DESIGNING THE FUTURE

S e p t e m b e r / O c t o b e r 2 0 1 0 

M A N U F A C T U R I N G 

Journal of the Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Association 

Embracing Disruption: 

designing the Future 

Nanotechnology: The Next Big Thing 

Shop Industry Profiles Profile 

MultiSource Industrial Manufacturing Tool, Inc. LLC 

Smith Multiple Foundry Divisions. One Co. Company. 

Industry Who’s Who Profile 

Hennepin Tom Technical DaggettCollege 

Hutchinson Manufacturing, Inc.

the 2010 

new generation 

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2 | PRECISION MANUFACTURING September | October 2010 

Specifications subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors. Machines shown with optional equipment.

TABLE | OF CONTENTS 

September | October 2010 

6 

Features 

6 Embracing Disruption 

Designing the Future 

by B Kyle 

17 Industry Profile: MultiSource Manufacturing LLC 

Multiple Divisions. One Company. 

by Melissa DeBilzan 

22 Nanotechnology 

The Next Big Thing 

by Lynne Osterman 

22 

Departments 

4 President’s Letter 

13 Who’s Who 

14 Made in MN 

21 Sales and Marketing 

24 Wow Factor 

26 Manufacturers’ 

Marketplace 

29 MPMA Member Directory 

17 

w w w . p m - m n . c o m 

33 Advertisers’ Index 

34 MPMA Highlights 

September | October 2010 PRECISION MANUFACTURING | 3

PRESIDENT’S | LETTER 

Your Workforce 

IS THE RECESSION OVER? 

by Mike Gramse 

For some shops, I understand it 

never was. Some shops missed the 

first 12 to 18 months of the recession; but 

I believe most of us have been in it since 

September of 2008, at least that has been 

the experience at my company, MRG Tool 

and Die Corp. 

At MRG, we experienced the 

slowdown in mid-September 2008, at 

almost exactly the same time that we 

embarked on a large expansion of our 

facility. At that time, we had enough 

backlog to carry us through until the 

end of the year; but the request for 

quotes and repeat orders seemed to 

have diminished or have been reduced. 

I know of at least two other MPMA 

member companies that also initiated 

large expansions at roughly the same 

time. Timing is everything. 

For most of our members, it has been 

a very hard time. Some experienced a 25, 

40 or 60 percent reduction in sales and 

needed to make appropriate reductions to 

remain in business. 

Someone said early on in the recession 

[I believe someone in government]: 

“That we shouldn’t let a good recession 

go to waste.” I think many of us have 

followed that advice, although maybe not 

intentionally. Some of us have expanded 

our facilities, fine tuned our workforce, 

improved our systems, become more 

automated, updated our equipment, taken 

advantage of some good opportunities, 

evaluated our customer base and found 

new business. 

Our membership base is so diverse 

that, as I have talked with our members, 

some have had their business pick up 

long before others. It seems as though 

most everyone I talk to in the MPMA 

is seeing an uptick—maybe not back 

to what it was in 2008, but improving. 

At MRG we have developed a few very 

good, new customers whose business is 

increasing, and our traditional customers 

are beginning to become busier as well. 

As we get busier, we are facing some 

new challenges that didn’t exist before. 

We have the uncertainty of what the 

government is going to do, regulations, 

taxes and health care. The banking 

industry is different now than it was 

in 2008, which is causing some real 

difficulty for some of our members. 

Many shops in our industry are gone, 

they couldn’t survive the downturn. 

I believe that finding 

qualified people will 

continue to be our 

biggest problem. 

As our businesses start to grow again 

it will be difficult to meet our customers’ 

expectations for the short lead time they 

have become accustomed to. I believe we 

will have more work than before because 

there are fewer shops. And it will be 

difficult to maintain our workforce. Many 

have cut wages and benefits, and may not 

recover quick enough to reinstate former 

employees, before they are lured to other 

companies who may have picked up a 

little more quickly. 

I believe that finding qualified 

people will continue to be our biggest 

problem. Some of our members have been 

experiencing this for the past year. I have 

not heard anyone say they have been able 

to cherry-pick through their applicants. 

Instead, they have hired multiple 

employment agencies and come up dry. 

This is what concerns me the most: 

We can build facilities, and we can buy 

equipment; but can we find qualified 

people? 

Preserve the Programs. GET 

ENGAGED. PM 

Mike Gramse is president 

of MRG Tool & Die Corp. in 

Faribault, Minn. He can be 

reached at 

mgramse@toolanddie.net. 

www.pm-mn.com 

Supporting Minnesota in becoming 

the world leader in precision contract 

manufacturing and related technologies. 

EDITOR | PUBLICATIONS MANAGER 

Amy Slettum 

SALES MANAGER 

Tim Crolley 

Designer | Art Director 

Severyn Skoug 

Minnesota Precision 

Manufacturing Association 

5353 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 207 

Minneapolis, MN 55416 

952.564.3041 

www.mpma.com 

MPMA Officers 

President 

Mike Gramse, MRG Tool & Die Corp. 

Vice President 

Bob Miller, Kendeco Tool Crib 

Treasurer 

Paul Huot, Huot Manufacturing Company 

Secretary 

Kim Arrigoni, Haberman Machine, Inc. 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

Jaime Nolan, CAE 

associate DIRECTOR 

Luann Bartley 

Editorial Committee 

Chair, Editor-in-Chief 

Brenda Kyle 

blk@sppa.com 

Michelle Gates 

mgates@bpkz.com 

Denny Nybo 

dennynybo@comcast.net 

Bill Remes 

billr@ameristarmfg.com 

Chuck Remillard 

chuckr@kurt.com 

Ted Roberts 

troberts@robertsautomatic.com 

Andrew Skoog 

apskoog@gmail.com 

Fred Zimmerman 

zimco@visi.com 

For editorial, advertising or 

membership information: 

Voice: 952.564.3041 

Fax: 952.252.8096 

Precision Manufacturing (ISSN 0273-7523), 

is published six times per year by IntrinXec 

Management Inc., 5353 Wayzata Blvd., Suite 

207, Minneapolis, MN 55416. Precision 

Manufacturing is the only authorized regular 

publication of the Minnesota Precision 

Manufacturing Association (MPMA). Opinions 

and conclusions expressed in the magazine 

are those of the individual writer and do 

not necessarily reflect the official position 

of the MPMA or its officers. Advertising 

rates provided on request. Correspondence 

regarding the magazine, including industry 

news releases, photographs and press releases 

relating to precision manufacturing should be 

sent to Precision Manufacturing, Amy Slettum, 

c/o IntrinXec Management, Inc., 5353 Wayzata 

Blvd., Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55416. 

Electronic correspondence, including attached 

files in Word or plain text formats, may be sent 

to amy@mpma.com. Unsolicited materials will 

not be returned. POSTMASTER: Send address 

changes to: Precision Manufacturing, c/o 

IntrinXec Management, Inc., 5353 Wayzata 

Blvd., Suite 207, Minneapolis, MN 55416. 

Copyright ©2010 Minnesota Precision 

Manufacturing Association. 

4 | PRECISION MANUFACTURING September | October 2010

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* All programs and services may not be available in all states.

Embracing Disruption: 

designing the Future 

by B Kyle 

Twitter, a real-time Web microblogging service, is changing the way big companies 

interact with their customers. CollabNet is using cloud computing to transform 

the way conservative organizations as diverse as Deutsche Bank and the U.S. Department 

of Defense develop software. Silicon Valley’s Bloom Energy is aiming to displace 

both traditional electricity companies and gas stations. SAIC’s YeZ concept 

car is the first automobile, concept or otherwise, that’s ever been conceived to have 

a negative carbon footprint. Scientists have announced an experimental 

new technology that utilizes gene-silencing nanoparticles to manage the 

mosquito population. Stronger than Kevlar and biodegradable, silk is being 

developed for its medical applications, including brain implants and optical devices.

cover | Embracing Disruption 

Disruptive technologies are 

innovations that somehow 

upset the status quo of doing 

business. Such innovations tend to be 

about lower cost, more flexibility or easier 

access, or they actually target a different 

set of users. 

What other emerging technologies are 

on the horizon? This article will review 

five industries that are experiencing 

significant disruptive change, 

highlighting some of today’s fledgling 

technologies that promise to have a 

fundamental impact on the way we live 

our lives in the future. 

1 Nanotechnology 

Nanotechnology deals with very 

small scale materials—a nanometer is 

a billionth of a meter. A human hair is 

about 80,000 nanometers wide. 

Nanoscience is not an industry unto 

itself but, instead, is a science whose 

applications will seep into many different 

markets. Within such a framework, the 

world of nanotechnology may be divided 

into three broad categories: nanomedicine, 

nanostructured materials and nanotools. 

“Every industry that involves 

manufactured items will be impacted by 

nanotechnology research. Everything 

can be made in some way better— 

stronger, lighter, cheaper, easier 

to recycle—if it’s engineered and 

manufactured at the nanometer scale,” 

said Stan Williams, director of quantum 

science research, HP Labs. 1 

Nanomedicine 

Nanomedicine is focused on 

diagnosing and treating diseases and 

creating new drug delivery techniques with 

fewer side effects. Many nanomedicine 

findings are now in clinical trials and soon 

could be available to the public. 

▶▶Nanotech-enabled sensors may be 

able to “smell” cancer. Researchers 

have mapped the odor profile of 

certain skin cancers and are looking 

into ways to create a small electronic 

nose able to sense the airborne 

chemical pattern of skin cancer and 

other odors. 

▶▶Research is underway to use 

nanotechnology to engineer a gel that 

spurs the growth of nerve cells. The 

gel fills the space between existing 

cells and encourages new cells to 

grow. This process could be used to 

re-grow lost or damaged spinal cord 

and brain cells. 2 

Nanostructured materials 

Deborah Newberry has much to 

contribute in the area of nanotechnology. 

Chair of the nanoscience department at 

the Dakota County Technical College 

and director and principal investigator 

for Nanolink, a regional center for 

nanotechnology education, Newberry 

was instrumental in contributing to 

this discussion. 

“When I look at the impact 

of nanotechnology on precision 

manufacturing, nanotechnology 

predominantly is going to impact 

manufacturing in the area of material 

composition,” said Newberry. “We now 

have the ability to create nano—very, 

very small-sized particulates, pieces of 

dust, gold, platinum, silver, carbon and 

all kinds of different materials. We are 

adding those nanoparticles to traditional 

materials like clays and polymers and 

other metals. When you add the nanosized 

materials, you have the ability to 

change their properties, such as elasticity, 

hardness and melting temperature. You 

are modifying the molecular structure of 

that material.” 

▶▶ 

Different nanoscale materials can be 

used in thin films to make them waterrepellent, 

anti-reflective, self-cleaning, 

ultraviolet or infrared resistant, antifog, 

antimicrobial, scratch-resistant, 

or electrically conductive. Nanofilms 

are used now on eyeglasses, computer 

displays and cameras to protect or treat 

the surfaces. 

▶▶ 

Nanoscale transistors someday may 

lead to computers that are faster, 

more powerful and more energy 

efficient than those used today. 

Nanotechnology also holds the 

potential to exponentially increase 

information storage capacity; soon 

your computer’s entire memory will be 

able to be stored on a single tiny chip. 3 

Nanotools 

Nanotools are molecule-sized devices 

such as motors, gears, wires, powders, 

tubes, or spheres, which manipulate 

matter at the nano or atomic level. Still 

in the early stages of development, these 

Every industry that involves manufactured 

items will be impacted by nanotechnology 

research. Everything can be made in some 

way better—stronger, lighter, cheaper, easier to 

recycle—if it’s engineered and manufactured 

at the nanometer scale. 

- Stan Williams, director of quantum science research, HP Labs 

devices will have an extraordinary impact 

on medical, manufacturing, electronic 

and chemical applications. 

Carbon nanotubes are especially 

interesting because they can act as 

semiconductors. Semiconductors make 

transistors—tiny switches that are turned 

on and off by electrons. So imagine a 

transistor that is 2 nanometers in size. In 

today’s computers, transistors are about 

100 nanometers. In theory, using carbon 

nanotubes will allow designers to pack 

about 50 times more transistors into a 

computer chip. 4 



Top 10 Disruptive Technologies of All Time 

10 

9 

8 

The Magnetic Stripe Card 

It’s hard to imagine banking, shopping or travelling without the 

swish-swipe of a plastic card. Invented by IBM in the 1960s for a 

security system commissioned by the U.S. government, the strip 

relies on data encrypted in the form of tiny magnets. It is now one 

of the most universal technologies on earth. 

Gun Powder 

Chinese scientists first combined sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal in 

the eighth century and it wasn’t long before someone thought to 

turn the mixture into a weapon. Warfare never would be the same. 

Iron Smelting 

The Iron Age began at different times all over the globe starting 

around 1200 BC and, when it did, brought major changes to every 

day life. Both farming and war became easier with better tools. As 

a widely available ore across the ancient world, it also made trade 

less of a necessity and settlements more independent. 

