lindner and the late Rodney Femrite. The business was moved to Osakis in 1994 and expanded to a 22,500-square foot building in the Osakis Industrial Park in 2006. Employees Dan Kotek and Marilyne Morisette, along with their spouses
Left: A metal worker welds in the WASP warehouse. Above: WASP designed a trailer used to transport nuclear missiles.
FFICIENT PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIAL TITLE NSURANCE CONVENIENT AFFORDABLE REAL ESTATE LOSING INDUSTRY LEADER STRONG INNOVATIVE XPERIENCED FAMILY-OWNED TRUSTWORTHY EFFICIENT the ROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIAL TITLE INSUor RAN CE personal ONVENIENT AFFORDABLE REAL ESTATE CLOStouch... I NG NDUSTRY LEADER STRONG G INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCEED AMILY-OWNED TRUSTW WORTHY EFFICIENT PROFESSfor IONthe AL feeling ONFIDENTIAL TITLE INSURANCE CONVENIEN N yyou oTu ccan an tru ust... trust... FFORDABLE REAL ESTA ATE CLOSING INDU USTR STR ST RY EADER STRONG INNOVAT TIVE EXPERIENOur CEDfullFservice AMILYtitle - company WNED TRUSTWORTHY EFFICIENT PisROFESSIONAL committed to: ONFIDENTIAL TITLE INSURANCE CONVENIENT • Fast, Quality Service FFORDABLE REAL ESTATE CLOSING INDUSTRY LEADER • Unbiased Representation for any of your Title Needs TRONG INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCED FAMILY-O OWNED • RUSTWORTHY EFFICIENT PROFESSIONAL CONFIDENStaying TIALCurrent with Title Technology T hnology & Information Informattion TLE INSURANCE CONVENIENT AFFORDABLE REAL AL TATE CLOSING INDUSTRY LEADER STRONG INNOVATIVE XPERIENCED FAMILY-OWNED TRUSTWORTHY EFFICIENT ROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIAL TITLE INSURANC CE ONVENIENT AFFORDABLE REAL ESTATEE CLOSING NDUSTRY LEADER STRONG INNOVATIVE EXPERIENCED AMILY-OW WN NED TRUSTWORTHY EFFIC FICIENT T PROFESSIONAL ONFIDENTIAL TITLE INSURANCE CONVENIENT FFORDABLE REAL ESTATE CLOSI117 NG 7th IN ND USTRYEast, LEADER Avenue Alexandria, MN “Your full service title company serving TRON G I N N O V A T I V E EX X P E R I E N C E D F A M I L Y -O O WNED (320) 763-3426 | Fax: (320) 762-2455 Douglas & Pope Counties for over 45 years years.” s” RUSTWORTHY EFFICIEN FFICIENT NT PPR ROFESSIONAL CONFIDENTIAL TLE INSURANCE CONVENIENT AFFORDABLE REAL
1987 - Started in Alexandria 1994 - Moved to Osakis 2006 - Completed expansion; moved to Osakis Industrial Park 2012 - New ownership and added equipment 2012 - Named Tri-State Manufacturers’ Association Member of the Year
Paul Backes, quality control manager at Lind-Rite Precision Company, checked a part on the new Micro-Vu Sol Measurement System. Stacey Kotek and Albert Morisette, purchased the business in September 2012. Dan is the company’s president overseeing all operations, including sales, customer service and estimating. Marilyne is vice-president and oversees financing, human resources, purchasing and office management. Lind-Rite Precision employs 40 people at its Osakis facility. Kotek said, “Even though we’re a small company, we can still offer quality services to our customers.” Morisette added that owning and operating a small business in a small town has been a blessing because their business is Christian-based and family-centered. Kotek added, “Even though Lind-Rite Precision has grown throughout the years, we want to continue to look for new opportunities, whether it is new customers or new parts.” Check out the company in action at www.youtube.com/watch.
• CNC Milling • CNC Turning • Swiss Turning • Secondary Operations • Light Assembly Capabilities • Long and Short Production Runs BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT
Paul Backes QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER Dan Kotek PRESIDENT Jason Olson SWISS MACHINING DEPARTMENT MANAGER FRONT ROW LEFT TO RIGHT
Marilyne Morisette VICE PRESIDENT Kyle Germundson SHIPPING/RECEIVING MANAGER
R001954623
B8
R001785450 R00 00178545
If It’s Insurance, We Write It! s an independent agency, we tailor the best insurance protection at competitive prices. We represent only the finest insurance companies, like Auto-Owners Insurance, The “No Problem” People.® Ask us about the many other advantages of doing business with Larson Insurance, an independent insurance agency.
A
Larson Insurance “For all your insurance needs.” 415 Broadway, Alexandria
|
Fergus Falls
320-763-6916 | 877-429-6916 www.larsoninsurance.com
Left to Right: (Back Row) Cami Schwantz, Mickey Larson, Shari Lohse, Chuck Bokinskie, Julie Lenarz, Missy Kranz, Tracey Krueger. (Front Row) Cheryle Larson, Jamie Larson, Myron Larson, Jillian Loveland. R001613533