News and events for ARCH Precision Manufacturing

Jim has over 25 years of engineering and operations management experience in several industries. He began his career working for Tier I automotive suppliers that manufactured a variety of components for powertrain and suspension systems. It was during these years while working for Borg Warner Automotive that he got the opportunity to study Lean Manufacturing in Japan through a program sponsored by the Commerce Department and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. During his yearlong work-study program he gained first-hand knowledge of the Toyota Production System while working for a supplier to Toyota. It was also during his time in Japan where he met his wife Carla Logan, who was in Japan teaching Spanish at the time.

Upon returning to the United States he rotated thru several roles working for Borg Warner Automotive in Continuous Improvement and Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. One of these was a two-year assignment in Germany to scope, design, and implement a new manufacturing site for producing advanced design transmission components going into Volkswagen Automobiles.

After returning from Germany, Jim has had roles in plant management, advanced manufacturing engineering, and continuous improvement for aerospace and oil and gas companies.

“In all of my roles I have blended the use of various continuous improvement tools, development of high-performing teams, and engineering practices to create unique solutions to various problems.”

Jim has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. He also has certifications as a Lean Leader and Six Sigma Black Belt. In his spare time Jim enjoys woodworking, old cars, reading and teaching American History.

Throughout his career of more than 20 years, Marcus has focused primarily on developing and implementing strategic sales and service models, effective channel management, customer advocacy, and direct marketing implementation.

Earlier in his career, Marcus served as Vice President of Business Development for Harvey Performance, where he was responsible for sales growth and for the coordination of the operations of Sales and Application Engineering, Custom Solutions and Customer Service. Marcus also worked as an Application Engineer with Kennametal, where he partnered with R&D to refine tool geometry, conduct beta testing, and to create technical content for a wide range of successful solid carbide cutting tool designs in milling, threading and hole-making across the organization’s 20-brand portfolio.

A veteran of Desert Storm, Marcus served 14 years in the U.S. Army. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Southern New Hampshire University with a B.S. in Organizational Leadership and he also holds a diploma in Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Defense from the U.S. Army Chemical Defense Institute.

“I look forward to putting my experience to work in this dynamic organization,” Marcus says. “Building on our dedication to customer service, we will grow in our capabilities and continue to be the industry leaders.”

“We are pleased to announce the acquisition of UPI by ARCH, and we welcome all of the UPI colleagues and customers to the ARCH family of companies”, commented Paul Barck, Divisional President of ARCH Medical Solutions. “Strategically, UPI will expand AMS’s capabilities to include fluted and ground instruments for spinal surgeries, and provide a physical presence near the medical hub of Warsaw, Indiana. We are excited to partner with Universal Precision Instruments during their next phase of growth, and build upon their existing key account relationships” concluded Mr. Barck.

“We are pleased to announce the sale of Universal Precision Instruments to ARCH Global Precision” commented UPI’s President, Jamie Prescott. “In choosing an acquirer to sell the Company to, it was important for us to find a group that had a strong understanding of the medical markets that we serve. With ARCH’s AMS division quickly establishing itself as one of the leading contract manufacturers serving the orthopedic, spinal, extremities and other medical markets, it was an easy and obvious choice for UPI. We very much look forward to being a part of the ARCH organization and working with AMS to provide our customers with even more solutions and support.”

Following an eye-opening presentation by ARCH Medical Solutions President Paul Barck, students were given a tour that introduced them to the high-precision engineering and machining processes that medical manufacturing requires. In addition to seeing the cutting-edge machining centers and equipment up close and in action, the students had the chance to interact with staff and learn about the stringent production methods and technology employed by ARCH.

Manufacturing processes at ARCH are very sophisticated and can provide rewarding careers for people interested in latest and evolving technologies. Our customers require products manufactured to exacting tolerances for an array of medical, surgical, orthopedic, and FDA-compliant applications. Events like these help to generate awareness of the high tech nature of manufacturing today, along with a new supply of talent to help build the future skilled workforce for advanced manufacturing.

Senior Manufacturing Engineer Omeros Galiatsatos showed the students how the processes worked together to produce medical implants and surgical devices. Mr. Galiatsatos heads up the CNC Machinist Training and Apprenticeship Program at ARCH Medical Solutions, providing excellent opportunities for successful careers in manufacturing.

“We are excited to announce the official grand opening of our new facility that more than doubles our previous manufacturing footprint,” says Andy Spiering, North Plains General Manager. “The new facility, along with recent significant investments in new highly automated machining centers and cell system, adds incremental production capacity to support the growing needs of our customers. While we completed the move to the new building earlier this year, we are taking time out today to open our doors to customers, suppliers and the broader Portland community to see our new world class facility first hand.”