2 Biotechnology 

Currently, the greatest commercial 

promise using nanotechnology may be 

in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. 

While nanotechnology is engineering at 

the molecular level, independent of the 

actual medium involved, biotechnology 

always involves a living organism. 

Biotechnology is the process by which 

scientists manipulate living organisms at 

the cellular level to create new products. 

Classic examples of this would be the 

production of insulin or antibiotics. 

Modern biotechnology includes genetic 

engineering as well as cell and tissue 

culture technologies. 

Today, we are seeing a convergence 

between pharmaceuticals and the 

medical devices that deliver them. This 

is hugely disruptive, especially for the 

company that manufactures medical 

devices that can be replaced by drugs. 

“Future innovation is going to occur 

at the interface and not in drugs or 

devices alone,” said John Santini, cofounder 

and CEO of MicroCHIPS, a 

biotech spin-off from MIT. 

▶▶Doctors have been using hypodermic 

needles for more than 150 years—but 

syringe vaccinations could be just 

about to be replaced by a simple 

patch you can stick on your arm 

with no medical supervision. The 

microneedle patches have an array 

of microscopic needles on them that 

penetrate the skin just deep enough 

to dissolve and deliver a vaccine 

without causing any pain. There’s no 

sharp hazardous waste leftover, they 

are no more expensive than a syringe 

and, most importantly, tests on 

mice are showing that microneedle 

vaccinations are significantly longerlasting 

than deeper injections 

delivered by a syringe. 

▶▶ 

Technology pioneer Proteus 

Biomedical makes tiny computing 

devices inside pills which can 

report when they are swallowed, 

record information about the body’s 

response to the drug, and transmit the 

information to mobile phones and the 

Internet, allowing doctors to track a 

treatment’s impact in real time. 5 

▶▶Tufts University is developing 

implantable electronic devices 

that can be used to deliver drugs, 

stimulate nerves, monitor biomarkers 

and more. And once they’ve done 

their job, they almost completely 

dissolve away. 6 

3 Internet 

Technologies 

Periodically, an innovation occurs 

that forever changes how that technology 

is perceived and used. The Internet 

is that disruptive technology for 

communications. How we get our news, 

talk to friends, buy things, even find dates 

has changed—unalterably. 

Few industries are experiencing as 

many disruptions. Ubiquitous computing, 

social networks and software, social TV, 

Web mashups, augmented reality, mobile 

3D ... each technology alone is significant. 

Cloud Computing 

The term “cloud computing” is just 

now gaining traction in the marketplace, 

but the idea of creating a scalable and 

flexible shared computing solution 

via the Internet has been around for 

more than a decade. Moving forward, 

we will not necessarily be hosting our 

information on one computer or device 

but, rather, in the cloud—over the 

Internet—thus making it accessible via 

work computers, home computers or 

personal devices, and from all over. 

Cloud computing is hugely powerful 

and manufacturers need to know how 

to harness it. MTConnect, a protocol to 

connect machine controls, utilizes the 

cloud. Its manufacturing dashboard can be 

accessed anywhere via the Internet. 

A company also can access a host 

of other cloud-based programs. One 

example is a project management tool 

like Smartsheet. With it a company can 

track work flow from behind the desk or 

via a mobile phone while at a customer’s 

remote site—via the Internet. Order 

entry can be done via that same mobile 

phone while walking the customer’s 

shop floor.  In addition, the same 

program can notify the warehouse staff 

automatically that a new order needs to 

be shipped. Mobile access to shipping 

status, inventory tracking, and the sales 

pipeline, all are possible no matter the 

individual’s location. 



Future innovation is going to occur at 

the interface and not in drugs or 

devices alone. 

- John Santini, co-founder and CEO of MicroCHIPS 

4 Alternative 

Energy Sources 

Alternative energy development 

seems to be the area requiring the most 

support from policymakers. Perhaps this 

is due in part to the significant capital 

investment required for infrastructure 

improvements. Renewable energy policy 

is a principal driver of the growth. A 

2009 report by global management 

consulting company, Accenture, 

indicates as much. “Never before have we 

demanded so much from our regulators 

and governments,” said Melissa Stark, 

senior executive at Accenture and author 

of the report. “The science has made 

enormous progress, but it now requires 

government leadership to accelerate 

the commercial viability of these low 

emission technologies.” 

Light Trapping Photovoltaics 

By depositing nanoparticles of silver 

on the surface of a thin-film cell, the 

Australian National University has found 

a way to boost the cells’ efficiency—an 

advance that could help make solar power 

more competitive with fossil fuels. 7 

Biodigesters/Anaerobic 

Digestion 

At the end of “Back to the Future,” 

a little bit of garbage is all Doc Brown 

needs to fuel his DeLorean time machine. 

Biodigesters won’t quite generate “1.21 

jigawatts” of power (as Doc’s Mr. Fusion 

device seemed to), but they can create 

fuel for heating, cooking and electricity, 

while reducing waste and water 

contamination. Bacteria breaks down 

waste in holding containers and releases 

methane, which is captured and piped 

to a stove. The digested waste then can 

be used as a fertilizer. Biodigesters have 

been around since the 1870s, but current 

efforts focus on producing them on a 

larger scale. 8 

Wind 

Who said wind turbines have to spin? 

Humdinger Wind Energy has developed 

a turbine-less generator that harnesses 

energy from the rapid wind-induced 

vibration (50 cycles per second) of a 7-to- 

10-foot flap of taffeta fabric. This is the 

same phenomenon—aeroelastic flutter— 

that civil engineers try to eliminate so 

bridges don’t sway in the wind and, on 

a small scale, it greatly increases the 

efficiency of capturing power from wind 

for a very small cost. 9 

Hydrogen Powered Vehicles 

Earlier in 2010, Boeing unveiled its 

long-endurance, hydrogen-powered 

7 

6 

5 

4 

Phantom Eye unmanned aerial vehicle 

(UAV). With a wing-span of 150 feet, the 

hydrogen-powered aircraft will cruise at 

150 knots, carry up to 450 pounds and stay 

aloft at 65,000 feet for up to 4 days. Boeing 

calls it a game changer, and plans already 

are in progress to build a bigger version 

that can remain airborne for 10 days. 10 

Sugarcane charcoal 

In Haiti, most people cook using 

charcoal made from wood, but the 

country is now 98 percent deforested, 

due largely to mismanagement of 

resources. MIT students and lecturer 

Amy Smith turned to widely available 

bagasse, the stalks of sugarcane plants 

left after squeezing the sugar out, and 

created a charcoal replacement by 

burning, compressing and mixing the 

material with a binding agent. The team 

Rubber 

The product was a mere curiosity when first discovered in the New 

World by European sailors, but became a hot commodity with the 

advent of the car. The automotive industry now uses nearly 70 

percent of the world’s rubber supply. 

X-Rays 

X-ray technology had an enormous impact on the field of medicine 

right from its beginnings in the late 1800s, illuminating the diseases 

and disorders that lurked beneath patients’ skin. 

The Microprocessor 

Once upon a time, an entire room was necessary to house one 

computer, no more powerful than today’s typical laptop. We live in 

a different era now thanks to the microprocessor (or CPU). The tiny 

beating heart of your desktop or laptop just keeps getting smaller; 

at the same time it gets more powerful. 

Electricity 

Nobody is certain about the whole key, kite and lightning story, 

but Benjamin Franklin was part of the team effort to unravel the 

mystery of electricity in the 18th century, along with other great 

minds, such as Edison, Tesla and Volta. The shift from the era of 

mechanization saw power become instant and easy to access. 



currently is looking to train prospective 

entrepreneurs interested in producing 

and distributing the product. 11 

Lasers 

Nuclear fusion has kept the sun 

shining for billions of years. Now scientists 

want to recreate that power on Earth and 

finally tap into fusion’s unbeatable energy 

efficiency. Giant lasers at the National 

Ignition Facility in Livermore, California, 

could help along that breakthrough by 

focusing their power on a tiny hydrogen 

fuel pellet, ideally releasing more 

energy than what the lasers require. Still 

more alternatives involve the magnetic 

confinement of high-temperature plasma 

involved in fusion, or even a rebranded 

form of cold fusion. 12 

5 Metamaterials 

Metamaterials are artificial materials 

engineered to provide properties which 

3 

2 

1 

may not be readily available in nature. 13 

Potential applications include remote 

aerospace, sensor detection, smart solar 

power management, high frequency battle 

communications, ultrasonic sensors, even 

shielding structures from earthquakes. 14 

Nano-nickel Material 

A new nano-nickel material is being 

developed using nanotechnology, which 

is significantly stronger and cheaper 

than titanium. Imagine how this will 

impact the titanium suppliers for 

Boeing’s 787, currently comprised of 15 

percent titanium. 15 

Invisibility Cloak 

More than one research effort is 

looking to develop “invisibility cloak” 

technology, one of which is using 3D 

metamaterials that negatively refract 

visible and near-infrared light and 

U-shaped nano-rings that manipulate 

light. The latest news comes out of 

Michigan Technical University where 

Nuclear Fission 

In the 1930s, a handful of brilliant physicists figured out how to 

coax apart an atom of uranium to produce energy of unimaginable 

magnitude. The discovery would lead directly to the nuclear 

bomb and change warfare forever (again). Nuclear fission isn’t all 

doomsday and destruction, however; love it or condemn it, nuclear 

power plants also rely on fission science. 

Flight 

With apologies to the balloonists and hang gliders of the 1800s, it 

was the Wright Brothers’ 12-second flight in 1903 that really set the 

world on a new course. Getting to another continent now takes a 

few hours, instead of weeks or even months. Flight has brought the 

planet together like nothing else, for better or for worse. 

The Internet 

Most of us can remember that moment in the ‘90s when we first 

chatted online or listened to the blips and beeps of dial-up access. 

The technology behind the Internet was actually in place by the 

1980s, but didn’t gain a public face until the first worldwide Web 

site was published by Swiss-based laboratory CERN in 1991. The 

rest is history, which, like everything else, is all documented on the 

Internet. 

Courtesy of Live Science, www.livescience.com, February 2010. 

they have found ways to use magnetic 

resonance to capture rays of visible light 

and route them around objects, rendering 

them invisible to the human eye. 16 

Smart Metal 

Summer electrical blackouts, 

resulting from the extra load placed on 

electricity supplies, are familiar to most. 

A new “smart” metal being developed by 

researchers at the University of Maryland 

could help cool homes and refrigerate food 

175 percent more efficiently than current 

technology, not only giving strained 

electricity networks a bit of relief, but also 

drastically cutting summer electricity bills 

and greenhouse gas emissions. 17 

Liquid Armor 

As part of a project to create 

future body armor, offering soldiers 

greater ballistics protection and ease 

of movement, scientists and engineers 

at BAE Systems have developed a 

liquid which hardens when struck. The 

technology, dubbed “liquid armor” by 

its developers, harnesses the unique 

properties of shear thickening or dilatant 

fluids that lock together when subjected 

to a force. It is designed to enhance the 

existing, energy-absorbing properties of 

material structures like Kevlar. 18 

This season of technological 

development is interesting, particularly 

because of the sheer breadth of 

potentially disruptive technologies being 

introduced. They do not necessarily need 

to redirect an entire industry; but each 

expands the arena of opportunity and 

therefore disrupts what we believe to be 

true or even possible. PM 

For the complete bibliography, please 

contact the MPMA office. 

B Kyle is the vice president of business 

development at the Saint Paul Port 

Authority in St. Paul, Minn. She can be 

reached at blk@sppa.com. 


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who’s | who 

Tom Daggett, Hutchinson Manufacturing, Inc. 

THE EXTRA EFFORT GOES A LONG WAY 

by Rachel England 

Tom Daggett, president, 

Hutchinson Manufacturing, Inc. 

Big things are happening in the small 

town of Hutchinson, Minnesota. The town 

of nearly 14,000 people sits 60 miles west of 

the Twin Cities. Secluded from the hustle 

and bustle of the suburbs, the town is home 

to Tom Daggett, president of Hutchinson 

Manufacturing, Inc.—a businessman who 

believes the extra effort can go a long way. 

Family Business 

Hutchinson Manufacturing always 

has been a part of Daggett’s life. “I started 

working here at the age of 14, doing 

various tasks and hanging around. I’ve 

always been intrigued with building 

things,” said Daggett. He spent his college 

summers working around the shop and 

learning the business from his father 

who started the company in 1953. Now, 

Daggett mentors his own son through 

summer work at the company. 

Daggett said he was not pushed into 

continuing the family business, and he 

doesn’t intend to pressure his children either. 

He does, however, remind them of the best 

advice he received: “Put the extra effort in 

and you will get recognition. Just that little 

extra bit gets you so far,” said Daggett. “I 

learned it in high school. I was working at 

Green Giant and when my job was done 

or when things wouldn’t work, I’d take the 

broom and sweep. I worked at Dayton’s and 

organized merchandise without being asked 

and managers would notice.” 

