All companies are on a path; the question is what path are they taking? Many presidents and managers would rather dismiss this legitimate question after a year of declining sales and profits. The real question many US manufacturers must ask is "what is the real cause of my declining sales and profits?" After stripping all the layers of rationalization down to the core, two answers ultimately surface: weakening economy or lack of competitive products or services.

One company that is creating it’s own path to success is Kirsan Engineering, Inc. (KEI) in Kenosha, WI. KEI is a subsidiary of Ocenco, Inc., a well-respected leader in internationally approved respiratory protection equipment and manufacturer of intrinsically safe lighting systems. Since Ocenco acquired KEI, many changes have taken place. KEI has relocated to a more efficient manufacturing facility, invested in equipment and processes that have dramatically lowered manufacturing costs, and continues to develop value-added services that increase their separation from both foreign and domestic competition.

Kirsan’s Martin Tremblay states, "We aren’t selling machine time, we are providing manufacturing solutions which include the capacity to extend our customer’s capabilities."  Value-added capabilities include responsibility of customer design through final packaging and shipment to the end user.  KEI also services prototype and quick turnaround jobs with design and development requirements. The use of Pro-E CAD, solid-modeling, as well as other value-added services along with cutting-edge technology enables KEI to compete locally and internationally.

Vince Lombardi once said, "It is and always has been an American zeal to be first in anything we do, and to win, and to win, and to win."  Sometimes I feel Vince would be rolling over in his grave if he knew what was happening with US manufacturing.  KEI and other forward thinking companies have proven US companies can compete strongly by leveling the playing field and eliminating foreign competition labor advantages.

Recently KEI purchased a Mazak Dual Turn 20 with Gantry loader for work that previously was going to China. Jerry Ring of KEI explains "the labor disadvantage is insignificant because the machine does both operations and the gantry provides the ability to run lights out." This is just one way KEI is increasing sales by concentrating on and better serving current customers as well as attracting new accounts. He goes on to explain that the operator will run the Dual Turn and a vertical machining center, while simultaneously running another new Mazak Super Quick Turn 250MSY with bar feeder for a totally different job. Both the Dual Turn and Super Quick Turn are Mazak Multi-Tasking machines that eliminate multiple set-ups and fixturing.

Martin also went on to explain that he believes in diversifying in his portfolio. To accomplish KEI’s diversification goals and aid in KEI design and manufacturing capabilities, KEI acquired a manufacturer of high quality custom fixtures. Chuck Miller, of the Custom Workholding Group, provides fixture design and development for existing equipment as well as new, unique work holding solutions for turnkey equipment and processes.