Industrial Edition

Page 1

The Sanford Herald

10

trends for

10

:: The 2010 Industrial Edition ::

1

lean manufacturing

Though it’s not particularly new, the strategy of eliminating wasted work and unnecessary financial costs continues to drive industry here and around the world. The concept of lean manufacturing covers a lot of ground — including quality programs, the drive to reduce inventory and an increased emphasis on preventative machine maintenance. GKN Precision Forming, which forges auto parts, has been so successful with lean manufacturing that it recently was able to move a new product from initial design into production in just six months.

2

rebirth of textiles

What a difference one year can make. Last September, local textiles seemed to be unraveling. Parkdale America had already closed its Sanford yarn operation and Hanesbrands was announcing its intention to do the same, together pulling 240 jobs from the workforce. Since then, Parkdale has reopened with a new, $7 million investment in high-tech equipment and expects eventually to employ about 120 people. Not to be outdone, Frontier Spinning Mills embarked on an expansion of its own, adding $15.5 million worth of yarn spinning equipment and 45 more employees — raising its total in Sanford to 460.

3 green industry

Sustainability. Environmental stewardship. Call it what you wish, but everyone seems to be going “green.” Some examples are obvious. Noble Oil and Lee Iron and Metal have been leading recyclers for years, and it’s hard to find a company that’s not working to eliminate waste, improve the environment or construct buildings under guidelines from the U.S. Green Building Council. Some area manufacturers are particularly innovative. Pfizer, for one, employs reverse osmosis to reuse water, introduced biodegradable tableware made from sugar and corn into its café and is pursuing many projects to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

for 10 10 trends

section

C Thursday

September 23, 2010

About the Edition

It’s no secret that industry is in a constant state of change. With the pressure of global competition and new technology constantly emerging, companies are either changing or dying. There is no “status quo.” Some outdated ideas of manufacturing die hard. You still hear some people deride industry as a dead-end working environment — a place where unskilled people labor for poor pay and no real chance for a better life. If that kind of plant exists at all any more, it’s the very tiny exception to a very large rule. Modern companies rely on high-tech equipment and talented people to use it, and jobs in the sector pay well compared to others.

That kind of environment means industry is always transforming. What happened decades ago is not happening today. In fact, what happened last year may not be either. “10 Trends for 10,” this year’s Industrial Edition, takes a look at where local manufacturing is heading right now. We started by asking company leaders, economic development officials and anyone who wanted to contribute for their insights. Then, we took a look at what success area companies have had and distilled it all into a very brief look at industrial trends. But read it quickly. At the speed of business, the list could be far different next year.

:: The Index :: n Lean Manufacturing n Rebirth of Textiles

.......................................... 1C

................................................. 1C

n Green Industry ......................................................... 1C n Lee County Overview .......................................... 2C n Central Carolina Community College n GKN Precision Forming

..

2C

.................................

4C

n Static Control Components

.........................

n Magneti Marelli Powertrain USA n Saiden Technologies

5C

............

6C

........................................

8C

n Pentair Water Pool and Spa n Olivia Machine and Tool

........................

............................

9C

10C

Industry 2010

2C / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Lee: Trends buck ‘common wisdom’ From Lee County Economic Development Corp.

M

anufacturing is gone from the United States and will never come back again. It’s something we’ve heard consistently for a while now, and it simply isn’t true. Obviously, many companies and some entire industries have taken a hit in recent years. But like most generalizations, there are nuances and exceptions in the “common wisdom” about manufacturing that don’t generate such provocative headlines. Judging from labor statistics and recent trends, Lee County may be one of those exceptions. Manufacturing accounted for 34 percent of the local workforce when the most recent figures were published. That number was down slightly from the 37 to 39 percent logged over a few years before, but still accounts for a strong sector — especially when you consider how hard manufacturing was hit by the Great Recession. Events in the news actually paint the picture of an industrial sector that’s holding its own, if not getting stronger. The most visible example came in August, when Gov. Bev Perdue visited Sanford to announce a major expansion at Caterpillar’s facility in the Lee County Industrial Park. The $28.3 million investment is projected to create 325 jobs over the next four years and attract at least one related business with another 160 jobs to Sanford. Static Control Components has been expanding for months, boosting its employment roll by 85 people last year and probably by a total of 500 over the next year or two. Even the beleaguered textile industry took a giant leap forward at Frontier Spinning Mills and Parkdale America, two local companies using high-tech equipment to produce yarn. Parkdale made the most dramatic reversal, actually reopening a facility it closed last spring and expecting to employ about 120 people when production returns full throttle. Frontier added $15.5 million in new equipment and 45 employees to remain vibrant in a competitive business. Perhaps most surprising to casual

observers is the fact that some of the migration overseas has been reversed with Trion continuing to bring production lines back from Asia to its growing operation along U.S. Highway 421. Despite the global economic turmoil, Bob Heuts, director of Lee County Economic Development, is optimistic about the future of local industry. “It’s been a rough ride while the economy goes through a significant transformation, but we’re fortunate to have a large group of world-class manufacturers working here,” he says. “Our companies have been successful because they’ve done what they needed to do. We live in an environment of constant change, and you can’t get comfortable with anything anymore.” Heuts credits local business leaders for “focusing like a laser beam” on what they can do to be better today than yesterday. That’s not a cliche, he insists. Many companies literally assemble their leaders each morning to see what they can do to create a more competitive and profitable operation. Taking full advantage of emerging technology and helping employees develop a broader set of skills help local companies adapt to whatever twists and turns they may encounter. Heuts says that Central Carolina Community College is a key piece of the puzzle, too, by providing customized industrial training and Career Readiness Certification, one way of helping workers develop essential job skills and demonstrate their competence to employers. “What people may not realize is that our college has had to adapt just like the industries,” Heuts says. “If you look at its structure today, compared to what it was years ago, you can see the change. It has everything to do with preparing our companies and people for the future — and that’s what will keep us strong.” There’s still more to do. Heuts mentions several local initiatives on the drawing board. Continuing to develop the Lee County Industrial Park, he says, is essential so companies looking to relocate can act quickly. Having a range of available building types and shovelready sites is more important than ever

See Lee, Page 11C

CCCC adapts to meet new challenges By KATHERINE MCDONALD News & Feature Writer Central Carolina Community College

S

ANFORD — Industries are taking a closer look at how they do business in these changing economic times, and Central Carolina Community College has expanded its services to help industry adapt to the new challenges. “The college is a leading force for economic development in its service area,” said college president Bud Marchant. “Using our educational resources to partner with industry strengthens industry itself, the people it employs and the whole community.” The college’s Economic and Community Development Division brings together departments that collaborate to provide a wide range of industry support and workforce training. “Our goal is seamless, relevant services that quickly meet the needs of businesses and industries in our area,” said Stelfanie Williams, vice president of the division. As industries adjust to the new economic realities, certain trends have come to the forefront. “In response to these trends, the college is not doing anything new or different — there’s just more collaboration and emphasis in specific areas,” said Cathy Swindell, CCCC’s director of industry services. “Our role is to provide business and industry with whatever they need to get them along the development path.”

Marchant

Williams

The college has stepped forward to meet a number of emerging trends: n Increased demand for Lean Six Sigma training. Companies of all kinds have been interested in the college’s program teaching a process of analysis and improvement that can help companies trim costs and deliver better services and a consistent product. Companies are looking at their existing resources, according to Swindell, and determining how to make the best use of them. n Employee deSwindell velopment in the organization. Swindell says developing employees internally for more responsible positions is one of the biggest things she’s asked about. “Employees already know the compa-

CCCC conducts a training session in Six Sigma, a popular management approach designed to eliminate errors and improve quality in a wide range of business

Gov. Bev Perdue speaks during Caterpillar’s expansion announcement on Aug. 5 in Sanford. The company is adding jobs to its operation in the Lee County Industrial ny,” she explains. “It’s better for them costs and order turn-around times. It and the organization as a whole.” also allows for more efficient workn Use of Career Readiness Certificaforce training through the college. n Competition in a global martion. Industry Services and Human Resources Development are workketplace. Because many industries ing together to use Career Readiness want to sell their products globally, Certification assessments. Industry the college established its Confucius Services can develop job skill profiles Classroom, offering Mandarin Chinese for specific positions within client instruction and encouraging cultural companies, so any job applicant can and business travel between its service take the specific test for that job and area and China. n Rebirth of local textiles. The area company. n Demand for is seeing the beginning of an expansion e-training. With ‘The college’s workforce training in textiles, a change Economic and through the Internet largely due to autoCommunity mation supported by in greater demand, Industry Services and workforce training Development Division through the college. the Distance Educabrings together n Military-related tion Department are working together to business expansion. departments that expand resources The federal Base collaborate to available to compaRealignment and nies. provide a wide range of Closure initiative n Training within is bringing a major industry support and industry clusters. A influx of military workforce training.’ cluster, or group, of programs and persimilar industries sonnel to the region around Fort Bragg. can have similar workforce training needs. County CCCC is an active partner in preparing economic development organizations the workforce for the industries that will serve that growth. and industry clusters determine their n Growth of the green economy. An workforce training needs and the colemphasis on using sustainable natural lege provides it. n More localized supply lines and resources for construction, fuel, food and other needs has been assisted by customer bases. Many companies college training programs targeted at are localizing their supply lines and expanding industries in this economy. customer bases to cut transportation

Industry 2010 xxxxxxx

The Sanford Herald / Thursday, September 24, 23, 2009 2010 / XX 3C

n PERSPECTIVES of Industry a look at products and people of local industry.

Stop searching for talent. Start finding it. Manpower can find it for you faster. With unmatched know-how, perfected processes and access to qualified candidates, we can find the talented people you need. For temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent placements. We’ll deliver what you’re searching for.

Digitally Printed Signs & Banners Magnetic Signs Vehicle Lettering & Wraps Rubber Stamps Mounting & Laminating 3-Dimensional Letters Trade Show Signage Golf Tournament Signs Screen-printing Signs Car License Plates Vinyl Lettering

919-776-0055

Contact Manpower to see what we can do for you.

307 N. Horner Blvd Sanford, NC 27330 919-774-5669 us.manpower.com

vlasignman@aol.com

s 7)$% &/2-!4 #/,/2 02).4).' s $)')4!, 02).43 #/0)%3 ^ #/,/2 " 7 s $)')4!, ",5%02).43 s "53).%33 34!4)/.!29 &/2-3 %4# s &).)3().' 3%26)#%3 s $%3+4/0 05",)3().' s !2#()6).' s #$ "52.).' s ,!-).!4).' s ).6)4!4)/.3 s ./4!29 3%26)#%3 s #!2"/.,%33 &/2-3 s &%$%8 503 $IAGONALLY OPPOSITE 0OST /FlCE 3 (ORNER "OULEVARD 3ANFORD .# 0HONE

Industrial Delivery and Storage

OFFERING MANY TYPES OF STORAGE s #OMMERCIAL 2ECEIVING 3TORAGE s &REIGHT 3ORTING 3EGREGATING s /UTSIDE &ENCED s 7ELL ,IGHTED s !SPHALTED

s 3AFE 3ECURE s 4RUCKS "OATS #AMPERS 3TORED s ,EGAL 2ECORDS 3TORED s -EDICAL 2ECORDS 8RAYS 3TORED s 0ICKUP $ELIVERY !VAILABLE

CertiďŹ ed Shredding Available! 24 Hour Operation Larry Price 770-2511

We will work for you!

774-3353

On Site Management

Van Blanton 708-3310

3122 Industrial Drive (Old Lowes Hardware Building

GKN GKN works to keep pace with demand P

4C / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

James Owle (above) inspects a finished part at GKN Precision Forming while Robert Hickman (below) works on tools in the toolmaker. Innovative thinking and lean manufacturing have kept the company moving ahead, even in the economic downturn.

arts are rolling out of production at near capacity. Recruiters are having trouble filling all of the open positions. The company has even been recognized under the state’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative for reducing its environmental impact beyond legal requirements — the first manufacturing plant ever to receive the designation. Still, some people don’t seem to realize that GKN Driveline Precision Forming remains a vibrant part of the local industrial scene. Brian Warren, business unit manager for the Sanford plant, understands why. The busy operation, he says, is tucked almost out of sight behind another GKN Driveline building that now stands vacant, and there were some layoffs last year when consumers hit the brakes on new automobile sales and the parts manufacturer wasn’t receiving as many orders as before. But all of that has changed. Not only

GKN Precision Forming Location Lee County Industrial Park Web www.gknplc.com Headquarters Birmingham, England Primary Products Components of constant velocity halfshafts for automobile drivelines Founded Locally 1984 Employees 126 Facility Size 85,000 square feet Local Leadership Charles Corwin, Plant Manager Employment Contact Employment Securities Commission Quick Fact GKN has 41 percent of the world’s market in constant velocity joints.

has production rebounded, thanks to an increase in GKN’s market share and production being shifted closer to where parts are assembled, but the company has actually invested millions of dollars to enhance the local facility for the long term. That includes money spent to spruce up the facility as well as a new $2.2 million production line to eliminate one common industrial process that produced hazardous phosphates as a byproduct. The immediate result is a cleaner, safer working environment. Beyond that, there’s no need to maintain a hazardous waste permit, production costs have dropped and the company has become even more competitive. “I guess nothing is guaranteed in the current business environment, but we’re already making projections through 2015,� says Warren. “That’s about as far as anyone can go in today’s market.� It shouldn’t be a huge surprise that GKN Driveline Precision Forming has overcome recent setbacks; rising to the challenge seems to be in its DNA. Using massive, graphite-lubricated presses and robotic machines, the company transforms four-pound steel rods the size of a Coke can into intricately detailed constant velocity halfshafts using a facility designed more than 25 years ago to produce, perhaps, 4 million parts each year. Thanks to innovative thinking, employee teams making critical decisions and a clear emphasis on lean manufacturing, output actually peaked at more than 13 million parts a few years ago, an achievement that was considered impossible back when the facility first opened. So when orders evaporated during last year’s economic downturn, the innovators at GKN Driveline’s Sanford operation went back to the drawing board once again. They realized the company could

See GKN, Page 11C

#AROLINA $OCTORS -ED #ARE 5RGENT #ARE #ENTER s 7ALK )N #LINIC Your Tried & Trusted Center For Immediate Care

-EDICAL HELP RIGHT WHEN YOU NEED IT 7ALK IN FOR COMPASSIONATE AND PERSONALIZED HEALTH CARE AT A CENTER WHERE PATIENT HEALTH CARE IS THE 1st concern of the doctors and staff. Visit Us at

WWW CDMCHEALTHCARE COM 1024 Horner Blvd., Sanford, NC (Near The Post OfďŹ ce)

s -ONDAY 3ATURDAY AM PM !LWAYS (ERE 4O (ELP s .O !PPOINTMENT .ECESSARY

XX 5C xxxxxxx Static Control Static Control continues innovation S The Sanford Herald / Thursday, September 24, 23, 2009 2010 /

tatic Control Components has long been known as a force in its industry and now company officials believe they’ve positioned the company as the world’s largest technology innovator, manufacturer and distributor in the laser and ink jet remanufacturing industry. From the time it was established in 1986, Static Control recognized the potential of the laser cartridge remanufacturing market. Today, this global company operates from a base of 20 manufacturing plants in North Carolina to produce more than 8,000 different component parts and offer a product catalog with more than 13,000 imaging parts needed by customers worldwide to remanufacture both laser and ink jet cartridges. The mainstay of Static Control’s solid performance is its Imaging Supplies Division, which manufactures components sold to remanufacturers of laser printer toner cartridges and

ink jet printer cartridges. According to company CEO Ed Swartz, Static Control currently supports more than 40,000 aftermarket toner cartridge producers worldwide. Santronics Inc., another division of Static Control, also continues to be successful. Its premier product, the AC Sensor, differentiates between voltage derived from static electricity and commercial AC current. The device has been on

the market for 20 years and remains a favorite among electrical and safety personnel worldwide. Santronics also manufactures a variety of test instruments for an array of industries — including those working in automotive, electrical, industrial, irrigation, telecommunications, vending, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies. According to Swartz, opportunity for the Imag-

Static Control

Location 3010 Lee Ave. Web www.scc-inc.com Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Products for aftermarket laser print toner cartridges and electronic instruments Founded Locally 1986 Local Leadership Ed Swartz Employment Contact Human Resources Director Human Resources e-mail hr@scc-inc.com Quick Fact Static Control ships products to more than 165 countries worldwide.