Extra Efforts 

Daggett notices the extra efforts of 

those with whom he works. He surrounds 

himself with hardworking individuals who 

not only make Hutchinson Manufacturing 

a quality company, but also an enjoyable 

place to work. Hutchinson Manufacturing 

is a one-stop metal fabrication job shop 

that specializes in the kind of products 

that require high levels of quality, systems 

and documentation. “We are able to verify 

the chemicals of each sheet of metal, 

track and record them at each step of 

the manufacturing process,” explained 

Daggett. Over the last years, Hutchinson 

Manufacturing has grown to attract a 

specific kind of customer: “Someone who is 

really going to rely on us to provide a high 

level of documentation and an extensive 

manufacturing capability,” said Daggett. 

In 2009, Daggett became a partner in 

NuCrane Manufacturing, LLC. As a joint 

venture company between Hutchinson 

Manufacturing and PaR Nuclear, 

NuCrane fabricates, assembles and tests 

cranes used by new nuclear power plants 

around the world. 

The NuCrane facility is located next 

door to Hutchinson Manufacturing.As 

I toured with Daggett, we were lucky 

enough to be allowed into the NuCrane 

facility. A crew of skilled welders was 

hard at work building a 1.1 million pound 

crane that would be sent to China. The 

new venture and opportunity to expand 

into a new industry excites Daggett very 

much. “Nuclear power is a fascinating 

industry,” he said. 

Community Leadership 

The addition of NuCrane brings new 

jobs to the Hutchinson area. On the day 

I visited, five new welders were starting 

with NuCrane. Bringing new jobs to 

Hutchinson and employing some of the 

community’s hardest workers is just one 

of the many ways Daggett contributes 

to the community. Having grown up in 

Hutchinson, Daggett feels a special bond 

and commitment to ensuring the town 

“Put the extra effort 

in and you will get 

recognition. Just 

that little extra bit 

gets you so far.” 

- Tom Daggett 

remains viable for the future. For him, 

viability means good health care, a solid 

school system, housing and entertainment. 

“Without effort coming from community 

leadership, those things just don’t happen. 

One person can’t do it all,” said Daggett. 

“When there are enough people trying, 

you end up with a strong town like 

Hutchinson.” Daggett sits on the board of 

a local community bank and was a partner 

in the purchase of the Hutchinson mall in 

2008. He also was chairman of the school 

board for 3 years. 

Daggett understands that you get 

what you give. He puts in the extra 

effort needed to grow his businesses 

into a sustainable and vital part of the 

Hutchinson community. That said, he 

also puts in the extra effort needed to 

help the city of Hutchinson continue to 

grow and thrive in a time when other 

small towns are shrinking. 

While Daggett is a modest man who 

will tell you it’s a team effort that has helped 

his town and his company reach where 

they are today, it’s clear that his leadership 

and commitment have helped the 

Hutchinson community and Hutchinson 

Manufacturing rise above the rest and set 

an expectation for greatness. PM 

Rachel England 

is a contributing 

writer for Minnesota 

Precision Manufacturing 

Association. She can be 

reached at 

rachel@mpma.com. 


MADE | IN MINNESOTA 

Polaris Industries 

PAVING THE FUTURE OF SIDE-BY-SIDES 

by Melissa DeBilzan 

In January of 2010, Polaris 

Industries introduced the first and 

only multi-passenger sport vehicle: the 

RANGER RZR 4. 

It isn’t built for the golf course, however. 

Designed in partnership with racing 

legend Robby Gordon, the RANGER 

RZR 4 is built for thrill seekers who want 

to rip through sand dunes, deserts and 

wide open spaces. The entire vehicle is 

designed, manufactured and assembled 

here in Minnesota. 

“Polaris saw a market for a multipassenger 

sport vehicle at a significantly 

lower price than an expensive sand car or 

rail,” said John Kastanek, product manager 

for RANGER RZR 4. “The RANGER RZR 

4 fills that need for a sport side-by-side 

experience for multiple passengers.” 

Some say the RANGER RZR 4 is 

“redefining” the traditional side-by-side. 

At 60 inches wide and 1,255 pounds, 

the RANGER RZR 4 is lighter than many 

two-passenger vehicles. Due to the fact 

that the engine is behind the backseat, 

it has a low center of gravity, making it 

more agile than most competitive twoseat 

vehicles. 

Other features include an 800cc twin 

cylinder high output EFI engine, 12 inch 

long travel suspension, racing shocks, 

rolled independent rear suspension and 

four cup holders. 

The MSRP for this ride is about $15,000. 

But it’s a price some people are willing 

to pay in order to own the only multipassenger 

sport vehicle on the market. 

Riding a Rough Economy 

Off-road vehicles, including ATVs 

and side-by-sides, seem to be taking 

a ride of their own through a bumpy 

economy. But demand for these vehicles 

far exceeds demand for other recreational 

vehicles made by Polaris. 

Polaris is best known for its 

snowmobiles, having built its first one 

in 1956 with a grain elevator conveyor 

Manufacturered in Roseau, Minn., 

Polaris Industries’ RANGER RZR 

4 is the first and only multipassenger 

sport vehicle. 

belt for a track and 

pieces of a Chevy 

bumper for skis. 

Snowmobile sales 

peaked in 1971, but 

now they account 

for just 10 percent 

of overall sales. 

Currently more 

than half of Polaris’ 

sales come from offroad 

vehicles. The 

company also makes 

motorcycles, cruisers, touring and sport 

bikes, but they make up only 5 percent 

of sales. 

The economy has caused many 

people to think twice about purchasing 

recreational vehicles, however. In 2009, 

overall sales were down 20 percent and the 

company was forced to lay off 10 percent 

of its employees. 

Polaris reacted by taking steps to 

improve productivity and lower costs. 

It implemented new LEAN principles 

and a flexible manufacturing process. 

As a result, Polaris was able to elevate 

productivity by 8 percent, reduce 

manufacturing costs by 25 percent and 

decrease factory inventory by 19 percent, 

the lowest level in 5 years. 

These changes, coupled with a slightly 

stronger economy, are showing promise 

for 2010. Sales of off-road vehicles during 

the first quarter of 2010 were up 16 percent 

from 2009. The company expects overall 

sales for the year to grow by 8 to 11 percent. 

“Sales have continued to be strong 

even during the difficult economy as 

the popularity of the RANGER RZR 4 

continues to grow,” said Kastanek. “The 

unique side-by-side experience allows 

them to share the ATV ride experience in 

a whole new way.” 

Much of the demand for off-road 

vehicles is being driven by customers 

outside of North America. In fact, offroad 

vehicles to this customer base have 

increased 40 percent from 2009. 

Regardless of the source of this 

demand, employees and Minnesota’s 

contract manufacturers are busy right 

now. Many of the parts for the RANGER 

RZR 4 are made by job shops in 

Minnesota, and final assembly takes place 

in Roseau, the company’s hometown. 

From there, they are shipped to 1,400 

dealerships across North America. 

In short, it appears the RANGER RZR 

4 and other off-road vehicles will help 

keep Polaris sales on track. PM 

Melissa DeBilzan is a 

contributing writer for 

IntrinXec Management Inc. 

She can be reached at 

melissa@mpma.com. 



ISO 9001: 2008 certified 

CNC Milling | CNC Turning 

Manual Milling and Turning 

Surface Grinding 

Prototypes | Assembly 

Michael Yeager President 

mike@yeagermachine.com 

www.yeagermachine.com 

415 Tacoma Circle | Nor wood Young America, MN 55368 

952.467.2800 office | 952.467.2880 fax 

Join MPMA 

ConneCt with industry. engage with eduCation. 

education 

government relations 

networking 

Publications / Communication / 

advertising 

Workforce development 

For more information on membership, education, publications and events 

please visit www.mpma.com 

to drive success in minnesota precision manufacturing 


Industry Profile 

Your 

Strategic Partner 

in Production. 

MultipleDivisions. 

One Company. 

Medical ✦ Aerospace ✦ Defense ✦ Food ✦ Semiconductor ✦ Commercial 

w w w . m u l t i s o u r c e m f g . c o m

Industry Profile | MultiSource Manufacturing 

Single-Source Supplier 

MultiSource Manufacturing LLC is a customer-focused contract 

shop that specializes in a broad range of manufacturing 

capabilities, from engineering to complex machining to plastic 

fabrication to assembly. To customers, it’s a one-stop shop for 

all outsourcing needs. 

MultiSource was founded in 1998 with the vision of acquiring, 

improving and growing successful machine shops—job shops 

with some of the best talent and equipment in the industry. 

Over time, MultiSource has expanded into equipment build and 

has acquired its own product line of automation equipment for 

the food industry. MultiSource has grown to seven operating 

divisions and more than 200 employees. 

Each division is independent, yet connected, so it can offer 

the personal service of a small company and the breadth of 

production capabilities of a large company. All operating divisions 

adhere to the same world-class quality system, and use the same 

MRP system, to allow for ease in moving work from division to 

division as schedules and/or capability requirements demand. 

With multiple facilities and multiple capabilities, MultiSource is able 

to deliver exactly what customers need, serving as a single-source 

supplier for all manufacturing requirements, catering to a wide 

array of industries. For customers, it’s like having seven unique 

and capable suppliers under one umbrella, but as only one entity 

on their approved supplier list. 

One Company. 

 

Multiple shifts allow flexibility in 

work scheduling 

 

Quick turn and prototype projects 

running 24/7 

 

Flexibility to move work from division 

to division to save time 

One quality manual, one quality system 

for all divisions 

First-Rate Quality System 

MultiSource is widely-recognized for its commitment to, and 

achievement of, a very high level of quality. Each division 

utilizes the same quality manual and system, which is electronic 

and paperless, and always accessible to all divisions, to uphold 

the company’s outstanding track record. There are corporate 

and divisional operating procedures, with divisional work 

instructions—all to ensure each project runs smoothly. 

Customers consistently give MultiSource high marks for its 

quality system. In recent years, the company has earned 

multiple awards for quality, service and overall performance. 

Three of the operating divisions are ISO certified, and the 

others use the same system without the outside certification. 

ISO 9001:2008 • ISO 13485:2003 • AS9100B 

Continuous Improvement 

Continuous improvement is the norm rather than the exception 

at MultiSource. Each year, the company makes substantial 

investments in capital equipment and employee training, 

bringing the latest technology and skills to each project. Using 

lean principles, Kanban systems, and other supplier-managed 

inventory methods, MultiSource consistently provides highquality 

products with shorter lead times, at competitive prices. 

Complete Project and 

Program Management 

There’s a big difference between filling an order and managing a 

program. Although MultiSource is an effective bidder on even the 

most competitive opportunities for parts, the company excels at 

project and program management. MultiSource has experience 

with many methods of doing things and can offer suggestions on 

how to lower costs, improve processes and enhance quality. 

For example, when a local customer acquired a company in 

Kentucky that builds mixing equipment for the pharmaceutical 

industry, it asked MultiSource to take over the manufacturing. 

MultiSource agreed, reverse-engineered some components, and 

now manufactures the entire product in Minnesota. 

Each piece of mixing equipment is shipped directly to the 

customer’s customers, saving a significant amount of time and 

overhead expenses. 

Exceeding Customer Expectations 

Customer service isn’t just a philosophy at MultiSource. It’s 

a promise. Our goal is to never say “no” to a customer … 

to turn the seemingly impossible situation into a “yes” that 

satisfies the requirements. 

With multiple facilities and capabilities, MultiSource 

has the ability to be extremely 

flexible and react quickly to 

customer demands. Whether 

it’s changing a part’s design, 

reducing costs, enhancing 

quality or shortening lead times, 

MultiSource will do its very best to 

make it happen. 

MultiSource is both an operating and 

acquisition company, fulfilling customer 

w w w . m u l t i s o

Industry Profile | MultiSource Manufacturing 

needs with existing services, and making strategic acquisitions to 

fill needs identified by its customer base and market demands. 

The overall promise is that the company takes care of both 

its employees and its customers … neither group succeeds 

without the other. 

Opportunity and Growth 

via Selective Acquisition 

When MultiSource acquires a business, it follows very selective 

criteria. The goal is to add value for existing MultiSource 

customers, for customers of the acquired business and for 

new customers. We work with the business owner to identify 

where synergies exist, and identify how MultiSource can 

augment their offerings by expanding capacity and capabilities, 

increasing expertise, and investing in equipment, marketing and 

technology. The end result has consistently been the ability to 

better-serve customers of both entities. 

MultiSource’s first acquisition in 1999—Shop Parts—was an 

11,000 square-foot shop. Since then, Shop Parts has nearly 

tripled in size while continuing to grow its existing customer 

base and adding new customers. 

That same success has been repeated through subsequent 

acquisitions, with Forpak being a recent example. Forpak 

specializes in manufacturing equipment that counts and stacks 

food before it is packaged. Forpak was founded 17 years prior 

to its acquisition in 2006 by an entrepreneur with excellent 

engineering ideas but not a marketing background. After acquiring 

Forpak and learning more about the business and opportunities, 

MultiSource invested in marketing the products via industry 

magazines and trade shows. To date, Forpak has nearly doubled 

in size and has begun shipping products to some of the largest 

food processors worldwide. 

