Annual Report 2014 - Catalyst Connection

Annual Report 2014
The Future Leaders of Manufacturing
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INNOV
Tion
A
Catalyst Connection...
“Here at Catalyst Connection we remain excited about the
future of manufacturing. The outlook for our region is robust.
Future leaders will guide us forward to new opportunities.
As we work together, we can exceed all expectations.”
Raymond Yeager — Chairperson of the Board, Catalyst Connection
Annual Report 2014
The Future Leaders of
The future is strong for manufacturing in southwestern
Pennsylvania.The latest data shows that manufacturing is the
third largest industry in our region and it is growing.**
Manufacturing
The top concern by manufacturers looking to address future operations is the need for
skilled workers. Many current workers will be retiring in the next five to ten years and
there are not enough young people with the interest and skills to fill those openings.
Some of the biggest concerns are the positions that are being vacated at leadership
levels. The future leaders in manufacturing will be critical to addressing the challenges
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and opportunities that will shape the next generation of our manufacturing economy.
Catalyst Connection is supporting the future leaders in manufacturing in two ways:
photo above:
First, we are continuing to provide training and consulting resources to manufacturing
Chairperson of the Board
employees to help them do their current jobs better and prepare them for promotion into
future career positions. Our new Emerging Leaders in Manufacturing program takes this
training to the next level. We are bringing a group of manufacturing professionals into a
learning and networking consortium. This program is a combination of traditional training,
hands-on projects and experiences to prepare the future leaders.
Second, we are continuing to build and expand our Explore the New Manufacturing program. This includes our efforts to promote manufacturing careers to young people that
began more than a decade ago. Today, we continue our project-based learning for young
people and have expanded by working with teachers to provide them with resources about
modern manufacturing careers. Teachers are developing lesson plans that they created in
conjunction with southwest Pennsylvania manufacturers. So a geometry lesson can draw
on a real-world manufacturing application or a chemistry assignment can show how the
compounds are used in products students use in their everyday lives.
We look forward to the future of manufacturing and the leaders that will guide our industry.
Please get involved in these programs that prepare for the future, visit our web site:
www.catalystconnection.org, come to an event, or call us directly at 412.918.4300. If we
work together, the future of our region will exceed all of our expectations.
Our best wishes to you for a prosperous year,
raymond yeager — 2014 chairperson, catalyst connection
petra mitchell — president and chief executive officer, catalyst connection
**Industry data was drawn from the Manufacturing Scorecard that was compiled by the Pittsburgh
Regional Alliance and released by Catalyst Connection.
left: Raymond Yeager—
right: Petra Mitchell—
President and CEO
Annual Report 2014
Kurt J. Lesker Company — highlighted in the 2012 Annual Report.
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Emerging LEADERS
in Manufacturing
E. L. M. PROGRAM
The Emerging Leader in Manufacturing (E.L.M.) is a new program offered by Catalyst
Connection for individuals in the manufacturing industry who are candidates for manufacturing
management careers.
The E.L.M. Program begins with an immersive two-day workshop covering critical topics in strategy, leadership, talent and culture. Participants will then meet in seven half day meetings throughout the year that will allow for hands on practice of their new skills via peer to peer learning and
networking. Each meeting will focus on a topic that will include expert speakers, group discussion
and exercises.
Catalyst Connection's E.L.M. Program also suggests a list of additional cross-functional
professional development courses that are critical for future executives. Click here for suggested
courses. Training courses may be added or removed based on each person's experience and
need. Each participant will complete an assessment that will identify courses that contribute
to their individual development plan.
Each Emerging Leader will take ownership of a significant project at his/her company. A program
sponsor will support each person as they select, plan and implement a leadership project that will
make a positive impact and demonstrate return on investment.
EXPLORE the
New Manufacturing
BUILDING AWARENESS
Building awareness of employment opportunities in manufacturing is a Catalyst Connection
priority. The skilled worker shortage can be improved through employer engagement with their
communities. There are many great programs available locally that connect employers with future
employees or provide students with the training, the education, and the decision-making information they need to succeed in manufacturing and technology careers of all kinds. Catalyst Connection has consolidated our efforts under the Explore the New Manufacturing program. We are
proud to team with southwestern Pennsylvania manufacturers to support endeavors like these:
• Adventures in Technology
• Job Shadowing
• Apprenticeships
• Manufacturing Lesson Plans for Teachers
• BotsIQ Competition
• National Manufacturing Day
• Fluid Power Challenge
• NEPA Fluid Challenge
• Internships
• Plant Tours
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Annual Report 2014
Berner International Corporation — highlighted in the 2012 Annual Report.