See Static Control, Page 11C

Static Control Components produces more than 8,000 different component parts and offers a product catalog with more than 13,000 imaging parts used by customers worldwide to remanufacture laser and ink jet cartridges.

OLIVIA MACHINE & TOOL, Inc. Specializing in Aluminum Stainless Steel, Welding and Fabricating

Complete Machine Facilities CNC Machining

Harvey McLean

All of us here at Olivia Machine & Tool, Inc. would like to say thanks to all of our customers. Dustin Thomas

Sincerely Sam, Wayne, Terry Thomas & Employees of Olivia Machine& Tool Inc.

Kevin McGinty

P.O. Box 351, Olivia, North Carolina 28368 BUS: (919) 499-6021 &!8 s %-!), OMT WINDSTREAM NET s 7%"3)4% WWW OLIVIAMACHINE COM

Magneti Marelli

6C / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Tom Jasinski is among the many employees at Magneti Marelli working to improve production through the company’s World Class Manufacturing initiative.

A few people still may not realize that Magneti Marelli is running at a healthy pace, but it wouldn’t surprise Darlene Macedo, one of 300 working at the Sanford plant.

Magneti Marelli drives forward I

t’s hard to describe just how far Magneti Marelli Powertrain USA has come in two short years. Employees have adopted a corporate-wide World Class Manufacturing approach that has changed how just about everything is done — from maintenance and how the workplace is organized to quality control and how employees are developed for greater responsibilities. The facility, itself, might be the most noticeable improvement. Equipment is sparkling clean and people are directed through the brightly-lit production floor by fresh blue walkways and large signs in orange and pastels. The transformation was so complete that company officials produced a “before and after” video to showcase the project. Sitting in Magneti Marelli’s WCM Training Center, plant manager Terry Russell describes how his team has eliminated waste, improved productivity and changed their approach to safety; in fact, they have now attained two consecutive years without an ac-

Magneti Marelli

cident requiring time away from the workplace. Still, he shakes his head about how some people don’t seem to know the plant is open — much less running at a healthy pace. “We had a contractor in here about six months ago who turned to me and said, ‘This is a really nice plant,’” Russell recalls. “Then, he told me, ‘I thought you guys went out of business five years ago.’ I guess the rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated.”

Obviously so. People and machines are still busy doing casting, machining, plastic injection molding, assembly and testing for automotive fuel systems and components used by some of the most recognizable companies in their industries. The Volkswagen Jetta and Beetle. Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Mercury Verado boat engines.

See Magneti Marelli, Page 11C

Location 2101 Nash Street Web marelliusa.com Headquarters Corbetta, Italy Primary Products Automotive fuel systems and components Founded Locally 1976 Employees 300 Local Leadership Terry Russell, Director of Manufacturing Quick Fact Magneti Marelli holds certifications for environmental management (ISO-14001), occupational health and safety (OHSAS-18001) and quality (ISO/TS-16949, the automotive version of ISO-9001).

Manufacturing Excellence in the Heart of North Carolina As the leading global supplier of pool and spa equipment, Pentair Water Pool and Spa is committed to excellence in manufacturing, service and our community by providing the most environmentally responsible pool and spa equipment available.

1620 Hawkins Ave. Sanford, NC 27330 www.pentairpool.com

xxxxxxx Industry 2010

Our people make us what we are! Going strong since 1989 Please contact your local Designer, Cabinet, Tile or Home Improvement Company and request the best…

Century Stone

www.centurystone.biz

919-774-3334

Debbie, Kevin, Alirio

:IMMERMAN 2D s 3ANFORD .#

World-Class Business. 0RHQ 7\VRQ 3º]HU &RW\ 0 &DWHUSLOODU 6WDWLF &RQWURO 6RPH RI WKH ZRUOG±V EHVW FRPSDQLHV WKULYH LQ RXU EXVLQHVV IULHQGO\ HFRQRPLF HQYLURQPHQW <RX FDQ WRR

Engaging Lifestyle. 7HPSOH 7KHDWUH $UW DQG SRWWHU\ VWXGLRV +HDUW RI &DUROLQD -D]] 2UFKHVWUD 8QLTXH UHVWDXUDQWV &RIIHH ZLQH EDUV /HH &RXQW\ &RPPXQLW\ 2UFKHVWUD )DPHG 7REDFFR 5RDG *ROI &OXE

Research Triangle Region.

One great place to spend the day. Or a lifetime.

7R OHDUQ PRUH YLVLW WKULYHLQOHH FRP RU FDOO /HH &RXQW\ (FRQRPLF 'HYHORSPHQW DW

$FFRODGHV IRU %HVW 3ODFH IRU %XVLQHVV 7RS 5HJLRQ IRU ,QZDUG ,QYHVWPHQW %HVW 3ODFH WR /LYH ,QQRYDWLRQ *URZWK 0XVHXPV 3UR VSRUWV 1LJKWOLIH :RUOG UHQRZQHG KRVSLWDOV DQG KHDOWK FDUH

Sanford Lee County

Saiden Technologies

8C / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Saiden finds its future is ‘green’ D

Diann Foran (above) performs quality control testing on adhesives at Saiden Technologies. Below, Andrew Steiner checks reaction parameters. Their industrial adhesives are increasingly being used in ‘green’ building technologies.

on’t tell employees at Saiden Technologies about the struggling economy. They understand what’s happening around the globe, but they’ve also been working overtime to keep up with intense demand for their acrylic polymers used to manufacture industrial adhesives. For much of last year, the Tokyobased company was fighting for survival, with sales drying up in the construction and transportation industries, two of Saiden’s most lucrative domestic markets. Not to be defeated, company officials began scouring the landscape for new opportunities and may have discovered its future in the growing trend toward “green� building technologies. Jeff Lamb, president of Saiden’s United States operation, says an effort led by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, a Nobel Prize winning physicist, has been pushing for the adoption of green building practices, where energy efficiency is built into the architectural design of new buildings and renovations of existing buildings. “One effective way to increase energy efficiency is the use of special coatings to keep roofs and buildings cool by reflecting solar energy back into the sky,� says Lamb. “Saiden produces polymers that can be used to formulate this exact type of reflective roof coating, and the new market has been booming.� Not only does the coating promote a sustainable environment, but it also saves money in heating and cooling costs — something especially appealing to everyone in tight economic times. To seize the new opportunity, Saiden transformed the company. Officials spent most of last year training and retraining its staff, upgrading production equipment and developing several new products. In the end, Lamb says, Saiden has emerged from the Great Recession stronger than ever. “Our company’s commitment to bet on the future has paid off,� he explains. “Business growth has exploded this year and we’ve experienced a surge to record levels of sales and shipments. The secret has been adapting the company to changing priorities in our economy.� Saiden isn’t merely jumping on the green bandwagon. The company has always emphasized environmental stewardship. Lamb says the corporate headquarters in Tokyo routinely sets its air conditioner to 82 degrees in the summer to conserve energy and all employees

have adopted what Saiden calls its “cool business� dress code. The more casual approach does away with ties and jackets, something fairly unusual for the more-formal Japanese business culture. Energy-saving products also have been a mainstay of the company’s global development efforts, Lamb says, and now they’re starting to take off in the United States, as well. Demand for its new polymers has been rising so quickly that Lamb believes any additional increase in orders could require expansion at the Sanford facility — or, perhaps, the addition of a second site somewhere else. Expansion, if it does occur, could still be months or years away, but company officials have already started weighing their options. Many executives here and overseas are concerned about what they call a “growing antibusiness climate� — most notably, a series of proposed federal and state regulations that would make it far more difficult to compete successfully. They’re watching the political landscape carefully, but remain generally optimistic that Saiden can continue to thrive in Sanford. “If the politicians will return to supporting the growth of private enterprise,� Lamb says, “we feel confident that additional investment will be made in this community.�

Saiden Technologies Location 5618 Clyde Rhyne Drive Web www.saiden.com Headquarters Tokyo, Worldwide Headquarters Sanford, U.S. Headquarters Primary Products Acrylic emulsion polymers Founded Locally 2001 Employees 30 Local Leadership Jeff Lamb, President Employment Contact Tanya Davis Human Resources e-mail info@saiden.com Public Relations e-Mail info@saiden.com Quick Fact First Japanese-owned company to locate in Lee County.

! 3ATELLITE OF THE 0INEHURST -EDICAL #LINIC

www.simpson-construction.com

Providing Industrial Medicine to Lee County & Surrounding areas for over 50 years.

30th Anniversary Celebration

John R. Mangum, M.D.

Glenna L. Grider, M.D.

Sally J. Chapin, FNP

L. David Nave, Jr, M.D.

Murali D. Pisharody, M.D.

William A. Gunn, Ph.D. Psychologist

Jennifer B. Gregory, M.D.

Vaishali R. Nadkarni, M.D.

Heather B. Schefer, Ph.D. Psychologist

Physician On Call 24 Hours

919-774-6518 Occupational Number 774-1901

555 Carthage Street Sanford

1980-2010 We have and continue to proudly serve our community and surrounding area as “Your Hometown Awards Dealer� with Quality Products and Services. We THANK YOU! May you entrust us to serve you in the coming future.

ROMAN TROPHIES & ENGR. INC. SERVING

Products & Services Are As Follows: SINCE 1980 s 4ROPHIES s !DVERTISING s $ESK 3ETS s 0LASTIC 3IGNS s 0LAQUES 3PECIALTIES s #AST 0LAQUES s -EDALLIONS s 2IBBONS s .AME "ADGES s %NGRAVING s "RONZING 3ILVER 0LATING s 3UBLIMATION ALTERNATIVE TO 3ILK 3CREENING 0HOTOS #LIP !RT ETC ON -UGS #OASTERS -OUSE 0ADS #AR 4AGS 0LAQUES AND #ERAMIC 4ILES

Roman Trophies & Engraving, Inc. . 3TEELE 3TREET s 3ANFORD .# s 0H “Award Achievement, Deed & Affection�

IT

only

TAKES A SPARK.

OFFICE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 8 am-6 pm Fri. 8 am-5 pm Sat. 8:30 am-12 noon Urgent Care s $RUG AND !LCOHOL SCREENING WITH CERTIlED -2/ SERVICE s "REATH !LCOHOL 4ESTING s 2ANDOM #OMPUTERIZED 3ELECTION FOR $RUG 3CREENING s 1UICK 3CREEN $RUG 4ESTING s 0RE 0LACEMENT 0HYSICAL %XAMINATIONS &ITNESS TO 7ORK %XAMINATIONS s (AZ -AT 0HYSICAL %XAMINATIONS $/4 %XAMINATIONS s 2ESPIRATOR #OMPLIANCE %XAMINATIONS AND &IT 4ESTING s /3(! #OMPLIANCE %XAMINATIONS

s 5RGENT #ARE FOR 7ORK RELATED INJURIES AND ILLNESSES s /N SITE )MMUNIZATIONS INCLUDING &LU (EPATITIS " AND 4ETANUS s 4RAVEL 6ACCINE #ONSULTS 9ELLOW &EVER #ERTIlED s (EALTH &AIRS AND 7ELLNESS 0ROGRAMS s (EARING #ONSERVATION 0ROGRAMS #02 AND &IRST !ID 4RAINING s !UTOMATED %XTERNAL $ElBRILLATOR !%$ 4RAINING s "LOODBORNE 0ATHOGEN #OMPLIANCE 4RAINING s 3MOKING #ESSATION 0ROGRAMS /THER /N 3ITE 3ERVICES !VAILABLE

Please ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT WILDFIRES. smokeybear.com

xxxxxxx Pentair

The Sanford Herald / Thursday, September 24, 23, 2009 2010 / XX 9C

Calvin Kelly is among the 420 employees using a sense of innovation to transform Pentair’s formerly-traditional facility into a cutting-edge operation.

Connie Parsons (left) and Patricia Parker move products, including the Kreepy Krauly Classic pool cleaner, at Pentair. The company produces equipment and accessories for swimming pools and spas.

Creativity helps Pentair compete

A

lready a global leader in the manufacturing of pool and spa equipment, Pentair Water Pool and Spa is emerging from the tough economic times with an even stronger competitive position — thanks to its commitment to efficient operations, environmentally friendly products and connection with customers. “We are seeing our markets start to rebound this year as consumer confidence lifts,” says company president Karl Frykman. “We are seeing our customers replacing equipment at a higher level and our distribution partners are returning to healthier stocking levels, which means more demand for all of our products, particularly our EcoSelect suite of products.” Eco Select products serve as the keystone of Pentair’s “green”

program to meet the dual objectives of a growing number of pool owners — to save money and make more eco-friendly choices. The Eco Select suite includes pumps, LED lights and filters that use more environmentally friendly filtration media.

