Baum Machine is wrapping up a $1 million expansion that includes an equal amount of expenditures on equipment.

Premier Business Partners:

National Tube Supply Co. Allied Plastics Co. Inc. Ultra Plating Corp.

As a custom contract machine shop, Baum Machine Inc. owner and President Rodger Baum says he and his staff continue to “beat the bushes” for new opportunities, as well as work to keep current customers satisfied.

“We adapt to market changes by keeping close relationships with our customer base to keep our finger on the pulse of what is going on in their business world, and do our best to make any necessary adjustments, whether in capital equipment, staffing, etc.,” Baum adds.    

Baum started Baum Machine in 1989 as a one-man machine shop on a relative’s farm. The company has grown into a 55,000-square-foot facility in Appleton, Wis., with 60 employees.

Baum Machine serves numerous markets including paper mills, mining, converting and manufacturers of OEM equipment, as well as performing the design/build of custom converting machinery for a number of sectors. “As a custom contract machine shop, our customers are so varied and change one day to the next, that it’s virtually impossible to categorize them,” Baum adds. “As far as customer expectations, an old saying still rings true: ‘As much as things change, they remain the same.’

“Even with the globalization of our economy, customers still expect the same things as decades ago: a competitive price, quality parts the first time around, on-time delivery and real service from the people in your company,” he continues.

Baum took time to speak with Manufacturing Today about training initiatives, adjusting manufacturing processes to customer needs and the future growth of Baum Machine.
 
Manufacturing Today: How would you describe your position in the industry?
Rodger Baum: With our current facility’s expansion and capital equipment additions we are one of the best equipped and manned shops north of Chicago and in the state of Wisconsin. We are extremely diversified in our field and markets served, which sets us apart from many of our competitors.
 
MT: What type of market change is your company dealing with today?
RB: With the emerging global economy and competition, raw material prices and availability are an everyday challenge. Our prices and lead times to our customers are what can either create an order or lose one.

Labor-wise, we are fortunate in that  we are both in an area with a large skilled labor base and the fact that our company’s reputation in the local marketplace brings us many qualified applicants weekly.
 
MT: Are there any plans for growth or investments on the horizon?
RB: We are currently putting the final touches on a nearly $1 million building expansion that also includes an equal amount of expenditure on capital equipment. This expansion has also added to our work force. With our increased capacity, we can now handle small to very large parts our customers require.
 
MT: As a custom job shop, how often are your manufacturing processes adjusted? And how much time is required between changeovers?
RB: In the custom contract machining business, every day and every part we manufacture presents its own unique requirements. It demands that all of our personnel – from the initial estimate to the actual manufacturing of the parts – to define the process, tools required, etc., in order to not only create the product to the customer’s expectations, but also to be profitable.

(Manufacturing) is a constant state of flux day to day. Between our Customer’s parts and our own product lines – i.e., custom designed and manufactured equipment – the demands and requirements vary with each individual client and their particular need or application.
 
MT: How do you manage inventory?
RB: With the advent of JIT by raw material suppliers, we maintain a minimal inventory. That’s the business our suppliers are in and we let them serve their purpose.    

Our estimating and purchasing staff have all been associated with our industry for many years and have developed outstanding relationships with numerous vendors, creating an extremely cooperative and competitive environment, which enhances our ability to provide the pricing and service we need.
 
MT: How long has Baum Machine been involved with the Appleton-
area School District’s Technology/Apprenticeship Program?
RB: We have been cooperating with the area school district since 1996. This participation has benefited both our company and the young people involved.    

Most have an early interest in either engineering or manufacturing, and this environment and experience gives them a very good idea
of the skills and manufacturing processes required before they move on to college or a technical school.             

Many have even chosen to remain in this industry with us as a machinist, which is a skilled trade that is very thin in qualified people these days but is, as a rule, well paying with gathered experience.