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IMPACT Results
Sales Increased
$
37,672,000.
Sales Retained
108,090,070.
Cost Savings
13,091,400.
Investment Made
Plant and Equipment
23,141,500.
Information Systems
1,138,600.
Workforce Practices
1,895,250.
Products and Processes
8,771,500.
Other 30,635,500.
Savings on Investments/ Investments Avoided
4,118,000.
Jobs Created
284
Jobs Retained
1,230
Total Jobs
1,514
Each year, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) evaluates the impact that Manufacturing Extension
Partnership (MEP) Centers have on the clients they serve. Evaluations conducted by Fors Marsh Group, an independent third party, documented the above
results of client surveys conducted in 2014.
2014 STATS
Companies Served
by Industry in 2014
primary
naics description
unique
accounts
percentage
%
Companies Served
by County in 2014
county
Fabricated Metal
39
26
Products Mfg.
Machinery 2416
Manufacturing
Computer and
17
11
Electronic
Manufacturing
Primary Metal
12
8
Industries
Chemical 9
6.0
Manufacturing
Electrical Equipment 9
6.0
Manufacturing
Miscellaneous 8
5.0
Manufacturing
Plastics and Rubber
8
5.0
Products Mfg.
Nonmetallic Mineral 6
4.0
Product Mfg.
Printing and Related 4
3.0
Support Activities
Transportation4 3.0
Equipment
Manufacturing
Petroleum and Coal 2
1.0
Products Mfg.
Textile Product Mills 2
1.0
Food Manufacturing 2
1.0
Apparel Manufacturing1 1.0
Furniture and Related 1
1.0
Products Mfg.
Beverage and Tobacco 1
1.0
Manufacturing
Allegheny
Total
percentage
%
6544
Armstrong 11
Beaver
128
Butler
1711
Cambria
21
Fayette
2
Indiana
43
1
7
Lawrence 32
Somerset
43
Washington 1812
Westmoreland21 14
Total
149100
Companies Served
by Size in 2014
employee size
149100
unique
accounts
percentage
%
1-9
128
10-19
139
20-49
3221
50-99
3322
100-249
3121
250-500
1611
>500
128
Total
149100
Expenditures
Revenue
funding sources
in 2013
unique
accounts
dollar percentage
amount
%
use of funds
in 2013
percentage
%
PA Dept. of Community
1.1m
and Economic Development
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Manufacturing Consulting Services and Programs
91
U.S. Dept. of Commerce,
1.1m
National Institute of Standards
and Technology, Manufacturing
Extension Partnership
23
Workforce Education 4
Fees 36
1.5m
Private Grants and Other 800,000
Government Funding
Administration and Other
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Strategic Services
Catalyst Connection’s
strategic services assist local
manufacturers and deepen the
results.
We forge partnerships to bring
new resources to our clients.
We continually add new services
to meet our clients’ needs and
expand business opportunities.
Advantech US, Inc.— highlighted in the 2013 Annual Report.
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Business Growth
Operational Excellence
NEW CUSTOMERS:
PRODUCTIVITY
IMPROVEMENTS:
Identify and reach customers
through marketing and sales
tools.
NEW PRODUCTS:
Develop and launch innovative
products not easily copied or outsourced to low cost countries.
NEW MARKETS:
Enter new markets, including Marcellus Shale and foreign countries.
Identify opportunities and serve as
a resource for buyers and sellers.
Custom productivity programs
including Lean Manufacturing,
Six Sigma and Reshoring to
become globally competitive.
Talent Management
EMPLOYEE HIRING:
Tailor unique testing and training solutions designed to hire
employees with today’s manufacturing skills.
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT:
QUALITY IMPROVMENTS:
Reach new customers by gaining
ISO and other quality certifications.
Improve fundamental skills
among employees to perform
at their current position and
prepare for advancement.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS:
EMPLOYEE RETENTION:
Advance communication and
procedures necessary for all operating enhancements.
Strengthen company culture,
reduce turnover and plan for
future staffing needs.
Annual Report 2014
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TALENT Management
Talent Management consulting services can greatly improve workforce performance
through employee hiring, development and retention.
The world's most successful manufacturers get superior business results by doing two
simple things exceptionally well:
• They build effective programs to select, develop, and retain talent.
• They engage and invest in all employees — from the executive suite to the shop floor — by giving them tools for solving problems and leveraging opportunities.
Oberg Industries, Inc.
“Oberg is proud to be working with such a valuable partner —
from identifying the needs of our employees, determining skills
gaps, and then implementing training solutions to address those
gaps, Catalyst Connection has continued to allow us to make
smart investments in our most valuable resource; our people.”