“When we acquire a company, we’re not looking for an immediate 

return on our investment,” said Gary Hadley, President and CEO. 

“We’re in it for the long haul. At the start, we closely analyze each 

of our acquired businesses—with its unique operating system 

and culture—and develop a strategy to incorporate it smoothly 

into the MultiSource family of businesses.” 

“Each of the businesses we acquire has already been 

successful at satisfying the needs of their customers over 

the years, or they would not be attractive to us” said Mike 

Schuffenhauer, Chief Operating Officer. “But at a certain 

point, customers will limit the volume of work 

they give to a smaller shop 

that typically doesn’t use 

consistent procesess or invest 

in continuous improvement 

and capital equipment. We offer 

the financial resources, business 

acumen, and operating systems 

required to grow a broad customer 

base and expand upon the services 

offered to existing customers, as well 

as new customers.” 

>>> 

Forpak’s “Grouper” Model GS 

Multiple Capabilities. 

 

Concurrent engineering services 

 

Project management services 

 

Precision machining services: CNC milling, 

CNC turning, CNC Swiss, EDM, grinding, 

gundrilling, broaching, welding 

 

Plastic fabrication: welding, bending, 

forming, testing 

 

Assembly: electrical, mechanical 

 

Sheet metal components 

 

OEM equipment build/assembly: electrical, 

plumbing, systems qualifications 

 

Food equipment design and build 

 

Tool and die design and build 

 

Plating, painting, heat treating 

 

Fulfillment services: JIT, Kanban, 

replacement parts inventory, cellular 

manufacturing, lean concepts 

 

Multiple materials: stainless steel, titanium, 

magnesium, aluminum, brass, exotic 

metals, a wide variety of plastics 

 

Laser marking, laser welding 

 

Clean room capabilities 

u r c e m f g . c o m

Industry Profile 

The vast majority of the owners of MultiSource are fulltime 

employees, ensuring that if you’re not dealing directly 

with an owner, you’re certainly working with someone who 

regularly works directly with one of the owners—assuring 

that your contact is vested in delivering the best possible 

service to you. With the ownership of the company so 

involved with the day-to-day operation, you can be sure 

that your needs will be met … today and into the future. 

Meet the Corporate Leadership Team 

Gary Hadley: President and CEO 

ghadley@multisourcemfg.com 

Mike Schuffenhauer: Chief Operating Officer 

mschuffenhauer@multisourcemfg.com 

Larry Mueller: Controller/HR Manager 

lmueller@multisourcemfg.com 

Sheila Saelens: Corporate Quality Director 

ssaelens@multisourcemfg.com 

Contact us about your project. 

We’re ready for you. 

“On behalf of ATMI/Levtech, I want to congratulate 

MultiSource for the excellent first half of 2010. Your 

results of zero SCARs and 100 percent delivery on 

694 shipments is truly outstanding. You certainly 

are one of our top suppliers.” 

Ross Dunbar - Global Supply Manager, ATMI Packaging 

“MultiSource was able to step in when another 

supplier slipped, and was able to respond immediately 

and positively to take on seven additional complex 

part numbers for a very important large program. 

Their fast response, and ability to share the work 

among multiple operating divisions to meet our 

program requirements was very fortunate for us.” 

Material Program Manager - Fortune 100 Aerospace and 

Defense Company 

MultiSource Manufacturing LLC 

11545 12th Ave. S. • Burnsville, MN 55337 

952.882.6211 phone 

952.882.6232 fax 

www.multisourcemfg.com 

From left to right - Sheila Saelens, Corporate 

Quality Director; Larry Mueller, Controller; Gary 

Hadley, President and CEO; Mike Schuffenhauer, 

Chief Operating Officer 

Multiple Facilities. 

 

Shop Parts Division 

(Minnetonka, Minn.) Established in 1972; 

acquired January 1999 

Key Contacts: Boyd Sorenson and Mike Aspelin 

952.933.5510 

 

Douglas Manufacturing Division 

(Burnsville, Minn.) Established in 1978; 

acquired June 2000 

Includes Peterson Machining Acquisition 

Completed June 2010 

Key Contacts: Dan Larson and Rob Peterson 

952.882.6211 

 

TRU Machine Division 

(Minneapolis, Minn.) Established in 1968; 

acquired May 2001 

Includes Northland Precision Acquisition 

Completed July 2007 

Key Contacts: Rob Redden, Phill Mitchum and 

Lyle Foss 

763.784.5515 

 

Victory Tool Division 

(Anoka, Minn.) Established in 1987; 

acquired in October 2005 

Key Contacts: Fred Simonson and Sheldon Halberg 

763.323.8877 

 

Forpak Division 

(Burnsville, Minn.) Established in 1989; 

acquired May 2006 

Key Contacts: Pat Goche and Dave Brownson 

952.882.6211 

 

CMG Machining Division 

(Lafayette, Colo.) Established in 1994; 

acquired in April 2007 

Key Contact: Jeff Smith 

720.890.7353 

 

MultiSource Aerospace LLC 

(Blaine, Minn.) Established in 1968; 

acquired June 2008 

Key Contacts: Greg Hofstede and Tony Hofstede 

763.785.1400

Sales | and marketing 

Seven Critical Questions 

IMPROVING YOUR WIN RATIO 

by Kevin McArdle 

There are lots of consultative sales 

methods around. You may have been 

trained in one, or read a book about one 

that you particularly liked. 

Each sales method has its unique 

strengths and techniques. But they all 

have at least one thing in common: 

getting salespeople to focus on what 

matters to the customer. You build sales 

momentum by demonstrating that you 

are delivering an important solution to an 

important problem. That is the essence of 

all these consultative methodologies. 

In order to create a value-driven 

solution and write a customer-centered 

proposal, you must be able to answer 

seven questions. 

Oddly enough, lots of salespeople 

try to write proposals or make sales 

presentations without knowing the 

answers to even half of these questions. 

That makes it impossible to create a 

message that sounds “right” to the buyer. 

Make sure your salespeople answer 

the seven critical questions below and 

that every proposal and sales presentation 

is based on them—you will win a lot 

more business. 

1. What is the customer’s real problem? 

Look beyond the obvious. Your 

contact in the customer organization 

may describe the problem in terms that 

are specific to his or her interests. An IT 

manager sees the lack of online access to 

customer account information as a data 

integrity problem. To the vice president 

of sales it’s a revenue problem, because it’s 

keeping the sales force from separating 

good clients from the not-so-good. 

2. Why is it a problem? 

Who is affected by this problem? How 

are they affected? Try to trace the links 

as high up on the organizational ladder 

as possible, to get a sense of how big the 

pain is. This will also indicate who else 

may need to be part of the decisionmaking 

process. 

You build sales momentum by 

demonstrating that you are delivering 

an important solution to an important 

problem. That is the essence of all these 

consultative methodologies. 

3. What objectives does the customer 

have in mind for a successful solution? 

How will the customer measure 

success? Will they measure it in terms 

of business or financial performance, in 

terms of improvements in the technology 

infrastructure, or in terms of customer 

loyalty or employee morale? Each of 

these areas—business results, technical 

outcomes, and social relationships—is 

potentially important. 

4. Which objective is most important? 

They all may be important, but which 

objective matters the most? This tells you 

two things. First, it tells you the order in 

which to put your presentation of key 

outcomes. You want to put the customer’s 

most important outcome first. That way, 

the customer will know that you think 

the way they think. Second, knowing 

which objective is most important tells 

you where to look to develop your value 

proposition. You want to base your ROI 

or other presentation of value on what 

matters most to the customer. 

5. What are the ways we can solve the 

customer’s problem? 

Usually there’s more than one way 

to solve a particular problem. If you’re 

having trouble with how long it’s taking 

your sales force to formulate a solution 

and write a sales proposal, consider 

additional training to improve their skills. 

6. What are the probable outcomes 

from each potential solution? 

Any of the potential solutions 

might take care of the problem. The 

important issue is what kind of outcome 

the customer will get. Can your value 

contribution be measured and quantified 

by the customer? Will it match up to their 

expectations for a positive result? Will it 

meet their criteria? 

7. Which solution is best? 

Based on the answers to the previous 

six questions, you should be able to 

answer the final question. It should be 

fairly obvious which solution meets the 

needs and delivers the greatest value and 

results the customer desires most. 

Trying to write a proposal or make 

a sales presentation without knowing 

the answers to these questions is 

like competing in an archery contest 

blindfolded. You might hit the bull’s-eye 

occasionally, but you’re just as likely to 

shoot yourself in the foot. PM 

Kevin McArdle is president 

and Principle Consultant at 

McArdle Business Advisors. He 

can be reached at 

kmcardle@McardleAdvisors.com. 


nanotechnology: 

the next Big thing 

by Lynne Osterman 

Nano is a prefix that comes from the 

Greek word meaning “dwarf,” and is used 

to describe units of measurement that 

are “one-billionth of” something else. For 

example, a nanometer is one-billionth of a 

meter, or 0.000000001 meter (1/25,400,000 

inch). 1 At least one dimension of an object 

is between 1 and 100 nanometers long to 

be considered “nanoscale.” 

Nanoscale science is the study of the 

behavior and properties of nanoscale 

objects, often conducted within research 

institutions such as the University 

of Minnesota. Nanotechnology uses 

nanoscale science to manipulate 

individual atoms, molecules or 

nanoscale objects to create larger objects. 

Nanotechnology includes devices that 

measure the size of or take pictures 

of nanoscale objects, create other 

nanoscale objects, and fortify or improve 

macroscopic objects (things we can see 

with the naked eye). 

In other words, the application 

of nanotechnology allows us to view 

existing things at nanoscale, create new 

things, and improve upon old, existing 

things. If you’re a company that creates 

things, this disruptive technology offers 

a host of potential uses. And if you’re a 

company that manufactures the things 

your customers create, the time is now to 

jump into the nano world! 

The NanoBusiness Alliance, based 

in Chicago, credits a speech by former 

President Bill Clinton at the California 

Institute of Technology on January 

21, 2000, with igniting a broad and 

aggressive vision for nanotechnology 

research and development that would go 

beyond the work already then underway 

in federal government, university and 

corporate laboratories. Clinton’s talk 

led to the creation of the National 

Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). 

The 2010 federal budget provides $1.6 

billion for the NNI—up considerably from 

its original appropriation of $700 million 

per year, with 25 government agencies 

participating (up from the original seven 

agencies). Recently, the NNI called for 

states to establish their own strategies for 

nanotechnology utilization. 

MN Nano, a statewide association for 

the use of nanotechnology to advance 

Minnesota’s competitiveness, currently 

is assembling a team from Minnesota, 

Wisconsin and North Dakota to develop 

a regional strategy. Their strategy 

development work is expected eventually 

to expand into Canada as well as Iowa, 

Illinois and South Dakota. 

Minnesota’s business 

applications are vast 

Manufacturing, health care, 

consumer products, computing and 

electronics, food and agriculture, 

energy and the environment, among 

other sectors, all will realize significant 

alterations due to nanotechnology. 

A May 2010 showcase co-hosted 

by MN Nano and LifeScience Alley 

at Medtronic’s Mounds View campus 

featured numerous companies sharing 

how nanotechnology is a major part of 

their planned business growth: from 

Medtronic to 3M to Surmodics to Douglas 

Scientific (a young venture co-located at 

the site of well-respected employee-owned 

Douglas Machine in Alexandria). 

Douglas Scientific was initiated to 

capture marketshare in an area utilizing 

nanotechnology, including biofluidic 

dispensing, polymerase chain reaction 

(PCR), reagent testing, and scanning. 

Douglas Scientific is capitalizing on 

needs within the marketplace as well 

as capitalizing on its parent company’s 

historic reputation for engineering 

and building machines. The company 

produces machines that use a “tape” 

with customized embossed wells, an 

innovative and modular platform with 

flexibility to address a wide range of 

laboratory processes. 

Another presenter, Corey Radloff, 

senior research chemist within 3M’s 

materials laboratory, said various 

divisions within 3M are actively at 


Properties of 

matter—physical 

and biological— 

always have been 

organized as 

systems of atoms 

and molecules. 

It’s only been in 

the past 20 to 25 

years that we are 

able to manipulate 

the order of 

how the atoms 

and molecules 

attach themselves 

to one another, 

because the advent 

of powerful 

microscopes gives 

us the opportunity 

to see things at 

the nanoscale. 

work utilizing nanotechnology as a 

key technology platform. Examples 

include increased capability for energy 

transmission, with cables transmitting 

two to three times the energy and 

with steel that is less than half the 

density of its older cables; multi-layer 

optical films for use atop screens such 

as cell phones; enhanced capabilities 

and applications for fuel cells; and 

nanoparticle use in dental restoratives 

that mimic the density, strength and 

surface characteristics of natural teeth. 