“The Eco Select brand consists of products designed to save energy, conserve water, reduce noise and contribute to a more environmentally responsible pool equipment system,” says Dave Murray, Pentair’s vice president of sales. “Demand for these products is rapidly grow-

ing with our consumer base.” Pentair’s sense of innovation also extends to its use of social networking media. The company recently opened a virtual Innovation Lab, an interactive website at innovationlab. pentairpool.com that connects homeowners, pool business owners, industry professionals and technical support personnel. “Our Innovation Lab is a feedback and information channel that helps us connect on a real-time basis with our customers,” says Carlos DelAmo, vice president of marketing and Latin American sales. “Customers interact with each other about our products, we can

See Pentair, Page 11C

Family Owned and Operated Since 1968 Your Rental Professionals ,UXURY &OR ,ESS s 7E !PPRECIATE 9OUR "USINESS apartments corporate apartments commercial homes retail office suites warehouse space townhomes

Monday - Friday 8-5

919-774-6511 503 Carthage Street • Sanford, NC lll#h^behdcVcYh^behdc#Xdb

Pentair Location 1620 Hawkins Ave. Web www.pentairpool.com Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Pumps, filters, heaters, controls, lighting, automatic cleaners, maintenance products and accessories for swimming pools and spas. Founded Locally 1973 Employees 420 Facility Size 225,000 square feet Local Leadership Karl Frykman, President Employment Contact Susan Clegg Human Resources e-mail HR@pentairpool.com Quick Fact Pentair Water is among the leaders in swimming pool and spa equipment manufacturing.

10C / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Kevin McGinty works on a computer numeric controlled machine at Olivia Machine and Tool, a company built around a personal approach to business.

Olivia Machine & Tool

Carlton Murray cuts out aluminum fixtures. Among Olivia Machine’s equipment are a high-definition plasma cutter and a 320-ton, two-axis Accupress break press.

Olivia Machine offers personal approach

S

ince Olivia Machine and Tool Inc. opened three decades ago, communities surrounding the full-service machine and fabrication shop have learned quite a bit about the company’s unwavering values — especially its dedication to quality in every aspect of the business. “Quality is what keeps customers satisfied,� says Sam Thomas, who leads the business with brother Terry. “It doesn’t matter whether they’re a company here in Harnett County or one of our clients across the country.� Their personal approach to business has attracted new customers to join others who have used the shop for years. Sam points to some recent business success working with the military, particularly the Special Forces. “No matter what the job may be, our goal is to handle jobs quickly and keep costs down,� he says. “Olivia Machine does its very best to give customers a fair price.� It’s been a successful approach. Over the last several years, waves of

change have swept through the entire operation, as Olivia Machine has added space, employees and equipment to enhance the service it offers to customers. Past investments include a highdefinition plasma cutter, which can

precisely cut material up to three inches thick, and its 320-ton, two-axis Accupress, a computer numerical controlled brake press. The goal, Sam says, was to handle jobs faster and keep overall costs down — despite the everrising cost for materials — and the new investments have paid dividends. Though change has carried Olivia Machine in new directions, the company remains steadfastly anchored by the values that have guided this family-owned business since its doors opened in 1980. That essential combination of timehonored values and innovation have built Olivia Machine a strong foundation for the future.

Olivia Machine & Tool Location Highway 87 South, Olivia Web oliviamachine.com Headquarters Olivia Primary Products Full-service machining and fabrication shop specializing in small production runs and custom products Founded Locally 1980 Employees 18 Facility Size 30,000 square feet Local Leadership Terry Thomas, Sam Thomas and David McKinney Employment Contact Terry Thomas, Sam Thomas or David McKinney

What is Mertek Solutions? Mertek Solutions Inc provides Machine Design for Manufacturing Automation and Manufacturing Equipment Design of all sorts. From medical equipment design to packaging equipment design and manufacture, Mertek serves as a manufacturing solution consultant to Fortune 50 corporations and start-ups alike. Mertek manufacturing equipment is a core strength with testing equipment design or material handling equipment design routine. With many decades of manufacturing engineering and industrial equipment design, our staff delivers a broad knowledge to any project. For any project requiring manufacturing consulting or industrial equipment design and manufacturing, Mertek provides a complete solution from concept, through manufacturing engineering, custom manufacturing equipment design, build and installation

Areas of Expertise s -ACHINE $ESIGN -ECHANISMS $ESIGN s 3YSTEMS )NTEGRATION %% #ONTROLS Software) s #APITAL %QUIPMENT $ESIGN AND "UILD s )NDUSTRIAL %QUIPMENT $ESIGN s 4EST %QUIPMENT #USTOM $ESIGN AND Fabrication s -EDICAL %QUIPMENT $ESIGN AND 6ALIDATION s 4ESTING %QUIPMENT $ESIGN s -ATERIAL (ANDLING %QUIPMENT s 0ROTOTYPE %QUIPMENT $ESIGN

s (IGH 6OLUME -ANUFACTURING !PPLICATIONS s )NDUSTRIAL 0ROCESS %QUIPMENT s #HEMICAL (ANDLING 0ROCESS 'AS Distribution s 6ACUUM THRU 5LTRA (IGH 6ACUUM Applications s 0NEUMATIC AND (YDRAULIC 3YSTEMS s %LECTRICAL 0OWER $ISTRIBUTION s )NSTRUMENTATION AND #ONTROL '5) (-) s 2OBOTIC WORK CELLS #USTOM 2OBOT $ESIGN s 6ISION 3YSTEMS

Manufacturing Industries of Note s )NDUSTRIAL %QUIPMENT )NDUSTRIAL 0RODUCTS s #OMMERCIAL 0RODUCTS s 3EMICONDUCTOR #APITAL %QUIPMENT s .ANOTECHNOLOGY #APITAL %QUIPMENT s #OMPUTER %LECTRONICS

s 4ELECOMMUNICATIONS s -EDICAL %QUIPMENT s #LEAN %NERGY #LEAN 4ECHNOLOGY s 3OLAR %NERGY s &OOD 0ROCESSING

3913 Hawkins Ave l Sanford, NC 27330 Phone: 919-774-7827 l Fax: 919-951-0308 l E-mail: sales@merteknc.com

Industry 2010 xxxxxxx

TheSanford SanfordHerald Herald/ Thursday, / Thursday,September September 24, 2009 / XX The 23, 2010 / 11C

GKN

Static Control

Continued from Page 4C

Continued from Page 5C

produce a different, less-complex automotive part to sustain the operation until the economy turned around — and managed to move it from design into production in just six months. Says continuous improvement leader Kyle Chamblee: “You won’t find anyone else in this business who can go from ‘zero’ to market as fast as we can.” Ironically, orders for GKN Driveline’s constant velocity halfshafts picked up once again so much that production of its new part is already being moved to another facility, so attention can be focused again on the company’s bread and butter. Things are humming again. Two years ago, annual orders had tumbled to somewhere between 8 and 9 million parts. But the company expects to produce 12 million this year — including some slower months last winter — and is actually operating now on a 13million-part pace, a rate actually considered slightly beyond capacity. And with recent investments, this forging plant has emerged as an environmental leader, too. “In this business, it’s easy not to be environmentally friendly,” says Chamblee. “Forging has this stereotype that it’s a dirty operation and that’s probably true in many cases. But our approach has been that that we want a clean, organized environment for our employees to work in that eliminates all unnecessary waste. We’re committed to that.” The challenge now is not only filling the open positions and keeping constant velocity halfshafts rolling out the doors, but reminding everyone that all of this is actually happening at GKN Driveline Precision Forming in Sanford. Its continued success, alone, should draw plenty of attention to the local operation. If not, the company’s ability to find innovative solutions will surely find another way.

ing Division continues to grow, driven by explosive growth in the sale of color laser printers, for which Static has manufactured all parts — and now, ink jet printers, as well. “The ink jet refill market has been basically untapped for many years due to the design of the cartridge and the complexity of the chips,” said Swartz. “All of that has changed since we were able to fight through the complexities and offer the remanufacturer a viable path to enter this market.” One reason Static Control has enjoyed such success in a challenging market is its emphasis on in-house product development, design and manufacturing. “Virtually all of our products are manufactured in house from raw material to finished component,” said Swartz. “This allows Static Control to make a superior product at a competitive price.” Its state-of-the-art facilities, Swartz says, include the world’s most vertically integrated mag roller plant; a chip technology research, development and manufacturing facility; and a fully-functional analytical laboratory for toner testing. The company also remains on the cutting edge by producing seals with a highly-automated process and using the latest in robotic injection molding. Engineering and product development is the heart and soul of Static Control; it’s what differentiates the

Pentair Continued from Page 9C

answer technical questions real-time, pool industry professionals can exchange tips and ideas, and all of this happens on line.” Pentair also has continued its dramatic transformation in Sanford from a more-traditional manufacturing facility into a cutting-edge operation. “Two years ago, our on-time delivery numbers were not acceptable, our inventory was at all-time highs and our culture had not fully embraced world-class lean manufacturing initiatives,” according to Matt Kimball, director of operations for the Sanford campus. “Since then we have transformed ourselves into one of the top-performing sites for the corporation. “On-time delivery is consistently between 98 and 100 percent. Our excess inventory levels are at an alltime low. We have implemented a world-class material flow program, which is gaining national attention. And, our employees embrace lean manufacturing as a positive transformational tool.” While a lot of attention has been paid to manufacturing during the transformation, the company has retained its dedication to philanthropy in the community. Even during the global economic downturn, Pentair Water employees exceeded their contribution goal for the 2010 Sanford Relay for Life, an impressive accomplishment that has become almost routine in recent years. In fact, Pentair was the event’s top corporate donor for the fourth year in a row. “We take great pride in contributing to this program,” says Pete Dyke, vice president of human resources. “Our employees have shown once again that they care deeply about coworkers, loved ones and friends who have been touched by cancer. We strongly encourage other Sanford companies to consider making monetary donations to this worthy cause.”

company from its competitors. Static Control continues to pour millions of dollars annually into research and development to maintain its competitive edge in an expanding global market. One major investment by Static Control is its laser and ink jet chip facility. “Chips are an integral part of the aftermarket industry,” explained Swartz. “All of the work to develop and produce these chips requires a variety of highly technical engineering disciplines. A variety of custom equipment and software must be developed to determine the electrical and operational limits of the chip. Once the research work is done, we design, test prototypes for a final design, and then begin production.” Static Control produces the largest line of chip products in the industry for both laser and ink jet cartridges. For Swartz, helping remanufacturers stay profitable is a major part of Static Control’s philosophy. “How do we meet our customers’ needs and how can we be the best going forward?” he explained. “By continuing to offer unique and technically-advanced services and products to our customers, we all find ourselves in a ‘win-win’ situation.” For more than 20 years, Static Control has been building the infrastructure that has become the backbone of the imaging aftermarket industry. And that trend apparently won’t stop any time soon. “We will continue to invest in infrastructure,” Swartz said, “in whatever part of the world is required for us to maintain our position of dominance that we now enjoy in 165 countries.”

Magneti Marelli Continued from Page 6C

Magneti Marelli even continues to improve its four-barrel carburetor line and still manufactures 600 each day for use in trucks and restored muscle cars. The local operation is now working diligently to secure business with Chrysler, a sister company also owned in part by Fiat, the Italian automobile manufacturer, and they do everything in a business where profit margins are razor thin. That’s one reason Magneti Marelli created a cutting-edge suggestion system where employees can submit formal proposals and share in any cost savings. One large display board currently shows accepted proposals from Richard Davis, who created a better drill for one operation, and Scott Patterson, who developed an ergonomically-improved process to pack manifolds. How could everything happen so quickly? “Leadership starts with expectations,” says Russell, who began the World Class Manufacturing initiative soon after being named plant manager. “Everyone knew we needed to change, and having someone new coming into the job allowed us to create new expecta-

‘Magneti Marelli even continues to improve its four-barrel carburetor line and still manufacturers 600 each day for use in trucks and restored muscle cars.’

tions. As we developed momentum, people got even more excited.” Russell also credits general manager Rogerio Lessa, who came to Sanford almost five years ago from Magneti Marelli’s Brazilian operation, with providing tremendous support for the changes — even during some difficult periods early in the process. With a refreshed facility, plenty of orders and the World Class Manufacturing approach to guide them, there’s no telling what heights Magneti Marelli can reach in Sanford. But two things are certain: They’ll never stop moving forward, and Russell is obviously proud of the Sanford team. “We’ll never be done with this process,” Russell says. “To use a cliche, this is a journey, not a destination.”

Lee Continued from Page 2C

with businesses making decisions at warp speed. If that’s done, there’s no reason why manufacturing and its high-tech, high-paying jobs can’t be a part of the economic landscape for years to come. “Our companies are in a solid position for the future,” Heuts says. “As long as we develop people with higher skills, provide a place to relocate or expand and keep our focus on preparing for the future, our companies can be competitive with companies in any other country in the world.”

Corporate Travel Airport Transportation Theatre Weddings Concerts and More

www.primetimelimo.net

WHO SAYS I HAVE TO PAY OVERTIME TO MY HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM? W h e n I ’ m d o n e w o r k i n g , m y H VA C s y s t e m s h o u l d b e , t o o . I ’ m s a v i n g my store $796 a year just by programming a thermostat. What can you d o ? Fi n d o u t h o w t h e l i t t l e c h a n g e s a d d u p a t To g e t h e r We S a v e . c o m . Equal Opportunity Employer

T O G E T H E R W E S AV E .C O M

12C / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Industry 2010

$ & % " $ # % $ % $ " ! ! ! " ! ! $ ! # ! ! !

The Sanford Herald

10

trends for

10

:: The 2010 Industrial Edition ::

4 developing employees from within Back in the day, companies of all sorts groomed their own for greater responsibility and moved people up the organizational chart. Then, the ageold approach seemed to disappear in favor of finding new people with the needed skills out in the marketplace. Caterpillar and Pentair Water are among the local companies placing a renewed emphasis on leadership development for current employees. Not only does it make economic sense, but it can be a morale booster, encouraging people to reach their full potential and reap greater rewards.

5 the cluster approach

Pharmaceuticals. Defense Technologies. Electronics. They’re not community college courses, but the kind of companies that already thrive here. Recruiting new companies in these groups — or clusters — is the prime economic development strategy being used throughout the Research Triangle Region and beyond. “You can’t use the shotgun approach any more,” says Bob Heuts, Lee County’s economic development director. “You literally can’t afford to be all over the place. There’s a much better chance of success when you target companies that have needs and interests in common.”

6

defense technologies

Speaking of clusters, defense technology and manufacturing companies could become an important source of economic growth throughout Central Carolina. BRAC, the military’s Base Realignment and Closure intiative, moved the U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Army Forces commands from Fort McPherson, Ga., to Fort Bragg. That means a flood of defense contractors and related industries are already moving into the area to provide goods and services to the U.S. Army’s top brass. The cluster includes research and development, 3D imaging, software development and other cutting-edge technologies.

for 10 10 trends

section

D Thursday

September 23, 2010

Credits and Notes

“10 Trends for 10,” The Sanford Herald’s 2010 Industrial Edition, was produced by special projects editor R.V. Hight and Herald contributor Chip Pate, who wrote the cover articles and features not submitted by Central Carolina Community College, companies or county economic development offices. Many of the photos in this year’s edition are by Herald photographer Wesley Beeson. Others were contributed by the Herald archives, Central Carolina Community College, area economic development offices and companies profiled in the edition. As with any project of this scope, a lot of others contributed to making this edition

possible. Many are quoted in the articles, but special thanks go to economic development officials, who provided statistics and other information. They include Bob Heuts and Jane Wesley of the Lee County Economic Development Corp., Phyllis Owens of the Harnett County Economic Development Commission, Dianne Reid of the Chatham County Economic Development Corp., and Ray Ogden and Melanie Thompson of Moore County Partners in Progress. Also, thanks go to Cathy Swindell, director of industry services for Central Carolina Community College, for her help identifying local industrial trends.