— Neil Ashbaugh, Training and Talent Development Specialist
Oberg Industries Inc., with headquarters in Butler County, is a pioneer in the use of tungsten
carbide in high precision stamping dies and die components. The company has continued
to design and manufacture precision tooling while expanding its capabilities to become a
provider of world-class manufacturing solutions specializing in high-quality, high-volume,
precision metal and plastic parts and assemblies.
Oberg has made a commitment to employee training and skill development. Catalyst Connection’s Senior Organizational Development Consultant, David Rea, and Evaluation and
Reporting Administrator, Mara Connelly, supported Oberg with a training needs analysis of
their employees. They followed this with an Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey
and Focus Groups to gather qualitative data related to employee engagement, satisfaction
and morale. Based on the analysis and feedback from Oberg management and employees,
Catalyst Connection is working to help develop training curriculum that Oberg is currently
using to enhance the job skills that were identified to be critical for job success.
EMPLOYEE HIRING
Talent Management strategies through employee hiring are important to bringing in people who
match the work that needs to be completed.
HIRING PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Manufacturers find that only 30 percent of new hires actually succeed at their jobs. A proper hiring
process can greatly increase that success rate. Hiring Process Improvement covers all aspects of finding and selecting a person up until their first day of employment. Employers need to control this
process carefully, not only to make a good decision, but to avoid breaking any discrimination laws.
RECRUITING SERVICES
Catalyst Connection offers recruiting, screening and testing services to help find the most qualified
talent for your manufacturing business. We can also support staffing needs for all employers looking for Administrative, Finance & Accounting and Legal professionals. To enhance the recruiting
effort, Catalyst Connection can assist with the job description, key skills needed and the selection
process for recruitment and then work to understand your strategic objectives, your industry and
areas of expertise.
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C-K Composites Co. llc
“The selection process for our Sales Management position,
helped us to find the right person for the job.”
— Al Bartek, President C-K Composites Co.
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Located in Westmoreland County, C-K Composites Co. LLC engineers and makes products from three custom composite materials: filament-wound tubes, cast & molded epoxy
resins, and densified laminated wood. These products are used as components in a cross
section of industries including Industrial, Electrical, Nuclear, Military, Transportation,
Medical, and Water & Gas.
C-K Composites wanted to hire a new Sales Manager and turned to Catalyst Connection to
assist with the process. Senior Workforce Consultants, David Rea and Lee Kraus conducted
a competency analysis for the Sales Manager position and tailored a job interview process
that included competency-based questions, expected responses and an objective rating
scale. After completing the legally-compliant interview process, C-K Composites selected
a highly qualified candidate to fill the Sales Manager role.
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT
Talent Management strategies through employee development groom your people to excel at current positions and prepare for advancement.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Building leadership skills among supervisors and managers can result in higher employee morale,
productivity and lower employee turnover and incident reports.
Enhance leadership skills using innovative solutions designed to improve employee performance
through coaching, communication, and problem-solving courses. When it comes to enforcing company policies and setting the tone for the work environment, Frontline supervisors have the most
direct influence on the organization.
Catalyst Connection has provided leadership development to hundreds of Frontline supervisors
across southwestern Pennsylvania. We routinely offer skills classes to manufacturers as new crops of
young leaders are hired and promoted to take on the challenge.
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EMPLOYEE RETENTION
Talent Management strategies through employee retention can reduce turnover and prepare a
smooth transition when key individuals leave.
EMPLOYEE RETENTION STRATEGIES
Replacing an employee can cost you as much as twice the value of his or her salary, that’s why
steps to retain good employees make financial sense. Among the hidden costs of an open position
are advertising, recruitment services, testing, interviewing, unemployment compensation, legal
costs, training... the list goes on and on. Further, open positions and lost training time affect other
employees — decreasing productivity and costing you even more money.
INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
In this decade, nearly 34 million US workers are expected to retire. That trend, combined with the
existing skilled worker gap, means that it soon will be increasingly difficult to find an adequate
number of qualified job candidates. Now is the time to implement a strategy for replacing these
valuable, experienced employees. Employee Succession Planning involves understanding the
organization's long-term goals, identifying workforce developmental needs and predictions based
on workforce trends.
Annual Report 2014
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Business
GROWTH
Business Growth consulting services focuses on sales growth through new customers,
new markets, or new products.
Catalyst Connection recently developed the Roadmap for Growth tool that enables you to
double your current growth rate and improve the profitability of your company. The Roadmap for Growth is ideal for companies that want to significantly increase their top-line
revenue year over year. Companies that successfully achieve significant growth, have several things in common. They have a greater accountability for results through stretch goal
setting and a consistent performance orientation in managing people. They have a robust
process to manage the marketing and sales organization. They are never satisfied with the
status quo, relentlessly pursuing improvements in business development.
