Bob Trebe (video link) is holding a base plate for one of their rescue support struts, now done complete (including the second side) on their Mazak 510C vertical machining center.

by Joe Romanowski
Chairman & CEO

If somebody asked you what you do for a living, how would you feel if you could say, “I save lives.”  That’s what every member of Paratech, Inc., www.paratech-inc.com, can say.  Paratech, a sixty person company in Frankfort, IL is a manufacturer of rescue equipment used all over the world.

Recently I had the opportunity to visit with Bob Trebe, Director of Manufacturing.  My experience has been that companies with celebrated products, like Paratech, could be tempted to let their products “carry” the company.  A powerful product can mask many short comings, especially in the plant.  Well, not Paratech!  Their plant operates 12 late model, high technology CNC machines (11 are Mazak)16 hours per day with significant unattended machining hours.  Nine very flexible machine operators produce all their parts.  Operators set-up, program and run any machine on the floor.  They are a great role model for total plant flexibility and agility.  Also, every machine is purchased and implemented with the intent to run unattended — even their latest addition, a Mazak 510C vertical machining center with a pallet changer.  All four of their Mazak Multiplex machines run unattended as does their Mazak Integrex 400 -IIIST.  They manufacture rescue support struts and air lifting bag systems along with extraction equipment for extreme disaster rescue situations.

I asked Bob, “what makes Paratech even more special?”  Bob quickly answered, “our guys are pretty tough.  They know what our products have to do and are deeply involved in our product development process.”  Bob continued, “we are very responsive to customer requests for new products.”   Bob told me a story.  When the New York Fire Department called and said they needed a system for elevator shaft rescue, Paratech sent their chief engineer to New York for consultation. Together they developed the product that they are now using.  Finally, Bob said, “we make all the products we sell.  There’s a high level of pride and responsiveness that comes out of our plant.  All our people know what our products have to do, and they make sure they do what they are expected to do.”

I asked Bob what is the single, biggest challenge that they deal with on the shop floor (video link)?  “We all work hard to embrace a continuous improvement attitude here.  For example, all of our struts require base plates.  We used to run the first operation on Quick Turn and then transfer it over to the mill.  Now we do the part complete on our new Mazak VCN510C.  It used to take about 60 minutes and we now get it done in 27 minutes.”

I asked Bob why they have continued to buy Mazaks (over 25 years)?  “We’ve built up a confidence level over the years with the Mazak product.  It’s been reliable and everyone in the shop understands how to program in the Mazatrol language.  We don’t do many programs in G-code so we don't have the same comfort level that we do with Mazatrol.  With a new Mazak the learning curve is faster and maintenance is easier because of all our experience.  We know everyone in Mazak and understand their culture, and while pricing isn’t the most important thing, Mazak has been very competitive.  It’s just easier!”

The Paratech plant atmosphere felt exceptional.  I sensed an attitude of relaxed confidence.  I just knew the seasoned, knowledgeable staff understood the magnitude of their mission.  Their products have to execute easily and flawlessly in the worst possible conditions.  I feel good that we have been a significant Paratech manufacturing partner for over 25 years.

The Paratech website has a section that is guaranteed to give you goose bumps.  Many company websites, including my own company’s website, has many customer success stories.  Take a look at the “Proudest Moments” section of the Paratech website, www.paratech-inc.com.  Everyone of their testimonials talks about lives saved.  Pretty powerful stuff!