:: The Index :: n Developing Employees From Within

.......1D

n The Cluster Approach ........................................1D n Defense Technologies

.......................................1D

n Just-in-Time Production

...................................2D

n Harnett County Overview ................................2D n Moore County Overview n Pfizer

................................

2D

............................................................................

3D

n Caterpillar

................................................................

4D

n Moen

...........................................................................

5D

n Trion

.............................................................................

8D

.................................................................................

9D

n LCI

n Lee Builder Mart

..............................................

10D

Industry 2010

2D / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

7

just-in-time production

Linked to the general idea of lean manufacturing, justin-time production seeks to reduce the amount of inventory required to keep manufacturing flowing and finished products moving out to customers. By reducing inventory, companies can cut costs, improve quality and enhance safety. Pentair Water Pool and Spa, one of the local innovators, has combined its Plan for Every Part (a database containing detailed information about every part used in the plant) with Kanban (a system used to monitor and replenish materials) to improve sustained on-time delivery by 40 percent while reducing sustained inventory by half.

Harnett: Defense buildup begins From the Harnett County Economic Development Commission

T

hough experiencing many of the trials of these economic times, Harnett County is poised to see major growth over the next three to five years thanks to recent planning and preparation by local officials. As the northern neighbor of Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army base being expanded significantly under the federal military Base Realignment and Closure plan, Harnett already has several companies employing residents to fulfill contracts for the U.S. Department of Defense. New companies are arriving, as well, and will be making announcements about various projects into the coming year. With many more residents moving to Harnett as a result of the base expansion, the county economic development effort is focused on recruiting other defense-related companies and increasing the number of consumer services provided locally. Part of that effort includes developing the Brightwater Science and Technology Campus and the Brightwater Business Park, both located near Lillington, which would unite a diverse mix of companies working in the life science, biomedical, pharmaceutical, distribution and logistical, office support and industry service sectors. Infrastructure plans for the Brightwater Science and Technology Campus have already been completed, with construction beginning this fall on a hospital and additional road work to enhance the facility’s traffic flow. Other industrial parks throughout the county offer companies with a choice of strategic locations. Distribution companies needing Interstate access can take advantage of buildings and sites available at the Edgerton Industrial Park near Dunn. Defense companies, depending on their needs, can choose from many locations — including an 8,600square-foot shell building in the 227-acre Western Harnett Industrial Park that can be quickly modified to meet a company’s needs or a shovel-ready site al-

Located on Highway 87 between Sanford and Fort Bragg, this new 8,600 square foot, all-brick “flex-space” is one of many land and building options in Harnett County. It is located among the rolling hills of Harnett County’s Western Harnett Industrial Park and can be modified to meet the needs of a variety businesses. Additional land is also available on the park’s 227 acres. lowing construction of a building to their own specifications. Located on Highway 87 near Sanford, the Western Harnett Industrial Park currently hosts a satellite campus of Central Carolina Community College and, in the next few years, will be home to the first Western Harnett Library. Phyllis Owens, director of the Harnett County Economic Development Commission, says southwestern

Harnett is experiencing tremendous residential and commercial growth, making the park an attractive location for business. No matter what kind of location businesses need, Owens believes Harnett County offers a good solution. “We have continued to work to ensure an industryfriendly climate,” she says, “with available buildings and sites to encourage companies to choose a location here.”

Moore: Expansions driving growth From Moore County Partners in Progress

D

espite mixed reports from economic experts about the nation’s economic recovery, Moore County is seeing positive indications that the local economy is rebounding. The first half of this year has clearly revealed a trend in Moore County: a significant number of existing industries undergoing major expansions. Moore County has historically had a strong economic foundation, which has not only helped it weather the recession comparatively well, but has also helped position several existing industries for substantial expansions this year. ATEX Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of advanced medical textiles in Pinebluff, seemed to initiate the trend last year when it outgrew its capacity for processing wastewater on site. The company’s expansion project includes the installation of a new pump station and over 10,300 linear feet of public sewer line through Pinebluff. Not only will this allow a large number of Pinebluff residents to tap into the new line, but it also is saving 29 existing jobs and could result in 30 new jobs over the next three years. Earlier this year, Trident Marketing Inc. followed suit and announced plans to expand its Southern Pines corporate headquarters. The company, a directresponse marketing and sales call center for home services and travel industries, purchased a 50,000square-foot building and will be completing almost $600,000 in renovations for new administrative offices and expanded marketing and sales departments. The company expects to create 80 new jobs over the next two years. K2 Solutions of Southern Pines — a defense-oriented consulting company for the military, governmental and commercial sectors — was next in line with plans to expand its corporate headquarters. Having purchased a vacant building next door to its current location, the company will complete almost $500,000 in renovations and expects to create at least 48 new full-time jobs. The company is also developing a 125acre, $2 million canine training facility in Richmond County. BRS Defense, a manufacturer of personnel and cargo parachutes for the military, also is a defense contractor that has grown considerably since com-

The Southern Pines Industrial Park includes a versatile, 57,000-square-foot “flex” building that can be subdivided and modified to accommodate one or more tenants looking for a location to expand. ing to Moore County three years ago. The company started with 40,000 square feet of space and 15 employees, growing in just two-and-a-half years to more than 125 employees working in approximately 140,000 square feet. BRS Defense is still expanding its workforce to meet the production demands from over $30 million in U.S. Army contracts awarded to its parent company, BRS Aerospace. The most recent expansion announcement was made by Ingersoll Rand, a company manufacturing motors, engine-starting systems and a wide variety of pneumatic hand tools. Two new lines of business to be incorporated into the company’s 110,000 square-foot facility in Southern Pines are catalysts for a 30,000-

square-foot warehouse addition and 98 new employees. Ingersoll Rand had a groundbreaking ceremony at the site in July. “So many existing industries are expanding in Moore County this year, which not only suggests that these companies are feeling more confident about the local and national economies, but also demonstrates their confidence in Moore County’s ability to support their expansions,” said Ray Ogden, executive director of Moore County Partners in Progress, the local economic development organization. “These businesses want to stay and grow in our communities, and this is definitely a trend we hope will continue.”

xxxxxxx Pfizer

The Sanford Sanford Herald Herald // Thursday, September 23, 24, 2010 2009 / 3D XX The

About 1,000 people currently work at Pfizer’s Sanford campus, where pediatric vaccine components are manufactured to treat a number of serious diseases.

Betsy Buckner, a QC Scientist II at Pfizer, conducts a test in the microbiology lab at the company’s campus in Sanford.

Pfizer seeks to meet diverse health needs

S

ince Pfizer was founded by cousins Charles Pfizer and Charles Erhart in 1849, the pharmaceutical company has remained dedicated to discovering and developing new, and better, ways to prevent and treat disease — as well as improving health and well being for people around the world. That legacy extends to Pfizer’s ongoing presence in Sanford. Pfizer focuses on meeting the world’s diverse health needs, whether it is through innovative medicines, access programs that provide medicines to patients in need or work to improve communities around the globe. With $2,500 borrowed from Charles Pfizer’s father, Pfizer and Charles Erhart, young entrepreneurs from Germany, opened Charles Pfizer and Co. as a fine-chemicals business. A modest red-brick building in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, N.Y., served as office, laboratory, factory and warehouse. Their first product was a palatable form of santonin — an antiparasitic medicine used to treat intestinal worms, a common affliction at the time. Combining their skills, Pfizer, a chemist, and Erhart, a confectioner, blended santonin with almond-toffee flavoring and shaped it into a candy cone. The “new” santonin was an immediate success. Since those humble beginnings more than 160 years ago, Pfizer has grown into the world’s largest research-based biopharmaceutical company, applying science and its global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. Company officials say Pfizer strives to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacture of medicines for people and animals. Its diversified global health care portfolio includes biologic and small-molecule medicines and vaccines for humans and animals, as well as nutritional products and many of the world’s best-known consumer products. Consistent with the company’s sense of responsibility, Pfizer also collaborates with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Last October, Pfizer acquired Wyeth, creating a company with a broad range of products and therapies that touch the lives of patients and consumers daily at every stage of life. With the Wyeth acquisition, Pfizer established itself as a leader in creating new vaccines to prevent serious illness. Research and development efforts so far have focused on producing vaccines for infants and children around the world. Pfizer officials say the company is proud of the impact it has had on children’s lives and is dedicated to continue developing vaccines so children can have a healthier future. In late 2009 and early 2010, Pfizer successfully launched the next generation of its blockbuster vaccine, Prevnar 13, a 13-valent (13 vaccines in one) conjugated vaccine effective in preventing many of the most common types of Streptococcus pneumoniae that cause pneumococcal disease in young children around the world. This form of pneumonia causes more than 1 million deaths each year and accounts for 40 percent of pneumonia deaths in children under 5 years of age. Prevnar helps protect children from the disease — which causes infections including pneumonia, bacteremia (infection in blood), bacterial meningitis (infection of the brain stem and spinal cord) and otitis media (a common childhood ear infection). Pfizer also continues to experience high demand for its original seven-valent conjugated vaccine, Prevnar, which has been the company’s most successful vaccine product launched to date. Components for both vaccines are produced in Pfizer’s Sanford facil-

ity. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study seven years ago reporting that the use of Prevnar in infants and toddlers was associated with a significant reduction in invasive pneumococcal disease in vaccinated children. The study also demonstrated that the overall incidence of invasive disease caused by penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria substantially declined since the vaccine’s introduction. In October 2003, Prevnar was awarded the prestigious Prix Galien Suisse, one of the most prominent distinctions in the pharmaceutical industry — a recognition also called the “Pharma-Oscar” — as the most innovative therapy in prevention of that year. Pfizer also continues to manufacture Meningitec, the world’s first conjugated vaccine to prevent meningococcal Group C disease. Meningitec received marketing approval from the United Kingdom Medicines Control Agency in 1999 and has significantly reduced the incidence of disease associated with meningococcal Group C in Europe, where the disease has been a persistent problem. Meningitec fights a life-threatening disease that

Pfizer Location 4300 Oak Park Web Pfizer.com Headquarters New York Primary Products Pediatric vaccine components Founded Locally 1987 Employees About 1,000 Facility Size About 700,000 square feet Local Leadership Dennis Jones, Site Leader Ticker Symbol NYSE:PFE causes inflammation of the membranes enclosing the brain and spinal cord. The most vulnerable group for developing the disease is children under five. It is also one of the most common causes of death in children and young adults up to 20 years of age. Components for Meningitec also are produced in Pfizer’s facility in Sanford. Pfizer colleagues worldwide are working together for a healthier world, and the team in Sanford is proud to play a significant role in making that happen. Last year, Pfizer adopted a series of commitments that company officials believe are both aspirational and achievable. These commitments demonstrate how Pfizer can serve the world’s health needs in ways that are unique to the company. The commitments are: n Advance wellness, prevention, treatments and

See Pfizer, Page 4D

We are proud to be furnishing or have furnished the structural steel for the following projects:

Thanks to our employees for making Steel & Pipe Corporation successful! Hugo Abarca, Jr. Joe Davis Broadus Denkins Joey Downey John Drzewicki, Jr. Jerry Edwards Sheila Erford Julian Espinoza Robert French Mark Gregory Bill Gupton Rafael Huerta

Durwood Jones John Lassiter David McNeill Brian McRae Larry McRae Alfredo Mendoza Jovany Nunez Avigael Nunez-Ocampo Uriel Nunez-Ocampo Sherry Ramsdell Jared Riggan Trent Roberts

Larry Rudd Scott Thorne Calvin Tucker Larry Weaver Shane Weston Melissa Barbry Anthony Boutin Pablo Guardado Alex Malagon Carolyn Terry

New Dormitory @ UNCP- Pembroke, NC Walgreens-Southport, NC Walgreens-Dunn, NC Trinity Manufacturing- Hamlet, NC Lee County High School- Sanford, NC Capital Bank-Sanford, NC Burkes Outlet-Sanford, NC Emergency Operations Center- Lumberton, NC Raleigh Pediatrics- Raleigh, NC Lakeview School- Durham, NC Regional Airport- Fayetteville, NC Farmville Central High School- Farmville, NC Beth Meyer Synagouge- Raleigh, NC BB&T- Lumberton, NC Shepard Middle School- Durham, NC Warren Tech High School- Norlina, NC Fuquay Commons- Fuquay Varina, NC Rockfish Elementary School- Fayetteville, NC McArthur Elementary School- Fayetteville, NC Haven Complex- Sanford, NC R.H. Thornton Library- Durham, NC HH Architecture- Raleigh, NC Visitor Center- Seven Springs, NC Dialysis Center- N. Orangeburg SC

STEEL & PIPE CORPORATION US Highway 15 & 501 North Sanford, NC Phone (919) 776-0751 N.C. Watts 800-776-0752 STEEL & PIPE CORPORATION STEEL FABRICATORS AND WAREHOUSE SERVICE CENTER

Caterpillar

4D / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Caterpillar’s 400-plus local workforce will see a number of significant changes in coming months as the Sanford operation is upgraded as part of a major expansion. Gov. Bev Purdue was on hand for the announcement, which included news of another 325 jobs planned at the manufacturing facility in the Lee County Industrial Park.