Bacharach, Inc.
“Neal is a wealth of information from video to marketing and
technology. I am already using the well-designed storyboard template and planning our equipment needs and budgeting. The
bigger take-away is the excitement and passion Neal has fostered.”
— Dave Shutts, Tech Writer / Instructional Designer
Bacharach, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and service of advanced
equipment for the measurement and detection of gases. From their headquarters in Westmoreland County, Bacharach provides high quality gas measurement and monitoring solutions to help customers increase productivity, reduce costs and protect the environment.
Bacharach was looking to expand their capability to produce effective videos that explain
their products and competitive advantage to potential customers. Recently, two Bacharach
employees participated in a two day Video Marketing Boot Camp facilitated by Catalyst
Connection Senior eStrategy Consultant, Neal Rabogliatti. During this training, Neal
showed the class how to create and leverage professional videos on a very limited budget
to help grow sales.
NEW CUSTOMERS
Business Growth strategies that acquire new cus- SALES PERFORMANCE
tomers can provide results quickly and effectively Best practice companies that have successfully
without large changes to current operations.
built high performing sales teams excel at:
1) hiring the right people, 2) observing,
STRATEGIC MARKETING
evaluating and managing their reps and channel
Manufacturers determine where they will compartners, 3) providing continual product,
pete, how they differentiate from the competicompetition and buyer training, 4) developing
tion, how they will provide value to customers, as sales enablement tools that are aligned with
well as when and how to enter each market and the buying cycle, and 5) being vigilant to avoid
reach customers. Catalyst Connection supports disconnections and inconsistencies that can
strategic marketing with:
crop up over time. Catalyst Connection supports
• B2B Website Development
sales performance with:
• Digital Assessment
• Channel Network Assessment
• Internet Marketing Strategy
• Manufacturer’s Rep and Distributor Search • Lead Generation
and Management
• Market Entry Strategy
• Professional Prospecting Skills
• Market Opportunity Assessment
• Professional Sales Coaching
• Primary and Secondary Market Research
• Professional Selling Skills
• Prospect Database Development
• Sales Assessment
• Search Engine Optimization
• Sales Playbook Development
• Social Media
• Video Marketing & Production
• Website Analytics
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Medart, Inc.
“Catalyst Connection is helping Medart reach our corporate
goals in quality, safety and environmental compliance which has
helped us to retain our largest customer and grow our business.”
— Jeff Pierce, President
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Medart, Inc., located in Lawrence County, provides engineering services, field services, and
operational services for heavy duty machinery. has been on the forefront of technology and
innovation since the early 1900’s. Today, Medart continues to be on the cutting edge of
technologies and innovations.
Medart staff has been working closely with Catalyst Connection consultants in recent
years to improve operational efficiencies and reach new levels of quality and safety. In addition to productivity improvements, Medart was looking to expand sales into the Marcellus
Shale Gas industry. In 2012, three Medart employees participated in Catalyst Connection’s
public training, Entering the Marcellus Shale Supply Chain. Instructor, Erica Frischmann,
spoke on supply chain dynamics, supply challenges and opportunities for entry into the
Marcellus Shale supply chain. The Medart team identified their appropriate supply tier,
conducted a market opportunity assessment, and developed a draft value proposition and
6 month action plan.
NEW MARKETS
Business Growth strategies for new market entry
can not only increase sales, but also reduce a
manufacturer’s financial reliance on a single
customer or industry.
SHALE GAS MARKET ENTRY
The growing Shale Gas Market opens up a
world of new customers and opportunities but
in order to be successful, sellers must be armed
with knowledge and an action plan.Catalyst
Connection formed the Shale Gas Collaborative to enhance the competitiveness of regional
manufacturers in the shale gas supply chain.
Catalyst Connection supports shale gas market
entry with:
• Entering the Shale Energy Supply Chain
• Midstream Opportunities in Shale Energy
• SafelandUSA Certification for the Oil and Gas Industry
EXPORT COMPLIANCE
Exporting provides huge opportunities for
companies, but it also adds a degree of risk that
could negatively impact shareholder value. While
export violations can have significant repercussions, there are proven, preventative strategies
and methods that best practice companies use to
minimize personal and business risks, and their
company’s liabilities under export regulations.
Catalyst Connection supports export compliance with:
• Export Compliance Audit
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
TMG Electronics
“The team at TMG Electronics is always excited to work with the
students at Burrell. As adults we can sometimes jump to complicated solutions that present many hurdles. The students on the other
hand show us that there can be easier solutions to the problems.”