3M also is actively reviewing products 

currently on the market to determine 

how nanotechnology potentially can 

improve either the manufacturing process 

or the products themselves. Controlling 

the very essence of a product’s structure 

gives companies quite a lot of flexibility. 

Also included in Minnesota’s 

nanotechnology “toolbox” are 

sophisticated measurement tools 

designed, engineered and manufactured 

by Hysitron, an Eden Prairie company 

fluent in “nano-speak” for almost 20 

years. Hysitron’s tools can be customdesigned 

so its customers’ specific 

applications can be realized, including 

biological, ceramics, composites, MEMS, 

metals, polymers and thin films. 

How do contract 

manufacturers get 

into the nano swing 

of things? 

Well, for starters, it kind of comes 

down to terminology, according to Top 

Tool Company’s technical sales support 

lead, Duane Kari. “While not currently 

in nano, we’re just above that with 

precision ‘micro-component machining 

and stamping.’ We do see customers 

requesting work at the micro-miniature 

level, which has required us to combine 

stamping technologies that have been 

around for years with custom solutions to 

meet their micro-level needs.” 

Kari asserts that classification of 

“micro” versus “micro-miniature” versus 

“nano” will continue to be an exercise 

for contract manufacturers, as they work 

to determine what it is their customers 

actually are requesting. “There’s no doubt 

we are being pushed to get smaller and 

smaller,” continued Kari. “Top Tool is 

employing technology via an electronic 

discharge machining (EDM) center that 

uses spark erosion to cut metal [any metal 

that conducts electricity], a capability 

that currently makes us somewhat unique 

in the Midwest. This particular EDM 

system is one of only four online in the 

United States. We’ve invested in training 

specific to this new tool (as well as new 

concurrent measurement capabilities). 

When you couple that with our over 40 

years of tool making and metal stamping 

experience, we can leverage our contract 

manufacturing know-how to be a 

complement to what today’s customers— 

and future customers—say they need to 

meet their growth plans.” 

Are we “growing” a 

workforce prepared to 

work with nano-scale 

requirements? 

When the Dakota County Technical 

College (DCTC) seemingly “scrapped” 

its machine tool technology programs 

a number of years ago in order to make 

room for a nanoscience technology 

program, many heads were turned. What 

then was thought a gamble has proven to 

be a sure bet and DCTC president, Dr. 

Ron Thomas, is delighted at how things 

have turned out. “This program has been 

nationally recognized and we see its value 

in the community,” said Thomas. “That 

value will surely increase dramatically 

Feature | Nanotechnology 

as businesses further embrace 

nanotechnology, and as prospective 

students make the connection between 

this opportunity—for job preparation and 

the future economy.” 

DCTC’s nanoscience technology 

program has been directed by Deborah 

Newberry, whose background includes 

23 years in the corporate world in nuclear 

physics, chemical engineering and 

mechanical engineering. “Industry is 

who we work so hard to satisfy—if there 

are certain skills they need, or they’re not 

even necessarily sure today how nano will 

impact them but want to consider how 

those needs will evolve, we want to hear 

from them,” said Newberry. 

A committed partnership with the 

University of Minnesota’s College of 

Science & Engineering “has been a key 

to attracting students, and corporate 

partners, to our program,” Newberry 

explained. “University of Minnesota 

professor/researcher Dr. Steve Campbell, 

director of the Nanofabrication Center, 

has been instrumental in our ability to 

offer students a comprehensive experience. 

Our students are able to avail themselves 

of equipment and expertise the university 

offers, while completing a 2-year program. 

That combination has really hit the mark, 

according to the feedback we gained 

from prospective corporate partners as 

we designed our program, as well as how 

they’ve responded by hiring our graduates.” 

MPMA is working closely with MN 

Nano to help Minnesota’s precision 

manufacturers position themselves to 

support the nanotechnology needs in 

Minnesota. Please visit www.mpma.com 

to take a brief online survey which includes 

a section of feedback on nanotechnology 

knowledge within the Minnesota 

manufacturing industry. This will help 

MPMA determine which areas to best 

support the industry. If you are interested 

in learning more about how your company 

can get involved with nanotechnology, 

please contact jaime@mpma.com. PM 

Lynne Osterman is founder and CEO of 

Minnesota Governmental Pursuits. She can 

be reached at lynneosterman@gmail.com. 

1 - Science Year: The World Book Annual 

Science Supplement,” 2007, Angela Berenstein 

and Albert H. Teich. 


wow | Factor 

Unleashing the Potential 

The Great Disrupter 

by Jim Bensen 

A Frame of Mind 

The term “disruptive technology” was 

coined by Harvard Professor Clayton 

Christianson as an unexpected technology 

that displaces established technology. This 

is contrasted to conventional technology, 

which Christianson refers to as sustaining 

technology that incrementally brings 

about change or improvement. Disruptive 

technology bursts on the scene and often 

is introduced by small, creative and quickacting 

companies. Sustaining technology, 

the preferred approach of most large 

companies, pushes the envelope through 

relentless refinement, never satisfied with 

the status quo. 

An Antidote for the Unexpected 

When surprises are eliminated, one 

does not always have to be victimized 

by disruptive technology. Futurist Dan 

Burrus, in his monthly publication 

Technotrends, frequently reminds users 

of new technologies that catch most 

competitors off-guard, and that the 

“know-how” has been around a decade or 

more. It is our responsibility to engage in 

activities to stay current with the future. 

Be the Disrupter Rather Than the 

Disrupted 

It is no secret that people are behind 

all disruptive technology. Hence, the 

option is open for everyone. One can 

either be disrupted or be the disrupter. 

Said another way, one can act or react. 

One can ignore the trends that are 

building a case for big trouble, or one can 

intervene and change the course of action 

to our own advantage. 

To be a disrupter one needs to 

understand that behind every action 

is creative thinking that provides the 

compelling advantage and sets the 

course of action for disrupting. This 

starts with a set of resources, known as 

data, information, and knowledge—each 

building on a hierarchy of the base below 

it and fueling actions that follow. 

Next are the powerful assets of 

wisdom and creativity, followed by insight 

and capability, and coming to a crescendo 

that is embodied in the entrepreneur and 

innovator. Each of these building blocks 

is briefly sketched below. 

Data 

Every time a sensor senses, a scanner 

observes or a pulse is recorded, the ocean 

of data grows. Hidden in this database 

are trends, patterns and opportunities 

that need to be identified. The process 

for doing this is called data mining. 

Companies now recognize “smart data” as 

a priceless asset. 

The Hormel Institute, a cancer research 

center located in Austin, Minn., recently 

purchased an IBM Blue Gene computer. 

This computer will require several new 

employees to join in the search for trends 

within their databases. New companies 

continuously are emerging and providing 

the competitive resource that turns data 

into information. 

Information 

The challenge is to turn the flood 

of data into a meaningful flow of 

information. Information brings about 

understanding and clarity. Indexes, 

summaries and spreadsheets all are 

derived to make sense of this resource. 

An IBM ad recently stated that nearly 6 

terabytes (trillion) of information is being 

exchanged over the Internet every second. 

Information may take the form of print, 

graphics or media, but in all cases there is 

a thirst for that piece of information that 

provides the individual or the organization 

a competitive edge. With the emergence of 

social media and interactive Web sites, this 

process is expanding and becoming even 

more useful. 

Knowledge 

In moving on up the trunk of the 

“thinking tree,” one comes to a level of 

knowledge. Knowledge is organized 

information that provides the practitioner 

with the tools to take action. One 

hears about the coming “knowledgebased” 

economy when, in reality, it 

already has roared into our presence 

like a thundering rocket. Fueling this 

knowledge-based economy are the 

“twins-of-change” called science and 

technology. They take the following 

different forms: 

▶▶ 

To know that (scientific method used 

to solve a stated problem): The power 

of scientific knowledge utilizing the 

process of discovery. 

▶▶ 

To know-how (technological 

method—engineering a solution to an 

identified want or need): The power of 

technological knowledge, utilizing the 

process of invention. 

Wisdom and Creativity 

Wikipedia defines wisdom as “a 

deep understanding and realizing of 

people, things, events or situations, 

resulting in the ability to choose or act 

to consistently produce optimum results 

with a minimum of time and energy.” 

Hence, it is a valuable state of mind to 

screen the knowledge explosion into 

useful action. When wisdom is aligned 

with creativity, the position of value 

is amplified. Creativity is the process 

of generating novel ideas, engaging in 

divergent thinking and conceptualizing 

at second and third order levels. When 

combining wisdom and creativity 

through ideation and intuition, solutions 

present themselves as powerful options. 

Insight and Capability 

Insight and capability are the holding 

tanks or operating platforms for the 

next level of action. When effectively 

activated, great things happen; but, when 

no action is taken, we experience that 

place of limbo known as “potential.” 

Unrealized potential is a tragic condition 

that never contributes to becoming the 

“great disrupter.” Risks are involved 

as enterprises step into the uncharted 

territory of disruption. 


wow | Factor 

Entrepreneur and Innovator 

Unleashing the potential and 

energizing the great disrupter takes 

place through innovation and 

entrepreneurship. This is where 

“potential” is activated and becomes 

reality. The entrepreneur becomes the 

economy builder, which in turn, propels 

other action and provides wealth for 

others that become associated with it. 

In manufacturing, this resource may 

multiply five to seven times, as the system 

carries out its intent. In the service sector 

the wealth multiplier may roll from one 

to three times. When the innovation 

replaces an existing enterprise and 

becomes the great disrupter, the result 

may be an instant termination of the 

competitor or a slow, painful death as 

the new venture eats the heart out of the 

vulnerable enterprise. 

Model courtesy of Jim Bensen 

From Pennies to Dollars 

When we carefully observe the Value- 

Added model below, we see the cent 

symbol near the copper colored data 

pod in the lower left corner. Likewise, we 

observe the dollar symbol in the upper 

right corner of the model near the green 

pod of entrepreneurs and innovators. 

This contributes to a continuum of 

thought and emotion, moving from the 

puzzled “mmm” as possibilities emerge, 

on to the “ahaa” of inspiration, and finally 

the elation of prosperity generated by the 

successful venture. 

Thus, as we translate the wealth 

generated in the process of disruption, we 

recognize that there is even value in data 

though it might be a fraction of a penny on 

a dollar. However, when the entrepreneur 

arrives with a disrupting enterprise, the 

pennies can translate quickly into dollars. 

When the disruption is fully developed we 

observe the “ha, ha, ha,” as the entrepreneur 

laughs all the way to the bank. PM 

For the complete bibliography, please 

contact the MPMA office. 

Jim Bensen, is president 

emeritus of Bemidji State 

University. He can be 

reached at 

mbensen@bemidjistate.edu. 

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MEMBER | DIRECTORY 

Lifetime Members 

Dr. James Bensen 

Bemidji State University 

218.755.2950 

mbensen@bemidjistate.edu 

JoAnn Hiebel 

Hiebel & Associates 

joann.hiebel@cox.net 

Dave Yeager 

320.564.3937 

Dr. Fred Zimmerman 

952.935.0678 

zimco@visi.com 

3-D CNC, Inc. 

Mike Getzke 

320.587.5923 

mike.getzke@3dcnc.com 

A B A Water Systems, Inc. 

Neil Weaver 

800.257.1271 

neil@abawatersystems.com 

A. Finkl & Sons Co. 

Bob Myers 

612.724.8967 

bobm@finkl.com 

A-1 Engineering 

Todd Craft 

763.786.8710 

todd.craft@a1eng.com 

Abrasive Specialists, Inc. 

Jaime Olsen 

763.571.4111 

jaime.olsen@asimn.com 

Accu-Prompt, Inc. 

Scott Hoffmann 

763.783.1020 

shoffmann@accuprompt.com 

Acme Metal Spinning 

Bruce Johnston 

763.788.9051 

info@acmemetalspinning.com 

aCoupleofGurus.com LLC 

Keith Schoolcraft 

612.454.4878 

keith@acoupleofgurus.com 

Aerospace Manufacturing, Inc. 

Roger Scherping 

651.379.9888 

rscherping@awi-ami.com 

AeroSystems Engineering 

Peter Maye 

651.220.1339 

peter.maye@aseholdings.com 

Agility Machine Tool, Inc. 

Brian Holcomb 

763.792.8502 

brian@agilitymachine.com 

Agrimson Tool Company 

Gary Agrimson 

763.566.3446 

mailroom@agrimsontool.com 

Air Engineering & Supply, Inc. 

Brad Wiese 

612.332.4181 

bwiese@airengr.com 

Air Power Equipment Corp. 

Dan Shreve 

612.522.7000 

dshreve@airpowerequip.com 

Aitkin Iron Works, Inc. 

Jeffrey Chatelle 

218.927.2400 

jwc@aiw.com 

Alexandria Technical College 

Chad Coauette 

888.234.1313 

chadc@alextech.edu 

Alignex, Inc. 

Mike Bailey 

952.888.6801 

mike.bailey@alignex.com 

All Tech Machinery & Supply 

Jeff Johnson 

763.370.4670 

jeffj@atms.us.com 

Alliance Metrology, Inc. 