Caterpillar focuses ‘Vision’ on future F

or more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive, sustainable change on every continent. With 2009 sales and revenues of about $32.4 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. “We are fortunate to work for a company that is recognized as one of the very best in the world, because we have great people, products and services,” says Caterpillar chairman elect and CEO Doug Oberhelman. Carrying this distinguished history into the future, Caterpillar’s 2011-2015 Enterprise Strategy is designed to renew the company’s strengths and shape its future. The strategy is built on the foundation of three key elements — customers, stockholders and employees. Relentless customer focus by what company officials believe is the best team of employees in the world will ensure Caterpillar delivers superior stockholder returns. Successful execution of the 2011-2015 strategy is an important step in reaching Vision 2020, Caterpillar’s long-term strategic vision. “This Vision, the solid values that underpin it and the strategy behind it have served our company extremely well and have set us up for even more great things to come in the next few years,” says Oberhelman. “This is just

Caterpillar

Location 5000 Womack Road World Wide Web the beginning of the next phase of Vision 2020. We have the strategy, the right leaders and a new, stronger organization — as well as a proven business model, which will enhance excellence and leadership.” Caterpillar’s Compact Construction Equipment line in Sanford is a key contributor to Caterpillar’s long-term strategy. Caterpillar launched the line 11 years ago as part of a diversification strategy to meet customers’ changing needs for smaller, more versatile construction equipment. A total of 18 different models of Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders and MultiTerrain Loaders are designed and manufactured in the Sanford Caterpillar facility. “Our customers are building schools. They’re building roads. They’re building housing, and interestingly, every single Caterpillar Skid Steer Loader, Multi-Terrain Loader and Compact Track Loader that you’ve seen making that progress throughout the world is designed and manufactured right here in Sanford,” said Building Construction Products division vice president Mary Bell. Next year will bring significant upgrades to Sanford’s factory. In a press conference last month, Gov. Bev Perdue

announced the expansion of Caterpillar’s existing Sanford factory. “Today, on top of the 400-plus existing jobs that [Caterpillar] already has in this facility,” she said, “we have a commitment from them that they will bring to us another 325 terrifically good jobs.” Success in Sanford and the rest of the Building Construction Products division will play a pivotal role in realizing Caterpillar’s overall corporate objectives. The division’s strategy to create world-class products and deliver them effectively across a lean supply chain will help the division achieve its target growth in sales and profitability, making it a major contributor to overall corporate success. “Strategy development is relatively simple; execution is the hard part,” says Reid Waitt, general manager for Compact Construction Equipment. “Though we have not yet achieved our Vision 2020, we are currently working to achieve it. We can see our part of the progress as we travel around Lee County and the surrounding areas because we can observe many customers operating Cat Skid Steer Loaders and work tools. We certainly thank these people for investing in our machines. “I am confident the team at Sanford

www.CAT.com Headquarters Peoria, Ill., with division headquarters in Cary Primary Products Skid Steer Loaders, Multi Terrain Loaders and work tools Founded Locally 1996 Facility Size 225,000 square feet Local Leadership Reid Waitt, General Manager Jim Brophy, Operations Manager Employment Contact jointeamcaterpillar.com Ticker Symbol NYSE:CAT

is proud when they see our products at work in their community. We are also proud to be the global source for these machines that are then shipped around the world.”

Pfizer Continued from Page 3D

Low total cost of ownership. On site lease to own or rental purchase options.

COLOR & B/W COLOR MFP PRINTERS COPY/PRINT/SCAN COPIERS Starting @ $40.00 per month

Starting @ $119.00 per month

GET NOTICED with COLOR! COLOR COPIERS and PRINTERS. Call us for a free upgrade quote today!

cures; n Bring the best scientific minds together to challenge the most feared diseases of our time; n Set the standard for quality, safety and value of medicines; n Use the company’s global presence and scale to make a difference in local communities and the world around us; n Promote curiosity, inclusion and a passion for the work; n Be a leading voice for improving everyone’s ability to have reliable and affordable health care; and n Maximize financial performance so that Pfizer can meet its commitments to all who rely on the company. On its own, each commitment can advance the world’s health and wellness. Taken together, these commitments give Pfizer a framework for transforming health care as we know it today.

Corporate Travel Airport Transportation Theatre Weddings Concerts and More

Imaging Supplies Co. Inc. 804 Woodland Ave., - P.O. Box 3756 Sanford, NC, 27331-3756 Phone: (919) 776-1152 email: walter@imagingsuppliesco.com

Call (919) 708-9000 www.primetimelimo.net

Imaging Supplies Co. Inc... Dedicated to Professional and Prompt Business Class Machine Sales, Service, and Supplies Since 1999.

Subscribe to The Herald

XX 5D Moen xxxxxxx Moen making difference on global scale The Sanford Sanford Herald Herald // Thursday, September 23, 24, 2010 2009 / The

C

ommitted to furthering sustainable practices, Moen is constantly searching for ways to provide developers, architects, builders and consumers with cutting-edge products that are eco-friendly without sacrificing performance. Through its partnerships, processes and product development, Moen is playing an integral role in creating sustainable kitchens and bathrooms, one product at a time. “Whether it’s by introducing the newest flow-optimized bathroom faucet or unveiling the latest in EcoPerformance showerheads, Moen has hundreds of products available to help create a sustainable kitchen and bathroom,� said group product manager Mike Reffner. “As the number one faucet brand in North America, Moen takes

its responsibility to serve as a steward of water resources very seriously, and is committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products, while delivering the high level of performance that’s synonymous with the Moen brand.� To make a difference on a global scale, Moen has established partnerships with a number of environmental organizations and building councils, as well. By working with organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program and the U.S. Green Building Council and its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, Moen has sought out partnerships aligned with its commitment to water conservation. Moen’s effort to enhance sustainabil-

Felicia Wright and more than 300 other local employees help make Moen successful. The company is now producing an ‘eco-friendly’ line of water-efficient products.

Dwight McNeil, a 31-year veteran with Moen, is part of the team producing components for kitchen and lavatory faucets in Sanford.

ity includes offering Eco-Performance showerheads, water-efficient bathroom faucets and Eco-Performance aerators. Eco-Performance is a term Moen uses to define the approach to balancing a fixture’s performance with its water-efficient features. Moen offers single- and three-function Eco-Performance showerheads, rainshowers and hand showers, which are all certified to meet WaterSense criteria and provide a great shower experience without sacrificing performance. Moen is not just using a restrictor to reduce flow. It has redesigned its showerheads to deliver the same level of performance consumers expect, but with less water. With a traditional showerhead, a 10-minute shower can use more than 25 gallons of water; but Moen’s Eco-Performance showerheads have a flow of 1.75 gallons per minute and use up to 30 percent less. All Moen lavatory faucets are certified to meet WaterSense criteria, meaning Moen’s water-efficient bath faucets feature a 1.5 gallon-per-minute flow rate, compared to the standard rate of 2.2. The result is water conservation of up to 32 percent while contributing toward maximizing LEED rating points and not sacrificing performance. Faucet aerators, which force air into the water stream to maintain pressure,

are simple add-ons that can make any bath or kitchen faucet compliant with many program certification standards. Moen’s Eco-Performance aerators restrict flow from the standard 2.2 to just 1.5 gallons per minute, maintaining the performance customers expect while using up to 32 percent less water. “As Moen products begin to reach a larger, global audience, it’s our responsibility to incorporate the concept of sustainability into as many applications as possible,� Reffner said. “We’re determined to be the industry leader in superior product performance while also providing significant water savings.�

Moen Location 2609 Cox Mill Road Web www.moen.com Headquarters North Olmstead, Ohio Primary Products Components for kitchen and lavatory faucets Employees 329 Local Leadership Helm Hansen, plant manager

#OMFORT 3UITES "RAGG 3T 3ANFORD .# 0HONE &AX /R VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW CHOICEHOTELS COM HOTEL .#

Need a Place To Meet! Our conference room sits up to 60 people comfortably

/VERHEAD PROJECTOR s 3CREEN s %ASEL &REE WIRED AND WIRELESS (IGH 3PEED )NTERNET &REE LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS 3PACIOUS .ONSMOKING 3UITES (EATED INDOOR POOL AND SPA

6D / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

The Sanford Herald / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / 7D

Beautiful ... Livable ... Enduring Bonnie Finn

Connie Lambeth

Jennifer Boyd

Carla Thomas

BJ Gaster

s Robert Calkin

Cindy McDou

gald

Jamie Watts Kim Prince

Joan Raeford

Danny Griffin

That’s why Moen is number one and climbing. The Moen brand has never been about the latest fads or crazes. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to creating faucets that blend harmoniously with home decor and endure over time. So in the end, style and livability are as linked together as soap and water. This is why more people choose Moen than any other brand. And that’s just the beginning. As the leading faucet brand manufacturer in North America, we pride ourselves on the quality of our products, customers and associates. Everyone of us stands behind this name every day. Whether our associates design or build our products, they are the reason Moen can confidently say to our customers; “Buy it for Looks, Buy it for Life.”

Pat Thomas

Pam Bain

Monica Nieto Rick Robb

Jennifer Santiago

Joe McNeil

Tony Bush

Marrisa DeLeon

Mary Ro ge

rs

Trion

8D / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Trion’s rise propeled by bold moves W

hen Consumer Digest proclaimed two Trion air purification products as “Best Buys” earlier this year, it was great news for an established local company once again on the rise. Since changing owners two years ago, Trion has shifted direction and company officials believe the recent accolades for its Trion HE Plus 2000 electronic air cleaner and Trion Air Bear Supreme filtration system provide vindication for its new direction. Changes were launched soon after Trion joined Air System Components Inc., a division of the Tomkins global engineering and manufacturing group, and began with the decision to return production for North American markets from Asia back to Sanford. It was a bold move at the time — many companies are still sending production overseas — but Trion officials were convinced that being able to manage production more closely would improve the quality of its products and allow the company to respond quickly to shifting demand for its wide range of

Trion

air quality products. In addition to the Trion brand of air filtration equipment for residential, commercial and industrial buildings, the company produces Envirco ultrahigh-efficiency filtration equipment for cleanrooms used to create sensitive computer chips and pharmaceuticals and Herrmidifier equipment to regulate moisture in the air. Even as manufacturing for its existing products was on the move, Trion engineers got down to work on a number of new offerings. Six, including the Consumer Digest “Best Buys,” have hit the market since January, and four more will be launched before this year ends. Mitchell Johnston, a Sanford native

Sergio Bello (left) and Lorraine Sharpe work on air purification systems at Trion, which manufactures products under the Trion, Envirco and Herrmidifier brands.

who now oversees Trion’s residential sales channel, says the trend toward healthy living has continued to drive sales, even though many consumers have generally cut back on spending. “It seems like there’s a greater interest than ever before in keeping the family healthy,” he explains. “More children are being diagnosed with respiratory illnesses and one essential way to protect them is to improve their indoor air quality.” Not only do Trion’s new models enhance air quality, but they conserve power as well. Tony Quick, Trion’s director of product marketing, says the

Location 101 McNeill Road Web trioninc.com Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Air filtration and humidification systems Founded Locally 1965 Employees 110 Facility Size 263,000 square feet Local Leadership Colin O’Connell, vice president Anthony Guerra, plant manager Quick Fact Trion manufactures products under the Trion, Envirco and Herrmidifier brands.

See Trion, Page 11D

Bonnie Harman (left) and Lee Welch are among the 110 employees currently working at Trion, a company serious about improving products and its community.

Serving Lee County For 76 Years Jimmy Keen • 777-7208 Michael Daly • 774-4106 Adam Beal • 777-7207 Michele Shane • 777-7217

!LIGNMENTS s "RAKES /IL s #6 JOINTS 4RANSMISSION &LUID %XCHANGE 4UNE UPS 3HOCKS s %XIDE "ATTERIES 610 Wicker Street

775-7225 414 E. Main Street

777-9499 www.perrybros.com

xxxxxxx LCI ‘Lean’ concepts help transform LCI W

The Sanford Sanford Herald Herald // Thursday, September 23, 24, 2010 2009 / 9D XX The

alk into LCI Inc. during business hours and you might be surprised at what you see. In what used to be a cluttered warehouse, workers are assembling packaging crates, strictly according to the shipping industry’s ISPM 15 standard for wood packaging, that will be used by another area manufacturer to ship its finished turnstiles. The room is clean and orderly, and the production line is constantly being redesigned by LCI’s own lean manufacturing process. Workers move from raw boards to a cutting area, where they’re cut to size and stacked on shelves according to length and when each is used in the

LCI Inc. Location 2711 Tramway Road Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Subcontract work for local industries and other employment services Founded Locally 1968 Facility Size 30,000 square feet Local Leadership Meg Moss, Executive Director Employment Contact Sue Marshburn, Associate Director Human Resources e-mail smarshburn@lciinc.org Public Relations e-mail mmoss@lciinc.org Quick Fact LCI employees consist primarily of individuals with disabilities who are working toward personal vocational goals.

assembly process. Others pull boards off in sequence and slide them into colorcoded fixtures, where they’re assembled into the frame. When that phase of the job is done, the four-by-seven-foot frame is moved a few feet to an assembly area, where workers use pneumatic tools to fasten the sides. Kendall Crawford, a consultant working with the operation, says this new project now employs six to eight people in all, including drivers, and has led to two additional product requests from the same company. The entire effort has been a success on several fronts. It’s helped LCI and its workers adopt lean manufacturing concepts — the color coding approach, he says, will soon be upgraded to a letterbased system, which allows the parts to be labeled in sequence, too — and it has helped everyone develop new skills for success in life. LCI began as a sheltered workshop for people with disabilities and it steadfastly remains true to its goal of helping people find independence. The crate operation, says executive director Meg Moss, provides a new opportunity for training clients in carpentry and woodworking. Those who ride with the delivery driver also gain experience in customer service. Of course, the income doesn’t hurt either, particularly in a tough economy. Much of LCI’s funding comes from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, which has been pummeled by budget cuts. That, in turn, has reduced the amount provided to support programs offered in Sanford. The switch to lean manufacturing was a milestone for LCI, but almost didn’t happen at all. When a consultant from North Caro-

Jimmy Talley (top photo) works in one area of LCI’s facility assembling foaming crates for shipment, while James Utley (bottom photo) works in another section bagging manuals for distribution with swimming pool products.

See LCI, Page 11D

We Lead The Way Frontier Spinning is the local pioneer in cutting edge state-of-the-art spinning technology. But it’s our people that keep us leaders in the industry.

Rosalio Sanchez runs first quality yarn on air jet spin frames.

Wayne Watts monitors the efficiency of a draw frame.

David McLeod positions cans of stock for use on draw frames.

Marilyn Gabel patrols Murata air jet frames to keep them running efficiently.

Butch Barnes services a unit on an open end spin frame.

Donald Gray delivers stock to spin frames

1823 Boone Trail Rd Hwy. 421 North Sanford, NC 27330

10D / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Lee Builder Mart

Established as a custom cabinet shop, Lee Builder Mart has used that focus on service to expand its offerings for local builders, remodelers and homeowners. Still, the company remains true to its history by continuing to manufacture customdesigned, pre-hung interior and exterior doors.

LBM serious about service W

hen you first enter the doors at Lee Builder Mart, you realize there’s something special about this store. The staff makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time, when great service and personal attention were the norm, not the exception. Customers don’t need to push a button and have some stranger paged to get the service they need. Everyone is greeted right away and offered help. “If you have a question, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that the store employee can actually answer it,” says Tony Lett, who serves as company president. “And personal attention and service is only the beginning. You’ll find many of the same brands of merchandise as the big box stores at competitive prices.” Since opening in 1955, Lee Builder Mart has been dedicated to providing quality building materials to builders, remodelers and homeowners in the area. It’s been so successful by taking

advantage of its local ownership, people who truly understand the community, and by developing a knowledgeable staff of dedicated employees. They combine to provide customers with more than 445 years of experience in the building supply business and

have worked to assemble an inventory featuring many of the most-respected products on the market. “Our people truly do make the difference,” Lett explains. “We have

See LBM, Page 11D

Lee Builder Mart Location 1000 N. Horner Blvd. Web leebuildermart.com Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Custom-manufactured doors and building materials, including lumber, millwork, hardware, paint, doors and windows Founded Locally 1955 Employees 30 Facility Size 100,000 square feet Local Leadership Tony Lett, President; Art Coleman, VP; Janice Coleman, Sec./Treasurer Quick Fact LBM has served Lee County for more than 55 years and its employees represent more than 445 years of experience in the building materials industry. It offers the area’s only “drive through” lumber yard.