— Chance Turner, Engineering Manager
TMG Electronics, Inc., operating in Allegheny County, has grown into a nationally recognized and trusted electronic manufacturing services provider. They manufacturer a full
range of products from fully-tested circuit boards and box build assemblies to customized
management programs. Recently, TMG Electronics was hired by a new client for a medical
device assembly that had a high growth potential.
The challenge was that TMG needed to find a way to assemble the product fast enough
so that it was cost effective and efficient. TMG Electronics presented this challenge to a
group of Burrell High School students as part of Catalyst Connection’s Adventures in
Technology program that is coordinated by Scott Dietz, Manager of Workforce Initiatives.
In this project, the student team researched better assembly options for the medical
device product and made a formal presentation to TMG Electronics staff. Not only were
the Burrell students able to provide a cost-effective solution to the problem, the knowledge
the young people gained about the manufacturing industry was valuable in their future
careers.
NEW PRODUCTS
Business Growth strategies through developing innovative new products and services enable companies to compete with unique solutions — not just the lowest price.
INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
In today’s global environment where aggressive competition is common, innovation is perhaps the
driver of long-term success. For companies wanting to develop new offerings that generate revenue
and grow market share, that sustain and build competitive advantage, and that maintain customer
loyalty, innovation is not just important — it’s imperative. Catalyst Connection supports innovation
and product development with:
• Essentials of Innovation Management for Manufacturers
• Innovation Acceleration
• Lean Product Development
• New Product Development and Commercialization
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Annual Report 2014
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Operational
Excellence
Operational Excellence consulting services help to manufacture products and services
more effectively through productivity, quality and process improvements.
Today's manufacturers are already operating at a high level of performance. Each incremental improvement in quality or cost savings can have a significant impact on profitability
and competitive advantage. We have identified the best practices that successful manufacturers use to further their journey toward Operational Excellence.
McDanel Advanced Ceramics
Technologies
“Catalyst Connection’s Continuous Improvement team provided
guidance to make a Lean Transformation that included: Improvement Readiness, Leadership, Key Performance Indicators and
Return on Investment.”
— Mike Ingram, CEO
Located in Beaver County, McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies LLC is a leading manufacturer of high quality industrial and advanced technical ceramics. McDanel competes
with numerous global and regional competitors. In an effort to separate themselves from
the crowd and fuel the growth of the business, CEO Mike Ingram, knew the manufacturing
operations needed to be transformed.
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They started by completing a Lean Transformation Assessment followed by targeted Lean
training for key production personnel in the critical departments where the improvements
were to take place. Catalyst Connection’s Continuous Improvement team provided guidance for McDanel Management to make a Lean Transformation that included: Improvement
Readiness, Leadership, Key Performance Indicators and Return on Investment. Along the
way, the culture is also being transformed into one that operates with a continuous
improvement mindset. McDanel is building on a long track record of supplying high quality
custom ceramic components to the market.
PRODUCTIVITY IMPROVEMENTS
Operational Excellence achieved
through productivity improvements
focuses on getting the most output
with available resources.
LEAN MANUFACTURING
Lean Manufacturing is ‘a systematic
approach to identifying and eliminating waste (non-value-added activities)
through continuous improvement by
flowing the product at the pull of the
customer in pursuit of perfection.’
Catalyst Connection supports lean
manufacturing with:
• Lean Certification
• 5S (Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize, Shine) Cellular Flow
• Lean Office Lean Transformation Planning Kaizen
• Pull Systems
• Practical Problem Solving Setup factors — ranging from cost structures,
tax laws, skills and material availability,
Reduction
new market entry and others — are
• Standardized Work
driving companies to look for solu• Value Stream Mapping
tions to reduce supply costs. Catalyst
• Visual Management
Connection supports supply chain
optimization with:
SIX SIGMA
Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven • New Supplier Selection
approach for eliminating defects in
• Reduce Your Supply Chain Risk any process. Reducing the number
While Improving Performance
of defects, improves throughput, and
• Reshoring
reduces the cost of making the prod
uct. Catalyst Connection supports Six • Supply Chain Assessment and Benchmarking
Sigma with:
• Six Sigma Black Belt Certification • Total Cost of Ownership
• Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
SUPPLY CHAIN OPTIMIZATION
As supply chains have become global
and increasingly dispersed, a variety of
Annual Report 2014
Pittsburgh Plastics Manufacturing — highlighted in the 2011 Annual Report; Below — Plastikoil of
PA, Inc., highlighted in 2013.
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QUALITY IMPROVEMENTS
Operational Excellence achieved through quality improvements reduces product defects and
increases customer satisfaction.