Bryn Hartwig 

763.493.0026 

brynhart@earthlink.net 

American Iron a Div. of 

Northern Metal Recycling 

Larry Stearns 

612.529.9221 

lstearns@scrappy.com 

American Machine & 

Gundrilling Co., Inc. 

Chuck Berg 

763.425.3830 

chucksr@amgundrilling.com 

AmeriStar Manufacturing Inc 

Joe Bohrer 

507.625.1515 

joeb@ameristarmfg.com 

Anderson & Dahlen, Inc. 

Steve Head 

763.852.4700 

heas@andersondahlen.com 

Andrew Tool & 

Machining Company 

Bruce Hanson 

763.559.0402 

brucehanson@andrewtool.com 

Anoka Technical College-Corp. Ctr. 

Nick Graff 

763.576.4700 

ngraff@anokatech.edu 

Applied Products, Inc. 

Randy Paulson 

952.933.2224 

rpaulson@appliedproducts.com 

Applied Vacuum Technology, Inc. 

Dan Korolchuk 

952.442.7005 

dkorolchuk@appliedvacuum.com 

APT CNC Inc. 

Brian Mayo 

507.931.5425 

brianmayo@aptcnc.com 

Arrow Cryogenics, Inc. 

Curt Salo 

763.780.3367 

curt@arrowcryogenics.com 

Associated Bank 

Paul Poncin 

952.591.2799 

paul.poncin@associatedbank.com 

Atlas Specialized Transport, Inc. 

Jeannie Schubert 

952.985.5400 

jschubert@atlas-usa.com 

Automated 

Randy Squier 

763.576.6946 

rsquier@automatedextrusion.com 

Avicenna Technology Inc. 

Chad Carson 

320.269.5588 

ccarson@avicennatech.com 

B & E Tool Company, Inc. 

Joe Blowers 

763.571.1802 

btoolcoinc@comcast.net 

Baillie Sales & Engineering, Inc. 

Erin Anderson 

952.546.2960 

erin@bailliesales.com 

Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP 

Mark Kiecker 

612.876.4776 

mark.kiecker@bakertilly.com 

Barry & Sewall Industrial Supply 

Steve Olson 

612.331.6170 

steveo@barrysewall.com 

Beaver Machine 

Jay Groth 

763.535.2204 

beavshack@beavermachine.com 

Benny Machine Company 

Jeffrey Benny 

763.444.5508 

bennymachine@aol.com 

Bizal Manufacturing Co. 

Mike Bizal 

763.571.4030 

bizalmfg@bizalmfg.com 

Black Line Group 

Scott Schmidt 

763.550.0111 

scott@blacklinegrp.com 

Blanski Peter Kronlage & Zoch, P.A. 

Gary Turnquist, CPA 

763.546.6211 

gturnquist@bpkz.com 

BNC National Bank 

Ann Johnson 

612.305.2217 

ajohnson@bncbank.com 

Bodycote Thermal Processing 

Bob Manhatton 

952.944.5500 

robert.manhatton@bodycote.com 

Boring Machine Corporation 

Tom Chacon 

763.786.0100 

tchacon@bormac.com 

Branch Manufacturing 

Company, Inc. 

Delmer Fairbanks 

651.674.4441 

delmerf@branchmfg.com 

Bremer Bank 

Stephanie Behm 

651.726.6033 

ssbehm@bremer.com 

Brenk Brothers, Inc. 

Jeff Brenk 

763.784.5621 

jeff@brenkbrothers.com 

Briggs and Morgan, P.A. 

Joe Roach 

612.977.8400 

jroach@briggs.com 

Bureau Veritas Certification 

Chris Carson 

651.344.8224 

chris.carson@us.bureauveritas.com 

CAB Construction 

Doug Mulder 

507.625.2233 

doug@cabconstruction.com 

CAM-TOOL 

Randy Nash 

519.737.6009 

randy@camtool.net 

Carley Foundry, Inc. 

Kevin Stensrud 

763.205.8933 

kevin.stensrud@carleyfoundry.com 

Carlson Advisors, LLC 

Melvin Enger 

763.535.8150 

menger@carlson-advisors.com 

Cass Screw Machine 

Products Company 

Steve Wise 

763.535.0501 

steve@csmp.com 

C-Axis Inc. 

Jeff Haley 

763.478.8982 

jeff@c-axis.com 

Center National Bank 

Jeff Wosje 

763.225.8882 

jwosje@centernationalbank.com 

Challenge Machine & 

Manufacturing Inc. 

Carrie Betland 

763.231.8400 

carrieb@challengemachine.com 

Checker Machine, Inc. 

Steve Lipinski 

763.544.5000 

slipinski@checkermachine.com 

Cheetah Precision, Inc. 

Manfred Niedernhoefer 

651.633.4566 

cheetah@cheetahprecision.com 

Chopper College 

Thomas Creal Jr. 

612.294.1928 

tommy.creal@ 

choppercollege2020.com 

Chuck’s Grinding, Inc. 

Mike Reuter 

952.361.4308 

mike@chucksgrinding.com 

Cincinnati Tool Steel Co. 

Steve Murtell 

612.840.9351 

smurtell@cintool.com 

Cities Advanced Machinery 

Harry Youtsos 

952.944.6060 

harry@cam-cnc.com 

Clinton Aluminum & 

Stainless Steel 

Scott Mattson 

800.826.3370 

smattson@clintalum.com 

Columbia Gear Corp. 

Mike Hipsher 

320.356.7301 

mhipsher@columbiagear.com 

Columbia Precision Machine Corp. 

Gilbert Baldwin 

952.890.1003 

gbaldwin@columbiapmc.com 

Comet Tool, Inc. 

Jim Freitag 

952.935.3798 

jim.freitag@comettoolinc.com 

Command Tooling Systems LLC 

Nick Martin 

763.576.6910 

nmartin@commandtool.com 

Concept Machine Tool Sales, Inc. 

Craig Conlon 

763.559.1975 

sales@conceptmachine.com 

Construction Results Corporation 

Mark Snyder 

763.559.1100 

mark.snyder@constructionresults.com 

Continental Engr. & Mfg., Inc. 

Eric Andersen 

952.448.4771 

eric@cem-web.com 

Corchran, Inc 

Tom Westphal 

507.833.0229 

twestphal@corchran.com 

CorTrust Bank 

Tim Swanson 

651.289.5000 

tswanson@cortrustbank.com 

Crane Engineering 

Dave Hallman 

763.557.9090 

daveh@CraneEngineering.com 

CRTechnical 

Tom Wolden 

763.560.6015 

tomwolden@crtechnical.com 

Crysteel Mfg / TBEI 

Sandy Hanson 

507.726.2728 

shanson@tbei.com 

Custom Cutter Grinding Corp. 

Kermit Bode 

763.441.7744 

info@customcuttergrinding.com 

Custom Headed Products, Inc. 

Tom Luther 

651.277.0740 

chpinc@nsatel.net 

Datum-A-Industries, Inc. 

Brian Johnson 

763.479.1133 

info@datum-manifolds.com 

David Olson Sales Co., Inc. 

Scott Olson 

612.722.9523 

slo@davidolsonsales.com 

Deco Tool Supply Co. 

Kevin Corrigan 

763.537.7762 

kcorrigan@decotool.com 

Diamond Lake Tool, Inc. 

Larry Foss 

763.441.3411 

DLT@diamondlaketool.com 

Diamond Tool & Engineering, Inc. 

Kent Smith 

218.924.4024 

ksmith@eot.com 



Die Technology, Inc. 

Dale Skoog 

763.424.9677 

dskoog@dietechnology.com 

Digital Tool & Automation 

Dave Ackland 

763.421.0400 

dackland@digital-tool.com 

Domaille Engineering LLC 

Don Hickerson 

507.281.0275 

dhickerson@domailleengineering.com 

Dotson Iron Castings 

Jean Bye 

507.345.5018 

jbye@dotson.com 

Douglas Alexandria Finishing 

Jeff Powers 

320.762.6235 

jpowers@douglas-machine.com 

Douglas Metals, Inc. 

Jon Borgen 

763.536.1094 

jborgen@douglas-metals.com 

Duncan Company 

Josh Ralph 

612.331.1776 

jralph@duncanco.com 

Dunwoody College of Technology 

E. J. Daigle 

612.374.5800 

edaigle@dunwoody.edu 

Duo-Tec Tool Company 

Dale Hanken 

763.425.5005 

dhanken@duotectool.com 

Dynamic Group 

Peter McGillivray 

763.780.4430 

pmcgill@thedynamicgroup.net 

Eagle Tool & Design Co. 

Ole Christensen 

763.784.7400 

ochristensen@eagletoolinc.com 

Effective Learning for Growth, LLC 

Steve Callender 

952.405.8843 

steve@ 

effectivelearningforgrowth.com 

Elk River Machine Company 

Todd McChesney 

763.441.1581 

tmcchesney@ermc.com 

Ellison Technologies 

Craig St. John 

763.545.9699 

cstjohn@ellisontechnologies.com 

El-Tronic Precision, Inc. 

Greg Pickert 

763.784.1891 

greg@eltronic.com 

Emerge Community Development 

Norma Jean Litch 

612.529.9267 

litchn@emerge-staffing.org 

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Emerson Network Power 

Connectivity Solution 

Mark Anderson 

507.833.6685 

mark.anderson@emerson.com 

Engineered Finishing Corp. 

John Salin 

763.785.9278 

jsalin@engfinish.com 

Enterprise Minnesota 

Lynn Shelton 

612.373.2900 

lynn.shelton@ 

enterpriseminnesota.org 

Epicor Software Corporation 

Christine Hansen 

952.417.5178 

chansen@epicor.com 

Erickson Metals of MN, Inc. 

Luke Harned 

763.785.2340 

lharned@ericksonmetalsmn.com 

Excelsior Tool Company, Inc. 

Gary Lostetter 

763.479.3355 

etc1gl@frontiernet.net 

Fab Pipe, Inc. 

Ted Muntz 

763.428.2259 

tmuntz@fabpipe.com 

Fastenal Manufacturing 

Tim Borkowski 

507.453.8000 

tborkows@fastenal.com 

Federated Insurance 

Bill Daly 

507.455.5200 

wmdaly@fedins.com 

Fidelity Bank 

Steve Logterman 

952.830.7293 

steve@fidelitybankmn.com 

Fireaway LLC 

Anthony Gee 

952.935.9745 

agee@statx.com 

Flame Metals Processing Corp. 

Dan Gelo 

763.255.2530 

dang@flamemetals.com 

Fluid Management Incorporated 

Roger Novitzki 

612.378.2580 

roger@coolantrecycle.com 

Foreman & Airhart, Ltd 

Mark Foreman 

952.948.1844 

markforeman@foreman-cpa.com 

Fox Valley Metrology 

Chris Kuczynski 

715.483.5334 

chris@foxvalleymetrology.com 

Fraisa USA Inc. 

Mathieu Tapp 

651.636.8488 

mtapp@fraisausa.com 

Froehling Anderson 

Rick Wiethorn 

952.979.3100 

rwiethorn@fa-cpa.com 

Glenn Metalcraft, Inc. 

Joseph Glenn 

763.389.5355 

jglenn@gmc-mn.com 

Graco Inc. 

Heather Conover 

612.623.6431 

heather_t_conover@graco.com 

Granger Machine, Inc. 

Mike Parker 

763.444.3725 

mike@grangermachine.com 

Haberman Machine, Inc. 

Scott Ness 

651.777.4511 

scottn@habermanmachine.com 

Hales Machine Tool, Inc. 

Dan Hales 

763.553.1711 

dhales@halesmachinetool.com 

Hamre Designs LLC 

Paul Hamre 

651.261.4673 

paul@hamredesigns.com 

Hard Anodize, Inc. 

Brian Aslesen 

952.831.1623 

baslesen@hardanodize.com 

Hard Chrome, Inc. 

Dick Walters 

612.788.9451 

hardchromeinc@questoffice.net 

Hegman Machine Tool, Inc. 

Ralph Hegman 

763.424.5622 

rhegman@hegmanmachine.com 

Hennepin Technical College 

Joy Bodin 

763.488.2415 

joy.bodin@hennepintech.edu 

Hibbing Fabricators, Inc. 

Wayne Larson 

218.262.5575 

waynel@hibfab.com 

HLB Tautges Redpath, Ltd 

Megan Johnson 

651.426.7000 

mjohnson@hlbtr.com 

Huot Manufacturing Company 

John Huot 

651.646.1869 

j.huot@huot.com 

Hutchinson Manufacturing, Inc. 

Tom Daggett 

320.587.4653 

tdaggett@hutchmfg.com 

I.S.C. Machine LLC 

Jerry Cornish 

763.559.0033 

j.cornish@industrialsupplyco.com 

ICA Corporation 

Steve Hoaglund 

763.428.2800 

steveh@icacorp.com 

Ideal Aerosmith Inc. 

