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Issue link: https://pf.epubxp.com/i/657349
Every day is a challenge for Indiana-based Electro-Spec, especially when most of its customers use the company for producing "high-reliability" coating applications that require 100 percent conformity and zero rejects. Coating more than 265 million parts a year can lead to some stressful days but it can also lead to near perfection, which is why Electro-Spec landed the No. 1 spot in the Products Finishing Top Shops Benchmarking Survey for 2016. "It's quite an honor to be recognized among the elite electro- plating shops in North America," says Jeff Smith, president of the company. "We were in the Top Shops last year, and it was a huge goal for us to get better and make it again. But to be No. 1 for 2016 is a very pleasant surprise." Electro-Spec—which has a customer base that stretches from North America to Asia, as well as Europe—specializes in high-quality and high-reliability gold, silver, nickel, copper and its proprietary Tri-M3 plating. The company finished at the top of the Products Finishing Top Shops because it scored well in each of the four criteria that was used to determine the benchmarking stan- dards: current finishing technology, finishing practices and performances, business strategies and human resources/training. "We used the benchmarking numbers from 2015 to try to improve all of our processes," Smith says. "It really is a great tool to be able to measure yourself against others in the industry." After the recession in 2008, Electro-Spec grew almost 70 percent in the ensuing years, going from approximately $6 million in sales to more than $12 million. The company continues to grow, necessi- tating a move into a larger facility in Franklin. The company focuses on teamwork in every phase of the operation, and Smith is serious about No. 1 Top Shop training each employee. In fact, Electro-Spec offers green and yellow belt Six Sigma training for all its employees. "Whether they are a new hire or an employee with 25 years of service, every employee plays an integral part in the development and growth of the company," Smith says. "As a group we inspire each other, and as a team we aspire to succeed." The company has grown because of its success in four major industries: • A erospace. The company has been a supplier to many of the world's leading aerospace companies for years and has been involved with several space applications including the Mars Rover, defense systems, spy satellites and space shuttles. • Medical. The company specializes in micro-electronic medical components, implantable components and biohazard/germicidal components. • Automotive. Electro-Spec is a plating supplier to many Tier-One and Tier-Two automotive companies, and has successfully converted many different methods and processes that have impacted Ford, GM and Chrysler on safety critical components. • RF/micr owave. For more than 40 years, the company has worked with many large telecommunication companies that need precision plating, exact tolerances, consistent/uniform plating coverage and non-magnetic finishes. Smith said Electro-Spec is focusing on strategic partnerships with key customers and suppliers. "It really is a team effort with our employees," Smith says. "We looked over last year's Top Shops Benchmarking Survey numbers, and we set goals, and our team hit them." Electro-Spec 317-738-9199 electro-spec.com From left, Matt Payne, Jeff Smith, Mary Gordon and Darren Habig lead Electro-Spec's operation. Listen to owner Jeff Smith talk about what it took to become the No. 1 shop in the Products Finishing Top Shops Benchmarking Sur- vey. Visit short.PFonline. com/2016_1 or snap the QR code with your mobile device. Go Inside Electro-Spec Products Finishing's No. 1 Shop Reliability Takes Electro-Spec to No. 1 18 APRIL 2016 — PFonline.com THE VOICE OF FINISHING 80 YEARS TOP SHOPS BENCHMARKING T O P S H O P S B E N C H M A R K I N G