Industry 2010 xxxxxxx

The Sanford Herald / Thursday, September 2009 / XX The Sanford Herald / Thursday, September 23,24, 2010 / 11D

Trion

LCI

Continued from Page 8D

Continued from Page 9D

company’s green designs use innovative filters that collect even more particles while allowing air to flow easily through the system. That free flow reduces the amount of energy required to pull air through the system — lowering the operating cost and saving customers money. Trion’s plan already looks like a success. Not only have the new products received critical praise, but the company recently landed a multi-million-dollar order from the federal government and has seen its market share grow. What surprises many is that all of the production changes and product innovations were made successfully in a historically difficult economy. Who knows what Trion’s future might hold when the recovery accelerates and construction begins full throttle? That answer may come sooner than some expect. “We’re already starting to see residential construction ease back up slowly and expect as much as 9 percent growth in our overall sales over the next year,” says Colin O’Connell, a product development specialist who was tapped earlier this year to serve as Trion’s new vice president. In the end, O’Connell says, what it all means is that Trion has re-established itself as a leader in its industry and a steadfast member of the local manufacturing community for years to come. Trion has emphasized the point by becoming heavily invested in the area’s social fabric. Jan Hayes, executive director of the United Way of Lee County, estimates that roughly 85 percent of all Trion employees participated in the company’s campaign last year, an impressive figure for the company’s first campaign in more than a decade. Trion is already preparing for this year’s effort to raise money to assist local nonprofits and has contributed to a number of local causes throughout the community. In addition to collecting 250 pounds of food for Boy Scout Troop 942 and conducting a similar drive for the Food Bank of North Carolina beginning next month, Trion has helped a band student at Union Pines pay expenses to march in the Independence Day parade in Washington, donated a laptop to assist an area student headed to college, held a blood drive and contributed to the local chapters of the Fire Fighters for Burned Children Fund and Communities In Schools. Not too long ago, much of Trion’s production had been shipped out of Sanford and the company was not nearly as visible in the community. What a difference two years can make. “We’re excited to have so much happening here in Sanford,” O’Connell says. “This community provides us a strong competitive environment. It gives us the kind of skills we need, low costs and a good location near suppliers and customers. We’re happy to be an integral part of this community and the entire package should allow us to grow well into the future.”

lina State University outlined what was needed to transform LCI into a lean, efficient and more marketable operation, everyone was excited. Their enthusiasm turned to dismay, though, when the price tag for training was far beyond reach. After a call to Central Carolina Community College looking for any available funding option, the college and Solomon EOS, a local lean manufacturing consulting firm, offered to assist at no charge as a community service project. “They felt that LCI was an excellent community resource serving people who are underserved and they saw huge opportunities here,” says Moss. “They started from the very beginning, teaching us what ‘lean’ is, and we went through some simulations to learn what work looks like before and after the process. “It’s been an awesome experience and we’re thankful for everything they’ve provided for us.” At the same time, LCI continues

LBM Continued from Page 10D

employees with years of experience and product knowledge involving windows, doors, hardware, paint and building materials. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your current one, there are hundreds of decisions to make, so our employees’ experience will be of great value to you. “After all, your home is the single largest investment you’ll have in your lifetime. We want to help you make it your dream home.” Lee Builder Mart began building its 50-plus-year legacy as a custom cabinet shop, and craftsmen maintain that tradition in a quiet corner of the company’s large retail complex along Horner Boulevard. There, a dedicated group still manufactures custom-designed, pre-hung interior and exterior doors used by contractors and homeowners throughout the region.

performing a wide variety of work for local industries. Working with an impressive list of clients — including Coty, Cargo Control USA and J.T. Davenport and Sons — workers handle product inspection, labeling, shipping, sorting, packaging, assembly and light manufacturing. LCI has done this type of work for a long time, but contracted manufacturing services are now emerging as a larger, more important element of LCI’s porfolio. “We’re really looking to expand this part of our business,” explains Moss. “That’s one of the reasons we went through the entire ‘lean’ process — so we would be more appealing to more customers. “Everyone has been receptive, too. Not long ago, one prominent company came through for the first time to look at our operation, and said they were impressed by the lean manufacturing and ‘5S’ quality principles we’ve put into place. We hope a lot of companies will take a good look at us.” Though LCI has always been a partner with local business, its role has become even more critical with Doors produced in the company’s custom millwork shop are particularly popular where “off the rack” selections won’t work. When homeowners take advantage of unused space by adding storage space under a staircase, for example, doors often need to be cut at an angle or be designed in custom sizes. Other times, customers need custom trim or special accents. In either case, Lee Builder Mart offers a solution that’s difficult to find in an industry moving quickly toward standardized, mass-marketed products. Understanding how important time is to any professional builder, the staff at Lee Builder Mart also is committed to helping those customers save time and effort. The store’s contractor services desk is staffed by experienced professionals whose goal is to provide builders with the highest quality materials they need in the fastest, most efficient way possible. That includes offering a drive-

the changing industrial landscape. As fewer people in organizations take on greater responsibility and global markets open new horizons, LCI has helped companies seize opportunity and keep their valuable employees working. This kind of ongoing, collaborative relationship is precisely what LCI has been seeking with local companies — and, recently, through talks with military contractors and others associated with the North Carolina Defense Business Association. “These kinds of partnerships are the most rewarding and they’re what we do best,” Moss explains. “We can do all kinds of jobs, large and small, and as we get to know our clients and their businesses, we find that there usually are other ways we can help them improve quality, save money and make everybody better off than before. “People are surprised that we’ve done lean principles, and, unfortunately, some still view us as a ‘mom and pop’ shop. But we’re not that any more; we’ve moved toward a new level of professionalism and quality control.”

Doors produced in the company’s custom millwork shop are particularly popular where ‘off the rack’ selections won’t work. When homeowners take advantage of unused space by adding storage space under a staircase, for example, doors often need to be cut at an angle or be designed in custom sizes. through lumber yard; fleet of delivery trucks, including truckmounted fork lifts; and experienced delivery staff. Whether building custom doors or providing quality building materials, it’s all part of Lee Builder Mart’s dedication to service, Lett says, giving contractors and homeowners exactly what they need, when they need it.

Industry 2010

12D / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Power train Magneti Marelli is a market leader in technology and innovation for the global Powertrain industry - one committed to designing and producing high-technology, high-quality systems and components. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Magneti Marelli invests over 4% of our total revenue to support Research & Development worldwide and provide our customers with the latest and best technology anywhere.

Alex Cortez

Barbara Millhouse

J.J. Johnson

Mercury IAFM

Big Twin Assembly

Pico Bobbin

Miguel Pineda

Richard Davis

Richard Norris

Big Twin Assembly

VW Machining

Metrology Lab

Robin Cameron

Sandra Valenzula

Susan Murphy & Holly Powell

Big Twin Assembly

Big Twin Assembly

Quality

Tereesa McDougald

WCM Pillar Team

Big Twin Assembly

www.magnetimarelli.com

The Sanford Herald

10

trends for

10

:: The 2010 Industrial Edition ::

8 expansion by technology With all of the emphasis on emerging technology, it’s no surprise that local companies are relying on machines to expand the business. Jerry Pedley, president of Mertek Solutions, which makes machines for many of the area’s top manufacturers, says automation is an important resource to reduce labor costs and succeed in a competitive, global marketplace. “Just about everyone understands that you can’t expand without machinery and automation,” he says. “It increases production, but also can improve quality and employee safety.”

9

distance training

When companies call Central Carolina Community College for employee training, it used to mean finding an instructor and a classroom. Now, it could require a software package. “I’m getting more and more requests for distance training,” says Cathy Swindell, CCCC’s director of industry services. “I’m seeing more of a shift as people get more computer savvy.” The advantages are clear. Companies running around the clock can train third-shift employees as easily as daytime workers and it could be cheaper, depending on how far — and how long — classroom instructors might need to travel. It’s not just a matter of convenience and costs. Distance training plays into how younger workers learn and how they’re used to interacting with others.

10 production returning home

In a global marketplace, there’s no doubt that some manufacturing in the United States will continue moving overseas for easier access to international customers and lower production costs. What may surprise people is that other lines exported years ago are actually returning home. Caterpillar, 3M and Trion are among the companies helping to establish this trend. Trion officials say that quality improves when company leaders can monitor production more closely. Others cite the greater time and cost of overseas shipping, more difficulty performing just-in-time production at a distance and political instability in some parts of the world.

section

for 10 10 trends

E

Thursday September 23, 2010

Talking Points

You will find a lot of interesting facts and figures as you flip through this year’s Industrial Edition. Here are a few that caught our eye: n GKN Driveline Precision Forming has garnered 41 percent of the world’s market in automobile constant velocity joints. n Static Control Components, a company created and based in Sanford, ships its products to more than 165 countries. n Saiden Technologies has entered the “green” revolution by manufacturing polymers used to formulate a roof coating that reflects solar energy back into the sky. n Pilgrim’s Pride processes about 42 million chickens each year in its Sanford plant.

:: The Index :: n Consumer Digest recently named two Trion air purification products as “Best Buys” — the Trion HE Plus 2000 electronic air cleaner and Trion Air Bear Supreme filtration system. n LCI Inc.’s new lean initiative and crate manufacturing operation provide opportunities for people with disabilities who receive job training through the organization. n Uniboard USA, which has made a $142 million investment in Moncure, is trying to bring cabinet makers, millwork facilities and other strategic partners to the area to take advantage of a closer proximity to the plant. n Mertek Solutions is the latest incarnation of EMS, formed in Sanford by the same owner.

n Expansion by Technology n Distance Training

................................1E

...................................................1E

n Production Returning Home ...........................1E n Chatham County Overview..............................2E n Zurn

..............................................................................

n Mertek Solutions

..................................................

n Frontier Spinning Mills n Pilgrim’s Pride

n Hydro Tube

5E

.....................................

6E

........................................................

7E

n Imaging Supplies n Century Stone

4E

.................................................

8E

........................................................

9E

...........................................................

10E

Industry 2010

2E / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Chatham: Planning for growth From Chatham County Economic Development

A

s in most communities, Chatham County industry has struggled over the past two years. The number of people employed in the county declined from 16,760 to 14,852 from January 2008 through December 2009, according to Employment Security Commission data, as companies dealt with declining sales and decreased demand for most products. While economic uncertainty continues, local government officials, the business community and the Chatham County Economic Development Corp. are working in partnership to lay the groundwork for recovery. “When the economy picks up, we want to have the pieces in place to make Chatham County a prime location for growing enterprises,� said Dianne Reid, president of the economic development group. “We’re focused on promoting our existing assets as we build our capacity for further development.� Moncure and Siler City are currently home to the bulk of Chatham industry. In Moncure, industrial growth is being spurred by Uniboard USA’s $142 million investment in an existing particle board plant and a new mill that produces medium-density and high-density fiberboard panels. Made from Southern Yellow Pine, the panels are suitable for a wide range of applications, including commercial and residential furniture, store fixtures, kitchen cabinets, millwork, molding and flooring. With more than 120 additional employees, the new facility began operating in February and has an annual production capacity of 226 million square feet. As Uniboard seeks to bring its cabinet makers, millwork facilities and other strategic partners to the area to take advantage of proximity to the plant, Chatham County Economic Development is bringing together the various companies throughout the county that are part of its wood-processing cluster — from saw mill operators to a resin producer — to explore ways to cooperate and strengthen the cluster as a whole. In Siler City, county economic development officials have been working with town leaders and citizen groups on several initiatives designed to showcase the town as an attractive and affordable industrial site. During the past year, Chatham County Economic Development worked with the town and UNC’s Center for Competitive Economies to produce and distribute a brochure outlining the town’s assets to more than 1,000 targeted companies, most of them in the food processing sector. In the year ahead, economic development leaders will follow up with

Industrial growth in Moncure is being spurred by Uniboard USA’s $142 million investment in an existing particle board plant and a new mill that produces medium-density and high-density fiberboard panels. those companies and expand the marketing effort to include businesses in other strategic clusters. Chatham County Economic Development also worked with Siler City to secure a Small Towns Economic Prosperity grant from the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center, a $125,000 award designed to build community consensus around a new vision for economic development. Phase I of the grant provides $25,000 to fund a citizen engagement and planning process, while Phase II includes $100,000 to implement one project identified during the planning period as a local priority. A kick-off celebration — one step in the process of building community interest and involvement — was held in downtown Siler City last month. Chatham County Economic Development also worked with the county Board of Commissioners, the Town Board of Siler City and the local legislative delegation to secure legislation that will permit a 6.1-

BISH ENTERPRISES INC.

square-mile area around downtown to be designated as an Agrarian Growth Zone. Businesses relocating to or expanding in the zone will be eligible for enhanced job creation and investment tax credits. The Agrarian Growth Zone application is being considered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Only four communities in the state currently hold the designation, including two within the Research Triangle Region — one each in Franklin and Harnett counties. Through next year, Chatham County Economic Development’s goals are to attract two new companies, assist two companies to expand and help five new businesses start or expand in Siler City, creating a total of 305 to 310 jobs and retaining 125 more. In the longer term, the goal is to improve the economic competitiveness of and quality of life for Siler City, Moncure and all of Chatham County.

OPEN DAILY 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM OPEN SATURDAY 7:00 AM - 12 NOON

ENTERPRISES INC.

Recycling Scrap Metals in Chatham County since 1955

CRUCO 30033454

COME BY AND SEE ONE OF THE AREA’S LARGEST INVENTORIES Let Our Experienced Team Work For You! s 0OWER 4RANSMISSION "ROWNING DODGE 4" 7OODS s #2 ,IPSEALS s 'ATES 6 "ELTS s "EARINGS s $RILL BITS s 0OWER 4OOLS s !IR 4OOLS s (AND 4OOLS s 2EAD (EAD !NCHOR "OLTS s #ONTRACTORS 3UPPLIES s 3TIHL #UTQUIK 3AWS s #HERVON /), !.$ '2%!3% s 0AINT s -AINTENANCE 3UPPLIES s ,ADDERS s 0IPE 0IPE &ITTINGS "LACK 'ALV

s 3TAINLESS 3TEEL 7ELD 4HREADED s 06# 3CHEDULE s "OLTS 'RADE 3TAINLESS s %NDMILLS 4APS ,ATHE 4OOLING .!#() s 0UMPS %LECTRIC 'AS s #ONCRETE &INISHING 3UPPLIES s $IAMOND 3AWS #ORE $RILLS s 3AFETY 3UPPLIES s 0ARKER (YDRAULIC (OSE &ITTING s 2UBBER -AID s 7ACKER 0RODUCTS s 7ELDING 3UPPLIES s 2OPE #HAIN #ABLE

-C.EILL 2OAD s 3ANFORD .#

0HONE s &AX

Industry 2010 xxxxxxx

The Sanford Herald / Thursday, Thursday, September September 24, 23, 2009 2010 // XX 3E

n PERSPECTIVES of Industry a look at products and people of local industry.