Jodi Stittsworth 

701.757.3414 

jstitts@idealaero.com 

Industrial Fabrication 

Services, Inc. (IFS) 

Matt Doherty 

507.726.6000 

mattifs@hickorytech.net 

Industrial Tool, Inc. 

Rick Ahlstrom 

763.533.7244 

rahlstrom@industrial-tool.com 

Industrial Waste Services 

Mike Antolik 

952.474.2628 

mike@industrialwasteservices.biz 

International 

Management Systems 

Delrae Eden 

763.557.5711 

delrae@edensolutions group.com 

International Precision 

Machining, Inc. 

Daniel Meyer 

320.656.1241 

dmeyer@ipminc.com 

J. & J. Machine, Inc. 

John Lenz 

763.421.0114 

jjmachines@qwest.net 

J. B. Testing, Inc. 

Jeff Boisvert 

763.795.9690 

jbtesting@jbtesting.com 

Jet Edge, Inc. 

Nancy Lauseng 

763.497.8700 

nancyl@jetedge.com 

JIT Manufacturing, Inc. 

Gene Wehner 

763.425.7995 

gwehner@jitmfgmn.com 

John Henry Foster Company 

John Hawkins 

651.452.8452 

john.hawkins@jhfoster.com 



Jonaco Machine LLC 

Mike Buller 

952.448.5544 

mwbull@jonaco.com 

Jones Metal Products Inc 

Sarah Richards 

507.625.4436 

srichards@jonesmetalproducts.com 

K & G Manufacturing Co. 

Mike Kraimer 

507.334.5501 

mkraimer@kgmfg.com 

Kato Engineering Inc. 

Marni Moule 

507.345.2750 

marni.moule@emerson.com 

KayHarris Real Estate Consultants 

Kay Harris, CCIM 

952.915.4444 

kay@kayharrisre.com 

Kendeco Tool Crib 

Bob Miller 

320.253.1020 

bobm@kendeco.com 

KleinBank 

Dan Reeves 

763.515.5421 

d.reeves@kleinbank.com 

Kurt Manufacturing Company Inc. 

Chuck Remillard 

763.572.1500 

chuckr@kurt.com 

La Machine Shop, Inc. 

Joe LaBonne 

763.434.6108 

joe@lamachineshop.com 

Lake Engineering, Inc. 

Steve Magnuson 

952.473.5485 

stevem@lakeengineering.com 

Lake Superior College 

Michael Koppy 

218.733.7631 

m.koppy@lsc.edu 

Lakeland Tool & Engineering, Inc. 

Marty Sweerin 

763.422.8866 

suer@lte.biz 

LaMott Enterprises, Inc. 

Steve LaMott 

763.781.0001 

steve@lamottenterprises.com 

Larkin Hoffman Daly 

& Lindgren Ltd. 

Mark Geier 

952.835.3800 

mgeier@larkinhoffman.com 

LarsonAllen LLP 

Samantha Riley 

612.376.4821 

sriley@larsonallen.com 

Lean Manufacturing Solutions 

Partnership Inc. 

Bill Kaelin 

651.261.3753 

bill@lmspi.com 

Linders Specialty Co., Inc. 

Vince Linders 

651.488.0528 

vince@lscmetalfab.com 

Lind-Rite Precision, Inc. 

Rod Femrite 

320.859.2070 

lindrite@midwestinfo.com 

Lion Engineering Plastics Inc. 

Scott King 

651.289.3100 

sking@lionep.com 

Lion Precision 

Don Martin 

651.484.6544 

don@lionprecision.com 

Litin Paper Company 

John Hanson 

612.607.5735 

jhanson@litin.com 

Lou-Rich, Inc. 

Randy Eggum 

507.377.5330 

reggum@lou-rich.com 

Lubrication 

Technologies, Inc. 

Gary Parkos 

763.417.1307 

garypar@lube-tech.com 

M & H Machine 

Corporation 

Frank Jamkowski 

651.481.9577 

frank-jamkowski@ 

qwestoffice.net 

Machine Tool 

Supply Corp. 

Troy Kerin 

651.452.4400 

troyk@machtool.com 

Machining Specialists 

Randy Bierwerth 

651.204.1034 

randy.bierwerth@ 

machiningspecs.com 

Mack Engineering Corp. 

Jackie Salisbury 

612.721.2471 

jackie.s@ 

mackengineering.com 

Mankato Kasota 

Stone, Inc. 

Bob Coughlan 

507.382.2795 

r.coughlan@ 

coughlancompanies.com 

Manufacturing 

Solutions of MN Inc. 

Jim Lemons 

651.294.7790 

jim.lemons@msmni.com 

Martin Calibration Co. 

Rick Brion 

952.882.1528 

rbrion@ 

martincalibration.com 

Master Tool & Die, Inc. 

Tony Trabant 

651.454.2536 

tonyt@mastertoolinc.com 

Mate Precision Tooling 

Joe Schneider 

763.421.0230 

joe.schneider@mate.com 

Med-Tek, Inc. 

Randy Duffy 

612.789.3527 

randy@med-tekinc.com 

Meier Tool & 

Engineering, Inc. 

Rick Meier 

763.427.6275 

rick_meier@ 

meiertool.com 

Precision Manufacturing 9.1.2010 

4.625” x 7.375” X 

Metal Craft Machine 

& Engineering, Inc. 

Trisha Mowry 

763.441.1855 

trisha@metal-craft.com 

Metal Supermarkets 

Doug Knepper 

763.315.4042 

dknepper@metalsupermarkets.com 

Metal Treaters, Inc. 

Gary Johnson 

651.646.1317 

garyj@metaltreaters.com 

MICO, Inc. 

Kelly Hanson 

507.386.4058 

khanson@mico.com 

MicroGroup Bethel, LLC 

Kim Johnson 

763.434.5900 

kjohnson@microgroupmn.com 

Micro-Matics LLC 

Rick Paulson 

763.780.2700 

rick@micro-matics.com 

Mid American Financial Group 

Clint Nelson 

952.258.5043 

cnelson1@minneapolis.nef.com 

Mid-Continent Engineering, Inc. 

Sanders Marvin 

612.781.0260 

sanders.marvin@mid-continent.com 

Midwest CAM Solutions, Inc. 

Matt Arnold 

763.560.6567 

matt@midwestcamsolutions.com 

It’s a fact…an estimated 50% of your compressed air is lost through 

leaky, wasteful or inefficient systems. Xcel Energy can help with a 

comprehensive study that shows where you can reduce compressed 

air-related operational costs. Funding is available for most or all of 

the study costs plus prescriptive and custom rebates are available up 

to $400 per kW saved. Visit ResponsibleByNature.com for details or 

call our Business Solutions Center at 1-800-481-4700. 

© 2 0 1 0 X C E L E N E R G Y I N C . 

33481_XL_AIR_MN_BlowYouAway_PM_4.625x7.375_BW_0901_FNL.indd September | October 1 2010 PRECISION MANUFACTURING 7/29/10 | 313:51 PM


Midwest Machine Tool Supply 

Doug Eliason 

763.571.3550 

doug@midwestmachinetool.com 

Midwest Steel Supply Company 

Brandon Walton 

612.333.6868 

bw@midweststeelsupply.com 

Millerbernd Laser 

Farid Currimbhoy 

320.485.5458 

fcurrimbhoy@millerbernd.com 

Milltronics CNC Machines 

Curt Stockinger 

952.442.1410 

cstockinger@milltronics.net 

MINNCOR Industries 

Ted Jackson 

651.361.7500 

customer-service.minncor@ 

minncor.com 

Minneapolis Community 

& Tech. College 

Kim Munson 

612.659.6093 

kim.munson@minneapolis.edu 

Minnesota Grinding, Inc. 

David Schranck 

763.535.4445 

david.schranck@ 

minnesotagrinding.com 

Minnesota State 

University Moorhead 

Pam McGee 

218.477.2466 

mcgeepa@mnstate.edu 

MN State College, 

Southeast Technical 

Ron Sellnau 

507.453.2700 

rsellnau@southeastmn.edu 

MN Technical Assistance 

Program, U of M 

Jeff Becker 

612.624.4633 

beck0254@umn.edu 

MNCEME- MN Ctr for 

Eng & Mfg Excellence 

Judith Evans 

507.389.1201 

judith.evans@mnsu.edu 

Modified Tool, Inc. 

John Kruse 

218.763.6030 

modifiedtool@emily.net 

Mold-Tech, Inc. 

Jon Lee 

763.497.7500 

jlee@mold-techinc.com 

Morgan Stanley 

Sean Lutz 

952.921.1932 

sean.lutz@morganstanley.com 

MRG Tool & Die Corp. 

Mike Gramse 

507.334.1847 

mgramse@toolanddie.net 

MultiSource Mfg LLC 

Gary Hadley 

763.784.5515 

ghadley@multisourcemfg.com 

Nelson Numeric, Inc. 

Reed Nelson 

952.829.7337 

reed@nelsonnumeric.com 

NETTwork Mfg. Inc. 

Aaron Netter 

320.654.8352 

aaron@nettworkmfg.com 

New Ulm Precision Tool, Inc. 

Howard Blume 

507.233.2900 

hrblume@newulmtel.net 

Nordic Components, Inc. 

Jarmo Kumpula 

320.234.6015 

jarmo@nordiccomp.com 

Northland Screw Products, Inc. 

James Martinson 

763.753.3628 

james@northlandscrewproducts.com 

Northwest Machine Technologies 

Tony Bailey 

763.493.3660 

tbailey@nwmtec.com 

Northwest Swiss-Matic, Inc. 

Wade Halseth 

763.544.4222 

whalseth@nwswissmatic.com 

Northwest Technical 

College - Bemidji 

Daniel Larson 

218.333.6604 

daniel.larson@ntcmn.edu 

NPC Robotics Corp. 

Norm Domholt 

952.472.1511 

normd@npcinc.com 

NTM, Inc. 

Phil Graber 

763.780.1420 

philg@ntminc.com 

Olsen Thielen CPAs 

Joe Mayer 

651.483.4521 

jmayer@otcpas.com 

Olympic Steel, Inc. 

Stephen Reyes 

763.544.7100 

sreyes@olysteel.com 

Omnitool, Inc. 

Walter Waffensmith 

763.535.4240 

walter@omnitool.com 

On Time Delivery Service, Inc. 

Tim Holtan 

952.884.4060 

tholtan@bontime.com 

Packnet Ltd. 

Mike Nyberg 

952.944.9124 

mnyberg@packnetltd.com 

Pal’s Machining, Inc 

Loren Mifek 

507.451.9202 

tyler@palsmachining.com 

Panther Precision Machine, Inc. 

Tom Olson 

763.586.9651 

tolson@pantherprecision.com 

Park Precision Machining Inc. 

Bob Tummel 

763.754.8273 

bob@parkprecision.com 

Pequot Tool & Manufacturing, Inc. 

Michael Goerges 

218.568.8069 

mgoerges@pequottool.com 

Perfection Grinding, Inc. 

Darell Stern 

763.571.1052 

perfgrin@aol.com 

Performance Tool & Die 

Craig Rix 

952.469.2423 

crix@ptdmn.com 

Permac Industries 

Darlene Miller 

952.894.7231 

dmiller@permacindustries.com 

Pine Technical College 

Julie Dillenburg 

320.629.5112 

dillenburgj@pinetech.edu 

Plastics International 

Paul Carter 

952.934.2303 

paulc@plasticsintl.com 

Precise Products Corporation 

Darrell Freitag 

612.522.2141 

dfreitag@preciseproducts.com 

Precision 

Jamie Durand 

763.784.1704 

jamie@precisionmn.com 

Precision Punch & Plastics 

Kevin Ryan 

952.933.0993 

kryan@precisionpunch.com 

Precision Tool Technologies, Inc. 

Jim Goerges 

320.632.5320 

jim@precisiontooltech.com 

Principal Financial Group 

Alyssa Kreutzfeldt 

651.287.5469 

kreutzfeldt.alyssa@principal.com 

Pro Fabrication, Inc. 

Letetia Klebel 

507.243.3441 

letetia.klebel@pro-fabrication.com 

Production Engineering Corp. 

Mike Albers 

612.788.9123 

mhalbers@pecorp.net 

Production Tool & Mfg, Inc. 

Mark Boesch 

763.559.5746 

markb@protoolus.com 

Productivity Inc 

Greg Buck 

763.476.8600 

gbuck@productivity.com 

Productivity Quality Inc/ 

Advanced Inspection Services LLC 

Keith Summers 

763.249.8130 

keith.summers@pqi.net 

Professional Instruments 

Company, Inc. 

Paul Arneson 

952.933.1222 

parneson@airbearings.com 

Professional Plating Inc. 

Casey Weizel 

763.427.0112 

crweizel@proplate.com 

ProtoTek Engineering, Inc. 

Brian Pascoe 

952.361.5598 

bpascoe@prototek-engineering.com 

QDP Technologies, Inc. 

Troy Holien 

763.712.1626 

troy.holien@qdptech.com 

Qualitek Engineering & 

Manufacturing Inc. 