QUALITY SYSTEMS
Companies that achieve and maintain high quality standards consistently outperform their competition and grow their sales. Quality certifications are available specific to the industry in which a
company works. These certifications are recognized as the measure of a manufacturers excellence in
quality systems. Many large corporate buyers require their suppliers to maintain current certifications. Manufacturers who are certified have a greater opportunity to gain new sales and attract new
buyers. Catalyst Connection supports quality systems with:
• AS9100 (Aerospace)
• ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management Principles)
• ISO 13485 (Medical Device)
• ISO/TS 16949:2009 (Automotive)
• ISO 14001 (Environmental)
• OSHAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management)
• Quality Systems Audit
Kopp Glass, Inc.­ — highlighted in the 2012 Annual Report.
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PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
Operational Excellence achieved
through process improvements advances communication and procedures
which is a necessary foundation for all
operating enhancements.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Increasingly firms of all sizes have
access to high performance computing
capabilities and new business models
that rely on high speed internet in the
areas of marketing, sales, operations,
KATA
customer service and productivity. ToMany companies seek to improve their gether these combine to favor localizabusiness using various continuous
tion of manufacturing whereby small
improvement methodologies including companies can look, act and compete
Lean principles. The proven method
like their large company counterparts.
for deploying these concepts is to
Catalyst Connection supports Training
tie them into an overall strategy of
Within Industry with:
business improvement. KATA is the
• Broadband Internet Service
“invisible” parts of Lean, which devel or IT Systems
ops a sustaining culture of continuous
• Enterprise Resource Planning improvement in your organization.
(ERP) or Business Process Software
Catalyst Connection supports KATA
• Internet Marketing Strategies
with:
• Customer Relationship
• Coaching KATA
Management (CRM) Systems
• Improvement KATA
• E-mail Broadcasting and
E-commerce Capabilities
• Remote Access Systems
TRAINING WITHIN INDUSTRY
Training Within Industry (TWI) is a
dynamic program of hands-on learning
and practice. It provides essential
skills for supervisors, team leaders and
anyone who directs the work of others.
TWI is an essential element of Lean and
continuous improvement programs
around the world. Catalyst Connection
supports Training Within Industry
with:
• Job Instruction
• Job Methods
• Job Relations
Annual Report 2014
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Business COST
Reduction Programs
Manufacturing companies are stronger when they can reduce their costs of doing business.
Catalyst Connection established relationships with trusted partners who are experts in their
field. Each of these opportunities can reduce expenses and free up capital for other growth
strategies.
Credit Card Processing Accepting credit card payments is an important part of many
businesses. It should be as simple, affordable and secure as possible.
Electric Power Procurement Program Save on electrical costs by purchasing through
aggregate or through direct negotiate electrical pricing if your facility is large enough to
generate savings as a stand-alone business.
Freight Management Receive the transportation support to compete and service
customers with the most effective service and cost in the marketplace.
R&D Tax Credits Many of the day-to-day activities that can be classified as innovating
and investing back into the business could be eligible for this Tax Credit.
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Financing And Grants
The biggest hurdle, in the race for competitive performance, could turn out to be capital.
But we can provide a boost. Catalyst Connection gathers the latest intelligence on financial
resources, grants, investor access and loan programs that are available to the southwestern
PA manufacturing community. We're eager to share everything we know. Our financial
experts work to access a company's financial situation, develop a plan and implement a
solution aligned with your short- and long-range capital goals.
Creekside Springs
“We chose to expand in Beaver County because of the work ethic
of the employee base. The private/public partnership with Catalyst
Connection and Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and
Economic Development (DCED) was also a swaying factor for us.”
— James Sas, Managing Partner
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Creekside Springs is located in Ambridge, PA, Beaver County and employs approximately
25 employees. Creekside Springs is a bottler of both purified, spring and enhanced waters
for private label, co-packaging and corporate brand arrangements. Creekside Springs is
experiencing strong sales and increased demand from their high-profile retail customers.
The company needed to expand operations to another manufacturing facility to meet demand and they were considering relocation into Ohio or West Virginia. Art Tintori, Catalyst
Connection’s Managing Director of Financial Services, worked with James Sas, Managing
Partner at Creekside Springs, to develop a complete financial package to fund a multimillion dollar expansion of a new plant and equipment in Beaver County Pennsylvania.
Catalyst Connection helped organize a cooperative effort with state and private funding
allowed Creekside Springs to grow manufacturing in our region. The facility will start with
a new production line that will employ 15-20 people over the next two years. Ultimately,
Creekside Springs plans to have multiple production lines in the facility that will double the
company’s current capacity and revenues.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
The right financing solution will become the foundation of business expansion and growth.
