Precision Mfg - Grand Junction, CO

George Barchenger opened Precision Manufacturing in Grand Junction, Colorado in 1989. As a contract manufacturer, Precison Manufacturing provides machining, tool and die design and fabrication to customers spanning the Western United States. George runs an efficient operation with only six employees to fulfill Precision Manufacturing’s increasing customer orders.

George noticed that requirements for quality standards were becoming more prevalent, and in 2004 a major client introduced a requirement that all contractors be ISO9001:2000 certified businesses. In order to maintain Precision Manufacturing’s existing customer base and to attract new business, George realized it was time to get certified, but he needed help. George was referred to Monty Rutherford of CAMT by partner organization Grand Junction Business Incubator.

CAMT worked with Precision Manufacturing for over six months to assist them in achieving the quality standards of the ISO9001:2000 certifications. Owner and staff completed numerous trainings, and implemented their new knowledge to create new processes and documentation. A tool maintenance log, an internal training program and the introduction of systematic quality are some of the new processes put in place due to the training.

The immediate reward from the training and achieving the ISO9001:2000 certification was retention of regular customers. However, other benefits were apparent. Precision Manufacturing had been able to develop more refined processes that decreased lead time by approximately 20%. In fact, they realized a combined operations savings of about $84,000, as well as retained $250,000 in sales. George also shares, “The trainings and new procedures have transformed our workers into proactive problem solvers, catching problems before they can occur.”

Results:
- Retained sales of $250,000
- Operational savings of $84,000
- 20% decrease in average lead time