Mike Nepsund 

763.544.9507 

miken@qualitek-eng.com 

Quality & Service 

Machine Tool Company 

Bill Lidfors 

952.935.8616 

bill@qandsmachinetool.com 

Quality Machine of IA, Inc. MN Div. 

Tim Greene 

763.560.3955 

timg@qualitymachine.com 

Quazar Capital Corporation 

Bruce Behm 

763.550.9000 

bruceb@quazarcapital.com 

RavenWorks LLC 

Dave Conlan 

612.280.1997 

daveconlan@ravenworksllc.com 



Regal Machine Inc./ 

Advanced Mach. Tech. 

George Hendren 

651.408.8940 

ghendren@regalmachineinc.com 

Replenex Inc. 

Tom Folska 

952.941.9150 

tom.folska@replenex.com 

Riverland Community 

College-Austin 

Deb Vang 

507.433.0600 

dvang@river.cc.mn.us 

rms 

Lee Zachman 

763.786.1520 

lzachman@machine.com 

Roberts Automatic Products, Inc. 

Ted Roberts 

952.949.1000 

troberts@robertsautomatic.com 

Schreifels & Associates, Inc. 

Bob Schmitz 

763.569.4304 

bob@schreifels.com 

SCHUNK, Inc. 

Matt Steele 

800.772.4865 

matt.steele@us.schunk.com 

Sentry Insurance 

Rod Andersen 

952.270.6337 

rod.andersen@sentry.com 

Smith Foundry Company 

Jim Pint 

612.729.9395 

pint_jim@smithfoundry.com 

South Central College 

of Faribault 

Jason DeMars 

507.332.5831 

jason.demars@southcentral.edu 

South Central College-Center 

for Business & Industry 

Tom Kammer 

507.389.7236 

tom.kammer@southcentral.edu 

South Metro Wire EDM 

& Small Hole Drilling Inc. 

Jeff Runyon 

952.403.1415 

smwedm@qwestoffice.net 

Spec Plating Corporation 

Patrick Murphy 

763.717.7016 

patrickm@specplating.com 

S-T Industries, Inc. 

Bob Friesen 

800.326.2039 

sales@stindustries.com 

St. Cloud Tech & Comm College 

Bruce Peterson 

320.308.5000 

bpeterson@sctc.edu 

St. Marys University 

Paul Christensen 

612.728.5100 

pchristensen@smumn.edu 

St. Paul College-A Comm. 

& Tech. College 

Dr. Gary Hertel 

651.846.1600 

gary.hertel@saintpaul.edu 

Saint Paul Port Authority 

B. Kyle 

651.224.5686 

blk@sppa.com 

Stone Machinery, Inc. 

Tom Drazkowski 

651.778.8887 

info@stonemachinery.com 

Sunbelt Business Advisors 

Dan Mulvaney 

612.860.0047 

dan@mulvaneysun.com 

T. Bryce & Associates Inc. 

Terry Bryce 

763.449.9900 

terryb@tbryce.com 

T.D. Wright, Inc. 

David McEachern 

651.227.1302 

sales@tdwinc.com 

Taber Bushnell 

Brad Severson 

763.546.0994 

bseverson@taberbushnell.com 

Taylor Machine, Inc. 

Rick Taylor 

763.786.5949 

rtaylor@tmicnc.com 

TEAM Industries 

Jim Russ 

218.694.3550 

jimruss@team-ind.com 

Team Powdercoating 

Kim Johnson 

877.384.7194 

kim@teampowder.com 

Technical Die Casting, Inc. 

Randy Walters 

507.689.2194 

randyw@tech-die-casting.com 

Technology Reps 

Mike Neeley 

651.636.6966 

mikeneeley@comcast.net 

The Lindgren Group 

Keith Meyer 

612.822.2185 

kmeyer@thelindgrengroup.com 

The QC Group 

Dan Medford 

952.895.1150 

dmedford@theqcgroup.com 

Thomas Engineering Company 

Tim Aberwald 

763.533.1501 

taberwald@thomasengineering.com 

Tooling Science, Inc. 

Brian Burley 

763.425.6001 

brian@tlscience.com 

Toolkraft, Inc. 

William Zbikowski 

763.571.7480 

tk55432@aol.com 

Top Tool Company 

Dan Kuch 

763.786.0030 

dkuch@toptool.com 

Twin City EDM, Inc. 

Steve Lindell 

763.783.7808 

slindell@twincityedm.com 

Twin City Gear Company 

Max Fenna 

763.780.9780 

tcgear@goldengate.net 

Twin City Honing, Inc. 

Larry Bopp 

952.894.1730 

boppld@yahoo.com 

Twin City Plating Company 

Roger Plath 

612.331.8895 

roger@twincityplating.com 

United Standards Lab, Inc. 

James Dolezal 

612.823.2616 

jim@unitedstandardslab.com 

Venture Bank 

Kevin Sayre 

763.398.5827 

ksayre@venturebankonline.com 

Vincent, M. & Associates, Ltd. 

Dave Hanna 

952.884.7733 

alloy1@m-vincent.com 

Von Ruden Manufacturing, Inc. 

Brandon Anderson 

763.682.3122 

brandon@vonruden.com 

V-TEK, Inc. 

Stacy Anderson 

507.387.2039 

s.anderson@vtekusa.com 

W.P. & R.S. Mars Company 

Bob Mars 

952.884.9388 

rmars3@marssupply.com 

Weigh-Rite Scale Co., Inc. 

Jennifer Johnson 

715.247.3364 

info@scaleguy.com 

Wessels Sherman 

James Sherman 

952.746.7100 

jasherman@wesselssherman.com 

Western Spring Manufacturing 

Alex Altstatt 

651.224.1721 

alex@westernspring.com 

Wilson Tool International 

Brian Robinson 

651.286.6003 

brian.robinson@wilsontool.com 

Winegar, Inc. 

Tim Wenzel 

507.835.3495 

tim.wenzel@winegarinc.com 

Winnebago Manufacturing Co 

Robert Preston 

507.526.7456 

bagobob@bevcomm.net 

WIPFLi LLP 

Greg Hirsch 

952.548.3362 

ghirsch@wipfli.com 

Workforce Solutions 

John O’Phelan 

651.779.5411 

john.ophelan@co.ramsey.mn.us 

WSI Industries, Inc. 

Benjamin Rashleger 

763.295.9202 

brashleger@wsci.com 

Wyoming Machine, Inc. 

Lori Tapani 

651.462.4156 

ltapani@wyomingmachine.com 

Yeager Machine, Inc. 

Mike Yeager 

952.467.2800 

mike@yeagermachine.com 

Alumni 

Dick Clifford 

dmcliffords@comcast.net 

763.533.7201 

Josef Goerges 

218.562.4432 

Mark Hockley 

hockleymark@yahoo.com 

612.418.8743 

Ken Johnson 

651.633.1994 

Virg Paulson 

vfpaulson2@gmail.com 

763.434.4152 

Marv Peterson 

marv014@yahoo.com 

612.867.5804 

advertisers’ | index 

aCOUPLEofGURUS.com LLC | www.acoupleofgurus.com...............32 

Alliance Steel Service Co. | www.alliancesteelco.com..........................30 

Arrow Cryogenics | www.arrowcryogenics.com...................................27 

Carley Foundry, Inc. | www.carleyfoundry.com...................................16 

Duncan Company | www.duncanco.com..............................................27 

Dunwoody College of Technology | www.dunwoody.edu..................26 

Federated Insurance | www.federatedinsurance.com............................5 

Hennepin Technical College | www.hennepintech.edu.......................26 

Industrial Waste Services | www.industrialwasteservices.biz............28 

Iron Range Resources | www.ironrangeresources.net..........................12 

KleinBank | www.kleinbank.com............................................................25 

MasterGraphics Inc. | www.masterg.com....................inside back cover 

Medical Design & Manufacturing MD&M Minneapolis | 

www.MDMminn.com.........................................................................11 

Midwest CAM Solutions, Inc. | www.midwestcamsolutions.com.....26 

MultiSource Manufacturing LLC | www.multisourcemfg.com....17-20 

NTM, Inc. | www.newntm.com...............................................................28 

Plastics International | www.plasticsintl.com........................ back cover 

Productivity Inc | www.productivity.com.......inside front cover, 15, 27 

Productivity Quality Inc | www.pqi.net.................................................27 

ProtoTek Engineering, Inc. | www.prototek-engineering.com...........26 

Quality & Service Machine Tool Company | 

www.qandmachinetool.com..............................................................27 

Saint Paul Port Authority | www.sppa.com...........................................28 

Twin City Plating Company | www.twincityplating.com...................26 

Xcel Energy | www.xcelenergy.com.........................................................31 

Yeager Machine, Inc. | www.yeagermachine.com.................................16 


What’s Happening at Mpma? 

MPMA works hard to address the needs of our members through 

workforce development, education, legislative activity and 

advocacy. Here is an overview of the current activity we are 

engaged in to Drive Success in Minnesota Precision Manufacturing: 

▶▶ 

MPMA was a premium sponsor for STEM Day at the Minnesota 

State Fair held Thursday, August 26, 2010. Fairgoers had the 

opportunity to meet with scientists, engineers, technicians 

and mathematicians and participate in hands-on experiences 

to learn more about careers in these fields. 

▶▶ 

MPMA sponsored the Great Lakes Wind Network Wind 

Conference on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. The event 

highlighted the future of the Wind industry in Minnesota and 

how Minnesota manufacturers can become part of the supply 

chain to service the growing industry. 

▶▶ 

The MPMA Education Foundation awarded $1,800 in 

scholarships to students attending Alexandria Technology 

College’s manufacturing technology programs. 

For more information on MPMA’s activities and milestones, visit 

our Web site at www.mpma.com where you can review the current 

strategic plan and the most recent progress report. Your feedback 

on important activities and topics that MPMA should focus on is 

always appreciated. Please contact Executive Director Jaime Nolan, 

CAE at jaime@mpma.com or MPMA President Mike Gramse at 

mgramse@toolanddie.net. 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! 

AeroSystems Engineering 

Maye Peter, business 

development manager 

651.220.1339 

peter.maye@aseholdings.com 

APT CNC Inc. 

Brian Mayo, president 

507.931.5425 

brianmayo@aptcnc.com 

Bremer Bank 

Stephanie Behm, 

vice president, treasury 

management sales 

651.726.6033 

ssbehm@bremer.com 

Digital Tool & Automation 

Dave Ackland, 

president/owner 

763.421.0400 

dackland@digital-tool.com 

Enterprise Minnesota 

Lynn Shelton, 

director, marketing & 

communications 

612.373.2900 

lynn.shelton@ 

enterpriseminnesota.org 

Fireaway LLC 

Anthony Gee, 

product manager 

952.935.9745 

agee@statx.com 

KleinBank 

Dan Reeves, 

SVP business banking 

763.515.5400 

d.reeves@kleinbank.com 

Mankato Kasota Stone, Inc. 

Bob Coughlan, 

owner/president 

507.382.2795 

r.coughlan@ 

coughlancompanies.com 

Winnebago 

Manufacturing Co 

Robert Preston, 

vice president 

507.526.7456 

bagobob@bevcomm.net 

October 2010 

7 

Management Education Workshop 

for Members Only 

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

“Insurance 101” 

Presented by: Federated Insurance 

Location: MPMA Conference Room 

13-14 

Medical Design and manufacturing 

MD&M Minneapolis 

Booth #: 1750 

Location: Minneapolis Convention Center 

25-29 

Minnesota Manufacturing Week 

28 

MPMA Annual Meeting 

5:00 – 9:00 p.m. 

Speaker: Dr. Chris Kuehl 

Location: Doubletree Hotel Minneapolis Park Place 

November 2010 

Visit MPMA 

Booth # 1750 

9 



11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

“Health Insurance – What do We do Next?” 

Presented by: Federated Insurance 


11 

Seminar 

8:00 – 11:00 a.m. 

“Getting to Goal” 

Presented by: Enterprise Minnesota 


18 

Manufacturing Facility Tour 


3:00 p.m. 

Location: Fraisa USA, Inc. 

23 



11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

“Maximizing Business Values, Sound Strategies, and Pricing 

Methods in a Rebounding Economy” 

Presented by: Carlson Advisors 


For more information or to register for any of 

these events please visit www.mpma.com. 


© 2009 MasterGraphics 

With the right systems—and technology partner—everything is possible. Every aspect 

of manufacturing is getting faster. But what happens to your business if you aren’t? We 

can help make sure that never happens by enabling your innovation with technology 

that works hard—and smart. From rapid prototyping to lightning-fast design revisions, 

we provide optimal solutions that empower your productivity, enhance your 

sustainability strategies, and better your bottom line. Let us show you how. 

(800) 873.7238 / mastergraphics.com/manufacturing 


Minnesota Precision Manufacturing Journal 

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At Plastics International, we specialize in suPPlyIng 

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7600 Anagram Drive 

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Toll-free: 800.776.7769 

Phone: 952.934.2303 

Fax: 952.934.2314 

www.plasticsintl.com

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