Zurn Zurn designs for reliable performance Z

4E / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

urn Engineered Water Solutions offers a centuryold tradition of high-quality products and customer service. Founded in 1900 to manufacture a patented backwater valve, the company based in Erie, Pa., now offers the largest breadth of engineered water solutions in the industry, including a wide-spectrum of sustainable plumbing products. Their portfolio, company officials say, is designed to provide performance and reliability from the source of fresh water through the end stages of wastewater treatment. With more than 75 patented designs, Zurn’s product development and engineering teams have a long-standing tradition of developing innovative system solutions for new construction and retrofit applications. That includes developing innovative and performance-driven products focused on water conservation, control, comfort, safety and hygiene.

Company officials also point to a longstanding history of serving the customer while remaining focused on continuous improvements to provide sustainable value and satisfaction in every installation. Zurn’s four primary business units combine to manufacture an extensive product offering that includes cast iron drainage products, linear drainage, backflow preventers, pressure reducing valves, manual and sensor faucets, manual and sensor flush valves, vitreous china fixture systems, PEX

Kevin Schoolcraft tests flush valves at Zurn, a company placing a particular emphasis on performance and reliability through all phases of the water use cycle.

piping systems and radiant heat products. Its Commercial Brass business unit — responsible for producing faucets, flush valves and fixture systems — is based in Sanford. Much has changed since 1980, when the Sanford operation first opened its doors at the corner of Williams and Watson streets. With demand for its product increasing and the economy in good health, Zurn left its tight quarters in the Jonesboro area for a new facility in the Lee County Industrial Park. With more space and a new beginning, the company known for innovation more than doubled its staff and set its sights on creating new and innovative products designed for non-residential commercial, institutional and industrial applications. There is no typical Zurn installation; products made in Sanford are used in office buildings, schools, hospitals, airports,

Zurn

Location 5900 Elwin Buchanan Drive World Wide Web www.zurn.com Headquarters Erie, Pa. Primary Products Sensor-operated and manual rest room equipment Founded Locally 1980 Facility Size 90,000 square feet Quick Fact Zurn is owned by privately-held Rexnord LLC.

See Zurn, Page 11E

Alisa Murchison assembles valves for one product in a company portfolio that includes 75 patented designs, including a range of sustainable plumbing products.

,EE !VE %XT s 3ANFORD .#

XX 5E xxxxxxx Mertek Solutions Mertek — new look, familiar company D The Sanford Herald / Thursday, Thursday, September September 24, 23, 2009 2010 //

rivers passing by might not recognize the new name outside one brick facade along Hawkins Avenue north of Sanford. Mertek Solutions, with its distinctive aqua and black logo, popped up just a few months ago. But the unfamiliar sign is simply a new look for a very familiar company. For the last two decades, Jerry Pedley and a dedicated staff have built everything from a $1.5 million assembly conveyor used to produce one part of a General Motors automobile engine to much smaller machines used to manufacture switches. Pedley started the company in 1990 as Electro-Mechanical Specialties, known to locals simply as EMS. Eight years ago, the company was sold and quickly transformed into Meikle Automation, one division of an established, Canadian-based operation. Then just

Mertek Solutions Location 3913 Hawkins Avenue Web merteknc.com Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Machine design for manufacturing automation and manufactuing equipment design. Founded Locally 2010 Employees 20 Facility Size 25,000 square feet Local Leadership Jerry Pedley, President Employment Contact Melody Hamilton Human Resources e-mail melody@merteknc.com

last April, when Meikle officials were making corporate changes and decided to close the Sanford operation, Pedley stepped in once again to reopen the shop, bringing the business full circle. Same people. Same quality work. New name. “We have exceptional people and we’ve been doing great work for 20 years in the same location,� Pedley says about the decision to reopen as Mertek. “What else would we do?� Making such a significant investment in a dicey economy hasn’t been easy, but work has continued more-or-less uninterrupted, and several machines are currently in various stages of production on Mertek’s spacious production floor. Best of all, it looks like even more business could be on the way. Pedley says business activity in his industry seems to be picking up a bit overall and his staff has quoted projects totaling $9 million since the company reopened. Work also is still coming in from Forefront Automation, formerly Meikle Automation, maintaining a business relationship that remains strong despite all of the recent changes. One reason for Mertek’s continued success is what the company can offer to clients. Walking through the building, Pedley points to the left, where a row of computer-numeric-controlled machines are part of a full-service machine, tool and die shop. Just a few yards away is a section of the facility used for welding and another where machines are painted. With everything available in house, Pedley says, Mertek can build whatever clients need. Mertek Solutions designs and builds machines for a wide range of industries — from medicine and electronics to

Employees at Mertek Solutions in Sanford work on automation projects for clients. Though the name is new, the current owner actually began the operation in 1990 as Electro-Mechanical Specialties, known locally as EMS.

See Mertek, Page 11E

4HE WORLDpS LEADING MANUFACTURER OF AUTOMOTIVE DRIVELINE COMPONENTS

Frontier Spinning

6E / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Oscar Silva restarts a card machine used to manufacture yarn at Frontier Spinning. The Sanford-based company operates facilities in North Carolina, Georgia and

Barbara Cockman services a spin box unit on the spin frame. Expansion at one of the two local plants will add new advanced machinery as well as 45 jobs.

Frontier Spinning continues growth T

here is good news from Frontier Spinning Mills Inc., a U.S.-based textile company that had its start right here in Lee County. The spun yarn manufacturer is in the midst of a significant expansion at one of two local manufacturing sites that will create 45 new jobs and introduce more advanced machinery that spins cotton into yarn at higher speeds. This latest sign of growth was preceded by an expansion of the original plant three years ago, adding 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space to house the latest in state-of-the-art technology — cotton opening lines and machinery for carding, drawing and spinning — along with additional warehouse space. More than 40 positions were added at that time as well. Beside the two local manufacturing plants, the corporate headquarters also is located in Sanford. Frontier operates two additional manufacturing sites in Mayodan and one site each in Clarkton; Cedartown, Ga.; and We-

Frontier Spinning Mills

tumpka, Ala. From the beginning, Frontier’s goal has been to produce the highest-quality product while providing the best customer service in the business. Frontier Spinning Mills has been producing 100-percent cotton yarn and polyester/cotton yarn for the weaving and knitting trades over the last 13 years. Yarns that Frontier make go into a multitude of products such as

T-shirts, socks, underwear, outerwear, sheeting, fleece wear, denim, cotton gauze and duct tape to name a few. Frontier provides yarns for just about any woven or knitted fabric application. Originally a smaller domestic operation producing for domestic manufacturers only, Frontier now supplies both

See Frontier, Page 11E

Location 1823 Boone Trail Road Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Spun yarns for the knitting and weaving trades Founded Locally 1996 Employees 460 locally, 1,250 companywide Facility Size Two facilities each in Sanford and Mayodan, with others in Clarkton; Cedartown, Ga.; and Wetumpka, Ala. Employment Contact Human Resources Department Quick Fact Locally founded, Frontier Spinning Mills produces cotton and blended yarns.

We can meet your subcontract needs, including packaging and assembly, to decrease your costs and increase your product output.

Welcome to Saiden... it all starts here. From a drop of water to a bright idea, all great things have to start somewhere. When you’re faced with an industrial challenge, simple solutions can lead to groundbreaking new products that are nothing short of revolutionary.

Assembly and Subassembly Bulk Mailing Inspection

Labeling Manufacturing On-demand Shipping

Packaging Rework Sorting Warehousing

LCI designs and builds crates and pallets made to your specifications. ISPM-15 certified for International Shipping.

For over 60 years, Saiden has been a leader in creating specially formulated polymers for clients worldwide. Our extensive research and development ensures high quality products specifically designed to meet your expectations. Our dedication to service guarantees that you’ll get the support and flexibility you need. . .when you need it. Let Saiden Technologies be your partner in innovation. www.saiden.com info@saiden.com 1-800-874-5878

Need Custom Crates and Pallets? Call Us For A Quote!

People & Purpose Together. 4RAMWAY 2OAD s 3ANFORD .#

919.775.3439 www.lciinc.org

XX 7E Pilgrim’s Pride xxxxxxx Pilgrim’s Pride has vibrant operation C The Sanford Herald / Thursday, Thursday, September September 24, 23, 2009 2010 //

hange, the popular saying goes, is the only constant. Pilgrim’s Pride in Sanford has experienced its fair share of change in recent years, and while it has not always been easy, the experience has left the local enterprise stronger than before. Like many similar operations, the chicken processing plant on Zimmerman Road went through some economically challenging times. But with its production of fresh, readyto-cook poultry already reaching full capacity and the number of employees topping 1,200, the only question is what Pilgrim’s Pride will do once the economy moves into full swing and spending picks up even more. “People may not even know we’re still

Pilgrim’s Pride Location 484 Zimmerman Road Web pilgrimspride.com Headquarters Greeley, Colo. Primary Products Packaged and ready-for-cooking chicken products Founded Locally 1989 Employees 1,200 Facility Size 80,000 square feet Local Leadership Matthew Herman, Complex Manager Employment Contact Lesley King, Complex HR Manger Quick Fact The Pilgrim’s Pride Sanford plant processes about 42 million chickens per year. Ticker Symbol NASDAQ:PPC

growing and we continue to be a vital part of Lee County,” says Matthew Herman, the complex manager who arrived less than two months ago as part of the recent transformation. That doesn’t only include processing 800,000 chickens per week, but also making a significant and continued contribution to the community. Herman says it begins with Pilgrim’s Pride’s financial support for the local economy. The plant, he estimates, spends just over $1 million each week on everything from employee payroll to ice, gasoline, tires and supplies used to process chicken products and service customers throughout the United States. Then there’s the social contribution. The Sanford facility has been a longtime supporter of many civic causes — something new company officials plan to continue. “We want to be involved with the schools, do our part with agricultural organizations and be a big part of making our community successful,” says Lesley King, the complex human resources manager, who also is new, having arrived in Sanford less than five months ago. While its economic and social contributions remain constant, more changes are on the horizon. Most are designed to make Pilgrim’s Pride more competitive — not only at the Sanford processing plant but also at the company’s operations center, feed mill and hatchery in Staley and among more than 300 Pilgrim’s Pride growers scattered throughout central North Carolina. “Our production numbers are at target capacity, but we’re continuing to explore ways of improving our productivity and performance,” says Herman. “The key for us to succeed is to operate as efficiently as possible. This is a very cost-competitive environment.” With the plant tucked away from major thoroughfares and little news com-

See Pilgrim’s, Page 11E

Though Pilgrim’s Pride has experienced a lot of changes, the company remains invested in the community with 1,200 local employees, a significant economic impact and its dedication to supporting important civic causes.

Imaging Supplies

8E / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Imaging Supplies saves customers money

W

hen Imaging Supplies opened more than a decade ago, one goal was clear: Provide customers with high-quality toner cartridges that saved them money. By all accounts, it was a rousing success. Walter Huffman, who owns the company with Bill Vogler, estimates that customers have saved a total of $4.5 million over the cost of cartridges sold by the original equipment manufacturers. It took a while to convince a few. Early on, the quality of some remanufactured foreign imports didn’t measure up to what was being produced locally. While Imaging Supplies kept a tight control on quality, Hoffman says, not all companies did, and that made some people hesitant to make the switch. That’s no longer the case. Huffman says customers now realize there’s no step down in print quality at all. “What we build here are fully-compatible toner cartridges,” he explains. “They have the same yield as the original equipment manufacturers’ cartridges and they come with the same warranty. There’s no feasible reason you wouldn’t buy one.” Two social shifts have made Imaging Supplies’ cartridges even more attractive. One is the need for businesses to cut costs in an

increasingly competitive climate. At one time, sitting down and talking about saving $50 or $100 on a toner cartridge may have been a tougher sell. No longer.

“In today’s economy, when companies are trying just to maintain where they are, when someone comes and says, ‘I can save you 100 bucks,’ they roll out the

Bill Vogler services a laser printer cartridge at Imaging Supplies, which has saved well over 200,000 cartridges from being tossed into landfills.

urn Industries, Inc., Zfounded in 1900, began operations in Sanford in January of 1980, manufacturing flush valves for commercial

Zurn. Making The Most Of Growth Opportunities

and institutional markets.

Our Sanford plant is the second leading manufacturer of pressurized flushing devices in the United States.

urn’s latest growth opportunity Z has taken advantage of the good business climate in Lee County.

We are pleased to have experienced continued growth in sales, plant capacity and employment in Lee County. and are proud to be part of the local business community. urn chose Lee County Z because of its excellent urn facility Z is located on a

The

17-acre site at the Lee County Industrial Park.

workforce, the good relationship between the company and the community over the past 30 years, the favorable location for distribution needs, and the full range of transportation options.

red carpet for you,” Huffman says. Another change has been a more intense focus on the environment. Unlike many products sold by printer and copier manufacturers, Imaging Supplies uses recycled plastic cartridges, which keeps the large, heavy part from being tossed into local landfills. A few months ago, when someone asked about the environmental impact of the business, Huffman and Vogler ran the numbers. With 4,500 customers worldwide, Imaging Supplies has saved well over 200,000 cartridges from area landfills. Huffman says that’s equal to roughly 700,000 pounds of waste and saves about 100,000 gallons of oil that would have been needed to produce new cartridges if the recycled ones hadn’t been purchased. “A lot of people don’t realize that each empty cartridge weighs between three and four pounds,” Huffman says. “Treated properly, it’s perfectly good to use again, so it makes sense to recycle. And you don’t want to send it back to the manufacturer, because many of them don’t actually reuse the components. If

See Imaging, Page 11E

Kris Vogler has been busy filing paperwork for orders at Imaging Supplies, which has grown in just over a decade to serve 4,500 customers worldwide.