We can help you finance your objectives by:
• Identifying the most appropriate resources and options
• Verifying your eligibility for funding from a variety of public and private sources
• Customizing both public/private and commercial loan packages
• Applying for state and federal assistance through programs operated by the Industrial
Development Authority, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Finance Authority, the Small Business Administration, and Small Business First
• Connecting with leaders in the banking, leasing, accounting, insurance, investment, legal
and real estate sectors who can provide specialized, expert counsel
We are also a channel for our own commercial loan programs, including: Allegheny County MaGC
Capital Fund, Allegheny County MaGC Express Fund, Manufacturing Technology Loan Fund, and
the Mon Valley Manufacturing Fund.
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GRANT PROGRAMS
Catalyst Connection strives to be a central information resource for grants available to the regions
manufacturing businesses.
INNOVATION ADOPTION PROGRAM
Grants are available up to $50,000 to help develop cutting-edge technologies which will accelerate
their progress and enable manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage in local and global
markets.
LEVERAGING HIGH SPEED INTERNET
Receive a free assessment of internet and information technology capabilities with the potential
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PITTSBURGH MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
City of Pittsburgh manufacturers can receive up to $2,000 in matching funds for management
consulting services and technical engagement assistance.
Annual Report 2014
26
Executive Committee
RAYMOND YEAGER
GEORGIANA RILEY
CRAIG S. HERYFORD
MARK ULISHNEY
(chairperson)
dmi companies
(treasurer)
case i sabatini
(vice chairperson)
tigg corporation
(secretary)
buchanan ingersoll
& rooney pc
Photograph
front row: left to right —
David Bonvenuto, Oberg Industries; Jason Rigone, Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation; Stephanie Dileo, Homer City Automation; David Sweet, Mecco Marking & Traceability; Raymond Yeager, DMI
Companies, Inc.; Georgiana Riley, TIGG Corporation; Jeffrey Kelly, Hamill Manufacturing Company; Laurie Mizrahi,
Mizrahi, Inc.
back row: left to right —
Christina Gabriel, University Energy Partnership; Jerry Hudson Jr., Concurrent Technologies Corporation; Trevor Dunthorne, General Carbide Corporation; Dewitt Peart, Allegheny Conference on Community Development
and Affiliates; Thomas Polacek, JWF Machining; Bradley Franc, Houston Harbaugh; Lawrence Barger, BDO USA,
LLP; Craig Heryford, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC; Lora Cooper Rothen, Du-Co Ceramics Company; Judy Wojanis, Wojanis Supply Company, Inc.
missing from photo —
Gregory Boyer, S&T Bank; Nicolas Glorieux, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP; Corbin Kearns, Johnson Matthey; Joseph Putila, Gerome Manufacturing Company, Inc.; Nadine Tripodi, Butler Technologies, Inc.; Mark Ulishney,
Case I Sabatini
Board of Directors
27
“The future leaders in manufacturing will be critical to addressing the
challenges and opportunities that will shape the next generation of our
manufacturing economy.”
Petra Mitchell — President and Chief Executive 0fficer, Catalyst Connection
Photograph
top row: left to right —
Allison Moux, Pauline Yankes, James Marsilio, Thomas Reed, Connie Palucka, Erica Frischmann, Allison Marsiglio,
David Rea, Neal Rabogliatti, Pam Grove, Scott Dietz
bottom row: left to right —
Eric MacDonald, Thomas Bloom, Arthur Tintori, Anna Mancuso, Lee Kraus, Jeanne Straw,
Timothy Clark, Cindy Connelly, Craig Wilson, Edward Wagner, Mara Connelly, Petra Mitchell — president
Catalyst Connection Staff
Client List
Able Tool Company, Inc.
Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc.
Acutronic USA Inc.
Clark Precision Machined
Components
CMC/Cygnus
Manufacturing Company
Kurt J Lesker Company
Reparex
L&S Machine Company
Ritchey Metals Co., Inc.
Langeloth Metallurgical Co.
Rolf Glass
Luther Signs
DBA Image 360 Pittsburgh
RPM Industries, LLC
Advanced Acoustic Concepts
CP Industries
Advantech US, Inc.
Creekside Springs
Aero Tech Designs, Inc.
CSE Corp.
Aerotech, Inc.
Akers National Roll
Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical
Corporation
Akustica, Inc.
Custom Hydraulics, Inc.
All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC
Dacar Industries
Allegheny Plastics, Inc.
Dawar Technologies
Mitsubishi Electric
Power Products, Inc.
Aloma Shim & Manufacturing
Diamond Wire Spring Company
Moop, LLC
SMS Millcraft LLC
Angstrom Sciences, Inc.
