The EC-630PP HMC - Haas - Haas Automation, Inc.

On The Cover
Nothing says “Power
and Performance” like a
set of high-ratio
anodized-aluminum
rocker arms. These are
from Scorpion
Performance.
Photo: Richard Berry
In This Issue
No man is an Island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the Continent, a part of the main; if a clod
be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friends
or of thine own were; any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never
send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.
John Donne, Meditation XVII
English clergyman & poet (1572 - 1631)
And no shop is an island, entire of itself. Its mere existence depends upon the actions and reactions
of myriad others – as do its survival, growth and continued success. Suppliers, employees, family
members, industry, the local community and, most importantly, customers, all play a role in the human
drama called manufacturing. Some are supporting actors, while others clearly play the lead. The point
is that no one lives, works or plays in a vacuum. What we do affects others, and what others do affects
us. By forming positive relationships with those around us – those we rely on and who rely on us – we
all benefit.
For our cover story this issue, we traveled to South Florida, where a manufacturer of aftermarket
performance parts is using automation to stay competitive. As a young gearhead, Rob Stopanio
parlayed relationships at the local speedway into a lucrative business as a custom-engine builder. He
was known for doing things right and exceeding his customers’ expectations. Finding a reliable source
for rocker arms that met his exacting specifications, however, was a challenge. In 1999, Stopanio
founded Scorpion Performance to manufacture his own line of high-performance rocker arms. Today,
Scorpion manufactures nearly half-a-million rockers a year, and is gearing up for further expansion –
and further automation.
For Leanders Brothers Racing, high-performance rocker arms are just a small part of the speed
equation. In their shop in north-central Sweden, Brothers Ulf and Jörgen Leanders built a fire-breathing,
methanol-burning funny car that earned them the 2006 FIA European drag race championship. The
brothers’ synergistic relationship – Ulf drives and Jörgen handles the engineering – is keeping them at
the top of their game. And they hope a new clutch they’ve designed and machined will give them the
split-second advantage to retain their title in 2008.
For Peruvian shop owner Luis Valenzuela, relationships – with his customers, with his employees,
with his machine tool supplier and with his country – are everything. His company, Staff
Representatives, provides local repair parts for Peru’s perpetual mining industry. Valenzuela not only
provides great service to his customers, but he pays his workers well, trains them well and treats them
well – with the goal of creating positive change within them, and within Peru itself.
And change is good. We visited a company in Louisiana that switched from manual machines to
CNC to meet the growing demand for its products from the burgeoning oil industry. Stabil Drill designs
and manufactures a variety of downhole tools for oil exploration, including stabilizers for drill pipe.
They’re using a Haas VS-3 to machine stabilizers that are larger, stronger and more uniform.
From the UK, we have a story about a company that manufactures 1/6 scale reproductions of WWII
tanks and armored vehicles. Armortek has developed such positive relationships with its customers
that many of them have standing orders for anything the company builds.
Out of New Zealand, we have a story of a company that puts service above all else – both providing
it and receiving it. “You’re either serious about service or you’re not,” says Mike Graham, managing
director of Swages Engineering Limited. Graham inherited the successful business from his father, and
then proceeded to change everything – except the commitment to stand behind everything they do.
For our education piece this issue, we checked out the new Haas Master Apprentice Program to see
how this world-class company is addressing the need for skilled machinists. And, as always, you’ll find
the latest industry news in Cycle Time, and a collection of applications solutions in the Answer Man.
There’s a lot to digest, so sit back, relax and enjoy! And remember, keep building those positive
relationships – as the bell tolls for thee.