Century Stone xxxxxxx

The Sanford Herald / Thursday, Thursday, September September 24, 23, 2009 2010 // XX 9E

Century Stone moves into home remodels

W

hen your business generally depends on new home construction and the building business falls on hard times, that can be an ominous sign. But Century Stone has used the economic reality to delve into a slightly different market for its custommade countertops, and that could mean better times ahead. “We’ve been focused a lot more on our local customers interested in remodeling their homes,” says Kevin Noel, owner of Century Stone. “With so little new construction, I’d guess we’ve almost flip-flopped completely, and now eight out of every 10 jobs are remodels. We’ve been excited about the new opportunities and our customers say it’s been good for them, too.” Century Stone’s transition toward home remodeling has been smooth, Noel says, because so many homeown-

Century Stone Location 5225 Womack Road Web centurystone.biz Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Custom countertops in granite, marble, quartz and recycled glass Founded Locally 2005 Employees 5 Facility Size 25,000 square feet Local Leadership Kevin Noel, Owner Human Resources e-mail info@centurystone.biz Public Relations e-mail info@centurystone.biz Quick Fact Century Stone is going ‘green.’

ers appreciate the attention to detail provided by his entire staff. Instead of pushing countertops quickly off an assembly line, the five-year-old company emphasizes two things — doing highquality, custom work and providing exceptional customer service. The final piece of the equation is using what Noel describes as “first choice” materials. Century Stone works with a wide range of natural and manmade stone. Granite and marble are two of the better-known options, but many homeowners gravitate toward quartzite, travertine, engineered quartz or the growing number of recycled options. Soapstone, a dense, nonporous material has been one increasingly popular choice for homeowners, Noel says, largely because of its attractive appearance and ability to resist stains. No matter what the job may require, Noel and his staff also remain sensitive to environmental concerns. It’s something that matters to many customers, and it’s important to Century Stone, as well. “We’re a real ‘green’ operation,” Noel explains. “Not only do we look for the best recycled materials for our countertops, but we also have worked hard to develop an environmentally-friendly manufacturing process — and we’re still looking for new ways to enhance our ‘green’ approach.” Noel says he’s optimistic about the new directions Century Stone has been taking. Working more closely with homeowners fits well with the company’s dedication to customer service and has added a new dimension to the business that will continue even after builders once again hit the throttle. “There’s definitely a niche there in local remodeling,” Noel explains. “Our goal has never been to become some big, cookie-cutter production shop that offers customers a few colors and tells

See Century, Page 11E

FREE ENERGY

SAVINGS

ANALYSIS or 10 year extended warranties. See Your Dealer For Details Stay comfortable this winter, even when the energy bill arrives. Call your York Dealer today for a free energy savings analysis. You can even take advantage of special offers on York’s Affinity Series Heat Pumps, Furnaces, and Air Conditioners- the only models with modulating furnace technology and QuietDrive noise reduction. Plus a selection of colors, college panels, or concealment options to choose from. It’s only for a limited time, so call your local York Dealer today, or visit www.yorkupg.com for more information.

COOPER MECHANICAL 3041 Beechtree Drive

919-776-7537 www.coopermechanical.com

Debbie Noel (from left), Kevin Noel and Alirio Gomez are busy with a growing number of home remodeling projects as Century Stone moves into a new market for its custom-made countertops. The company has maintained its focus on quality work, customer service and sensitivity to environmental concerns.

Hydro Tube

10E / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Steven Page is part of a team specializing in bending tubes, a task requiring a combination of technical knowlege and advanced equipment.

Randy Buchanan (from left), Stevie Page and Dave Fekete discuss a project at Hydro Tube, which creates parts used in a wide range of manufactured products.

Hydro Tube products are all around H

ydro Tube may not be a household name, but you’re never far away from industrial tubes manufactured there. Gas pumps all over town deliver fuel through their tubes. Club Car golf carts roll around local courses thanks to locally-manufactured parts. And John Deere has relied on Hydro Tube for nearly a decade to produce any number of tube-shaped parts used in its popular lawn and garden equipment. Despite being a $15 million company with 100 employees divided between Sanford and Oberlin, Ohio, the company working quietly along Mt. Pisgah Church Road remains a mystery. “We supply a lot of original equipment for well-known manufacturers and that’s sort of a niche market,” says Tim Althaus, the company’s vice president for operations. “It might be different if we had our own brand-name products, but people are using our products all the time and they never even know it.” Hydro Tube has one specialty: bend-

Hydro Tube

ing tubes. It may sound like a fairly simple procedure, but it’s actually a surprisingly complex process relying on high-tech equipment and a lot of technical knowledge. The bending calculus includes variables like elongation, bend radius and bending properties — tighter turns and special shapes pose unique challenges — and then there’s a whole set of considerations based on the material being shaped.

Althaus uses aluminum as an example. It may be soft and easy to manipulate, but it’s brittle, too, making it difficult to shape. Hydro Tube uses much stronger materials, though, usually stainless and carbon steel. Hydro Tube has done some of its more intricate work for Precor, an international fitness company producing

See Hydro Tube, Page 11E

MAKING PROGRESS POSSIBLE. AN ADMIRED GLOBAL LEADER

AN ADMIRED GLOBAL LEADER

In countries around the world where we turn on the lights, build In countries aroundand theprovide world where wetechnology turn on the the roads and homes, financing, andlights, build the roads to and homes, and provide financing, technology experience create lasting change - what we’re really doing is and experience to create lasting what we’re really doing is making sure the world will alwayschange be better- tomorrow...because of the work we’re today. making sure thedoing world will always be better tomorrow...because

of the work we’re doing today.

www.cat.com

www.cat.com

Location 2645 Mt. Pisgah Church Road Web hydrotube.com Headquarters Oberlin, Ohio Primary Products Industrial-quality tubes, including bending, machining, fabrication and tube laser cutting Founded Locally 2007 Employees 34 Facility Size 60,000 square feet Local Leadership Tim Althaus, Vice President of Operations Employment Contact Randy Buchanan, Plant Manager

Industry 2010 xxxxxxx

TheSanford SanfordHerald Herald/ Thursday, / Thursday,September September23, 24,2010 2009/ /11E XX The

Imaging Continued from Page 8E

Imaging Supplies Co.

you send it back, you just as well send it directly to the landfill.” The desire to save money and improve life for customers extends to other areas of the business. In addition to manufacturing toner cartridges, Imaging Supplies provides sales and service for new and refurbished imaging equipment — including laser printers, fax machines and copiers. The company is an authorized service provider for Brother, Canon, EPSON, HP, Kyocera Mita, Lexmark, Minolta, Samsung, Sharp and Xerox. One of their latest directions is e-document storage, where companies scan all of their paper documents and maintain them securely on line. Imaging Supplies offers both the scanning and storage software used by medical offices, legal firms, industrial companies and other clients to cut costs and make all of their records more accessible. “Rather than have someone search through boxes to find where some document is located, you can have all of your documents securely on line and available from a computer,” says Huffman. “We go in and do an assessment, looking at how they produce documents and how they’re using them. In just about every case, we can show them ways to save money by cutting the cost of managing documents. “Heck, we use it. I can access our own database from anywhere and quickly pull up a customer’s file to answer questions or place orders.” Imaging Supplies also saves money for customers by providing quality service for existing equipment. In years past, companies facing a $300 repair bill might have elected to replace the equipment instead. But in a tight economy, companies and individuals make repairs, and that’s kept an experienced group of technicians busy. Social shifts have

Location 804 Woodland Ave. Web imagingsuppliesco. com Headquarters Sanford Primary Products Toner, ink cartridges and ribbons for fax, copiers and laser printers Founded Locally 1999 Employees 13 Facility Size 9,000 square feet Local Leadership Walter Huffman and Bill Vogler Employment Contact Walter Huffman, President Human Resources e-Mail walter@ imagingsuppliesco. com Public Relations e-Mail walter@ imagingsuppliesco. com Quick Fact The company also provides sales and service of new and refurbished laser printers, fax machines and copiers, and sells office furniture and imaging supplies. Authorized service provider for Brother, Canon, e-document software, EPSON, HP, Kyocera Mita, Lexmark, Minolta, Samsung, Sharp and Xerox laser printers.

Frontier Continued from Page 6E

domestic and international customers. In fact, the company exports more than half of its product to other countries. Frontier is the second largest producer of spun yarns in the United States, using more than 400 million pounds of cotton a year. Management is quick to say that it is the employees that ensure the

Hydro Tube Continued from Page 10E

high-end equipment for homes and commercial centers. Many of the Precor parts end up on Hydro Tube’s Adige Laser Tube Cutting System, a machine designed to cut scores of complicated shapes, holes and slots quickly into tubeshaped, hardened steel. Althaus says the laser can create a finished part in 20 to 25 seconds that would take several minutes to produce using traditional machining techniques. The $750,000 investment has significantly expanded his company’s capability and opened new business opportunities — especially since Althaus believes the next closest Adige machine is in a job shop

Mertek Continued from Page 5E

food processing and packaging — and its engineers have worked as consultants to Fortune 500 corporations and local startups alike. Its areas of expertise take up a fair amount of space on the company website, but Pedley says the company’s greatest strength may be working with manufacturers. Mertek has designed and built machines used locally to produce aquatics equipment at Pentair Water Pool and Spa and automotive parts at Magneti Marelli. Currently,

located hundreds of miles away in Atlanta. As local companies discover what Hydro Tube can do, work has continued to flow into Sanford. One company in Fayetteville was going all the way to Charlotte to have tubes bent when they discovered Hydro Tube and asked Althaus if his company could handle the job. “So, we turned it around in two days and they were very happy,” he recalls. “Everybody who comes in here says, ‘I didn’t know you did that’ — whether it’s our bending capability or the stamping, machining, power coating and welding we also provide. We’re a service-oriented company and do whatever we can to give our customers what they need.” As the customer list grows, Hydro Tube has been working

longer hours and an occasional Saturday to keep up with the mounting demand. Sales are up roughly 70 percent over last year, Althaus estimates, and that has led to some plans for adding more people to the 34 currently working in Sanford. “Having a total of 60 or 70 employees working here eventually,” he says, “is not out of the realm of possibility.” To do that, Hydro Tube would be training a lot of people in the coming months; after all, there’s no trade school out there that teaches the art and science of tube bending. But that’s fine with Althaus. Given the boxes and boxes of sophisticated tubes already on palettes waiting to be shipped, it looks like there’s plenty to be done. “It’s a lot of work,” he admits. “But we certainly don’t complain.”

work is underway on a project for Red Wolf, a contract manufacturing firm in downtown Sanford. The one thing that hasn’t changed over the years is the people, and Pedley believes that’s been the core of the location’s success. “What we do is a very creative business,” he says. “We customdesign machines, so it’s all about ideas. Each new machine offers a unique technical challenge and it’s rewarding for our people to begin from nothing but an idea and see the creation installed and operating in the workplace.” People in the manufacturing industry already know Mertek

Solutions. The challenges now are to introduce the new name to everyone else throughout the region and to continue building on their solid foundation. “To thrive in this business, we know we must continue to improve,” Pedley says. “We are committed, as a group, to provide even better service and solutions to our customers. The bottom line is that we want everyone to know we’re still here, we’re still strong and we’re getting better. And, most of all, that we want to remain an essential part of the community for years to come.”

company’s success and standing as a leader in the spun yarn business. With an average of seven years service, employees often begin with the company as machine operators and advance through the ranks to positions of leadership.

Company officials say the HydroVantage flush valve provides optimal energy efficiency, low maintenance and Continued from Page 4E ease of installation compared to other available generator products. It also sports facilities, convention centers, features Environmental Trending and shopping malls, restaurants, correc4.0 Sensor Technology that continutional facilities and industrial plants. ously monitors ambient light levels and Zurn seized new opportunities as traffic patterns within the restroom. building owners and facility managThese features help minimize the ers began placing a special emphasis number of false flushes and maximize on keeping costs under control. Since power savings. The valve continually reducing water consumption is one tracks activation statistics to optimize part of the solution, new construction power savings based on the installation or retrofit projects can achieve the goal environment. It is designed for retrowith Zurn fixtures, while also improvfit, new construction and various uses ing the restroom’s appearance and under the Leadership in Energy and performance. Environmental Design’s Green Building Zurn’s EcoVantage Sensor flush valve Rating System. and faucet technolWith an extensive ogy combine energy testing and engineer‘With an extensive testing and water efficiency, ing lab located in and engineering lab located Sanford, all of Zurn’s delivering a 10-year in Sanford, all of Zurn’s battery life while products are engisignificantly reducing products are engineered neered and marketed operation and mainlocally. That unified and marketed locally. That tenance costs. Plus, approach — hanunified approach — hanZurn provides peace dling all aspects of dling all aspects of the of mind for building the business under business under one roof owners and facility one roof — gives — gives Zurn a competitive Zurn a competitive managers by standing behind the entire advantage. And by installation with an understanding what industry-leading, three-year warranty. consumers want and focusing their The company’s latest innovation, the effort on developing new products to HydroVantage flush valve, is equipped meet those changing needs, leaders at with a hydro generator and back-up Zurn expect the company to remain on battery to create energy during each the cutting edge of their industry and flush cycle. The hydro generator system continue to reap the rewards they have harvests energy from water as it passes already enjoyed. through the valve. A turbine spins cre“Because of our business philosoating electrical energy, which is stored phy, we expect to grow and develop in a rechargeable cell. This stored ennew products,” says Michael Boone, ergy then powers the electrical needs of Zurn’s general manager. “Sales of our the flush valve for subsequent flushes, manually-operated equipment will eliminating the need for external eleccontinue to grow, even if the economy trical power or battery replacement for subsides. And with the growth of sen10 or more years under normal operatsor-operated equipment, the future, as ing conditions. we’re predicting it, is very bright.”

The staying power of Frontier, especially in today’s economy, is proof that this company is committed to its customers as well as to Lee County, providing good jobs with opportunities for advancement.

To advertise in the 2011 Industrial Edition, contact The Herald advertising staff at (919) 718-1259

opened doors for Imaging Supplies and the company has walked right through. Huffman looks forward to a time when the economy is vibrant again and cutting costs might not be as urgent — for his company and clients as well. But he’s confident that companies will continue to call on Imaging Supplies for ways to save money without losing quality — just as they continue to do with the toner cartridges that helped create the business.

Zurn

Pilgrim’s Continued from Page 7E

ing from Pilgrim’s Pride as the changes were underway, many people may not realize all that’s been happening. Herman and King both talk about how excited they are for the future and don’t hesitate to express their enthusiasm — even using a playful poultry pun in the process. “There are a lot of good things happening now,” says King. “Pilgrim’s Pride is definitely a hidden nugget in the community.”

Century Continued from Page 9E

them to ‘pick one.’ We have the ability to work with clients individually and involve them in the decision, and they appreciate that.” Developing a successful business over five years — especially during the Great Recession — is a testimony to the strong combination of materials, craftsmanship and service Century Stone has managed to assemble. But Noel hesitates to take much of the credit. “We really need to thank all of our faithful custom home builders, cabinet makers, interior designers, home remodelers, real estate agents and homeowners,” he says. “We appreciate their enthusiasm for Century Stone and we never take for granted how essential they’ve been to the success we’ve all enjoyed together.”

Corporate Travel Airport Transportation Theatre Weddings Concerts and More

www.primetimelimo.net

Discover the state you’re in. 1- 8 0 0 - V I S I T

NC

W W W. V I S I T N C . C O M .

12E / Thursday, September 23, 2010 / The Sanford Herald

Industry 2010

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.