Manufacturing Today TTX Article - Therma-Tron

MARCH/APRIL 2015
Therma-Tron-X Inc.
www.ttxinc.com / 2014 sales: $65 million / HQ: Sturgeon Bay, Wis. / Employees: 200 /
Specialties: Automated finishing systems, water and wastewater treatment systems
Midwest
with a system order, we will strive to
develop a lasting relationship.”
All systems TTX builds come with
a commitment, he adds. “It takes
months of planning, fabricating and
installing to bring a system to life
and our goal is that the system fulfills the needs of the customer for
the long haul.”
Common Goals
therma-tron-x strives to
develop long-term relationships
based on honesty, integrity and
good business practices.
Can-Do Company
therma-tron-x’s systems meet its clients’ needs
for the long haul. by alan dorich
When people come to work at
Therma-Tron-X (TTX) Inc., they
must have a passion for what they
do, co-owner Chad Andreae says.
“We love coming up with solutions
for our customers and we love exceeding the expectations.
“Customers can see that we give it
our all and we have developed a reputation for being innovative, cando problem solvers,” he continues.
“Success comes out of doing what
you love.”
Based in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., TTX
manufactures automated E-coat,
powder and liquid paint finishing
manufacturing-today.com MARCH/APRIL 2015
systems and water and wastewater
treatment systems for manufacturers and contract shop coaters.
Founders Otto Andreae and Ray
Sherman started the company in
1969 as a producer of custom-built
industrial ovens.
Since then, TTX has produced
thousands of systems used by manufacturers including Caterpillar,
Oshkosh Corp. and Toyota. “It is our
desire at Therma-Tron-X Inc. to develop a long-lasting relationship with
our customers based on honesty, integrity and good business practices,”
Chad Andreae says. “When awarded
The Andreae family’s ownership of
TTX is in its third generation, which
allows consistency in its management, co-owner Bradley Andreae
says. “We have a likeness in our approach, a common goal and pride in
what we do,” he explains.
“We want to come to work and have
fun each day,” Andreae continues.
“We trust each other, we trust our
employees and they trust us. Generations of my family have built TTX up
and generations of employees’ families have been right at our side.”
Coping With Shortages
TTX is coping with the challenge
of an aging workforce, Bradley Andreae says. What makes this more
difficult is that there is a shortage
of skilled and trained tradespeople
throughout the United States.
“One reason for this skills gap is
that educational policies attempt
to push all students to four-year
degrees and do not place emphasis
on apprenticeship programs and
two-year, technical schooling,” he
says, noting that TTX partners with
local schools and the community
on job-shadowing programs, class
tours and presentations.
“TTX works with local high
schools and tech schools in curriculum development and internships
as well as actually developing their
own curriculum to be taught at a lo-
Therma-Tron-X Inc.
Location, Location, Location
Therma-Tron-X (TTX) Inc. moved into its location in Sturgeon Bay, Wis., in 1976 and today its plant
covers 192,500 square feet and has 27,000 square feet of office space. “In addition, TTX has a sales
office in the Chicago area, creating even more opportunities for the successful Door County, Wis.-based
business,” it says.
TTX’s state-of-the-art technology and facilities enable it to manufacture 90 percent of the equipment
needed in-house. “Both design and manufacturing facilities are located on-site to ensure seamless communication through all project phases,” it says. “In addition, TTX Air LLC, a subsidiary of TTX holdings,
has multiple aircraft, spacious offices and a hangar nearby, making it easy for employees and clients to
travel to and from our northeastern Wisconsin location.”
Midwest
“If there is a need seen in the community and we can use TTX’s skills
and resources to give back, we will.
“This could be something as simple
as building goals for a local soccer field
or something more involved, such as
using the company plane to take a family across the country to see a cancer
specialist,” he explains.
The Right Path
cal technical college,” Andreae says.
“TTX also advises and stays involved
in educational policy development at a
local and state level.”
Another unfortunate trend TTX reports is a decline in industry integrity.
“It is nearly impossible to do business
on a handshake or a promise anymore,” he says. “All you can really do is
make sure you have all the bases covered and then strive to hold onto your
own principles and beliefs.”
Giving Back
TTX enjoys sharing its success with
charities. “We take a practical approach to community service,” Bradley Andreae states.
Chad Andreae predicts more success
for TTX. “[We are] going to continue
down the same path that has brought
us to this point,” he says.
“Each new season brings challenges
that cause us to assess what we are doing and make changes where needed,”
he says. “Nothing we do has ever been
static and it never will be.” mt
Published by Phoenix Media Corporation Tel: 312.676.1101 Fax: 312.676.1280
On behalf of Therma-Tron-X Inc. © 2015 Phoenix Media Corporation. All rights reserved.