Ductmate Industries, Inc.
Nalco Company
Somerset Welding & Steel, Inc.
ANH Refractories
Dynamet, Inc.
NEDCO, Inc.
Specialty Tires of America, Inc.
Ansaldo STS USA, Inc.
E.A. Fischione Instruments, Inc.
Neo Solutions, Inc.
Aquatech International Corp.
Eaton/Electrical Group
Nichols Electronics, Inc.
SPX Dehydration &
Process Filtration
Aquion Energy, Inc.
ForeFront Product Design, LLC
North American Hoganas
ARDEX Engineered Cements
FS-Elliott Company, LLC
Oberg Industries, Inc.
Arkwood Products, Inc.
Gamma Sports, Inc.
O’Neal Manufacturing Services
AvinED Technical Furnishings, Inc.
GCL, Inc.
Pace Industries, Airo Division
Bacharach, Inc.
General Carbide Corporation
Bayer HealthCare AG
Gerome Manufacturing Co
Parker Hannifin
Corporation/Automation Group
Bayer MaterialScience LLC
Glenn Machine Company
Bearing Service Company
H&W Global Industries, Inc.
Berner International Corp.
Hamill Manufacturing Company
Bloom Engineering Company Inc.
Hoffman-Kane Distributors, Inc.
Bolsan Company, Inc.
MCC International, Inc.
McDanel Advanced Ceramics
Technologies
MECCO Marking and Traceability
Medart, Inc.
Schaffner Manufacturing Company
Schroeder Industries
Schultheis Automation
Control Systems, Inc.
SDC Nutrition, Inc.
Sealing Specialists & Service
Selectrode Industries, Inc.
SSM Industries, Inc.
Standard Horse Nail Corporation
Starrr Products LP
Stellar Precision Components
Stoystown Tank & Steel Co, Inc.
Strata Worldwide
PBM Valve
Strobel Machine, Inc.
Penn United Technologies Inc.
The Techs
Pennatronics Corporation
Thermal Transfer Corporation
Peterson Cartridge LLC
TMG Electronics, Inc.
IGS Industries
PIAD Precision Casting
Corporation
Tom Brown, Inc.
BWI Eagle, Inc.
Industrial Rubber Products, Inc.
Pittsburgh Plastics Manufacturing
Industrial Scientific Corporation
TruFood Mfg
Byrnes & Kiefer Company
Pittsburgh Valve & Fitting Co.
IngMar Medical, Ltd.
Twin Pines Manufacturing
C.U.E., Inc.
Plastikoil of Pennsylvania
Innovative Comfort LLC
Universal Electric Corporation
c3controls
Pleiger Plastics Co.
Caldon Ultrasonics
Instrument Calibration Solutions
Universal Stainless &
Alloy Products, Inc.
Cannon Boiler Works, Inc.
Irwin Automation, Inc.
PPG Industries/Architectural
Coatings
Carcolory Corp.
ITI Trailers and Truck Bodies, Inc.
Precision Kidd Steel Co., Inc.
Walco Corporation
Carnegie Robotics LLC
Jadco Mfg., Inc.
Pressure Chemical Company
Waters Technologies Corporation
Chase Industries, Inc.
Jatco Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
Proceq USA, Inc.
Chick Machine
JWF Industries
ProMinent Fluid Controls, Inc.
Woodings Industrial Corp. /
Mars Hydraulic Div.
C-K Composites Co. LLC
Kongsberg Protech Systems
USA Corporation
PTC Alliance, North America
Woodward, Inc.
Red Valve Co., Inc.
ZOLL Lifecor Corporation
Clark Metal Products Co.
Kopp Glass, Inc.
Koppers, Inc.
Tri-Arc and Linett Company, Inc.
Velocity Equipment Solutions, LLC
This book was manufactured by Plastikoil of Pennsylvania. The embossed front cover is a special effect
to achieve a quality high end look. Plastikoil of PA, Inc., was highlighted in the 2013 Annual Report.
3
Catalyst Connection is a private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. We provide consulting and training services to small-to-mid-size manufacturers
in southwestern Pennsylvania, accelerating revenue growth and improved productivity. Through
active collaboration with our clients and the manufacturing community at large, we contribute to the growth, vibrancy, and ongoing robustness of manufacturing in our region.
Many of Catalyst Connection’s projects are financed [in part] by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, and a cooperative agreement with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
To collaborate with other manufacturers and industry experts, visit www.MyManufacturingConnection.org
a NIST |Network
MEP |Affiliate
2000 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3110
phone: 412.918.4300
fax: 412.687.2791
toll free: 1.888.887.7472
A Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center
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