Eli Crotzer, President and CEO of ARCH Global Precision, added, “I am extremely pleased to see the completion of the new facility. Our new North Plains facility will be a showpiece for the organization, and provides further evidence of our ongoing investment in the future and long-term commitment to our customers. Moreover, the added capacity and further investment in automation will help facilitate North Plains’ next stage of growth and build on their already strong reputation in the marketplace as being a supplier of choice for highly complex machined components.”

A wide range of parts and subassemblies ARCH machines for leading aerospace and defense manufacturers were on display so students could gain a deeper understanding of the highly engineered world of precision machining. ARCH personnel answered questions and helped elevate manufacturing as a career path for people interested in progressive technologies.

The Worlds of Work Career Expo is a project of the West Alabama Works, Region 3 Workforce Development Council, and The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama. The Expo is an engaging hands-on and educational opportunity for students to learn about the career opportunities available in the area.

ARCH is committed to workforce development, and the growth and expansion of American manufacturing. We have apprenticeships, internships, and a wide range of skills-development programs in place to ensure the success of our people and our business.

The system can be custom integrated into any production line or production cell for improved cycle times. More important, the Beamer Laser Inline System supports the needs of the medical industry, as well as compliance with regulatory mandates.

“The medical industry faces unique requirements,” said Nicholas Kaczmarski, National Sales Manager – Beamer Laser Marking Systems. “Those include TIN numbers, implant marking, surgical instrument marking, dental instrument marking and related FDA compliancy marking. We offer the industry a high-quality, affordable solution.”

This solution also supports 2D data matrix codes, GS1 data matrix codes, and the most rigorous medical validation testing demands. Additionally, the Beamer Laser Inline System allows for clear, accurate marking of medical equipment without affecting the surface, so that it can undergo sterilization.

Setup is simple and straightforward, and the system operates with familiar Windows™-based software. The system seamlessly connects to existing PLCs for smooth process flow and operation in fully automated processes. Available options include 20W, 50W and even 100W solutions, meeting every necessary cycle time.

The Beamer Laser Inline System delivers a high-quality laser marking solution at an affordable price that is unmatched in the industry. Through a unique development process, Beamer Laser engineers have applied knowledge and proven solutions to efficiently engineer this cost-effective, high-performance solution for industries ranging from automotive to medical. High-performance, efficient, configurable, affordable, American-engineered. The all-new Beamer Laser Inline System raises industry expectations for inline laser marking solutions.

Attendees heard upbeat keynotes from local and state officials, followed by a company vision speech delivered by Eli Crotzer, ARCH CEO. Guests were treated to a plant tour and technology showcase, and enjoyed an up close and personal experience with a U.S. military Humvee featuring the CROWS remote weapon system, which is enabled by ARCH precision manufacturing capabilities.

ARCH Tuscaloosa proudly supports the rapidly growing aerospace and defense markets. Strategic investments in precision manufacturing will continue to provide a solid base to attract new aerospace and defense companies to Alabama. ARCH offers a wide range of high-tech careers and apprenticeship programs, in addition to ongoing support and collaboration with the technical education community.

For complete coverage, visit The Tuscaloosa News website.

Manufacturers need a solution provider who understands their business and the market demands they face. To stay competitive in an environment of shortened lead times and higher productivity demands from their customers, they need a cutting tool partner that is responsive, innovative, and service-oriented.

This is exactly what ARCH Specials™ brings to the industry. The leading custom cutting tool solutions provider, ARCH Specials works closely with its customers to understand their specific challenges and deliver a unique cutting tool to meet their specifications and performance needs.

“Our unique breadth of custom cutting tool solutions differentiates us from competitors who generally offer a narrow custom tool offering or market products via catalogs or supply tools ‘off-the-shelf’ to customers,” said Brent Sheerer, Director of Product Management, Specials. “We offer the combined capabilities of multiple niche cutting tool providers.”

The breadth of solutions, according to Sheerer, includes indexable mills, drills, turning and boring tools, counterbores, fixed and adjustable indexable pocket tools, tool holders and fixtures, as well as round tools – from microtool size and larger, made of HSS/HSSCo, solid carbide, carbide tipped, CBN tipped – form drills, contour end mills, stepped reamers and more – for every cutting tool need, in any industry. ARCH Specials also does custom regrinding, reconditioning, and pocket repairing of any manufacturer’s tools.

The company offers several ways to get the cutting tool you need. With its easy-to-use, time-saving Online Customer Tool Builder, customers who know exactly what they need can upload specifications, details, and even supportive material, and have a quote within 24 hours. For those who need consulting, ARCH Specials provides on-site consulting as well as 3D design prototyping.

Support for the most difficult manufacturing applications is quickly available because ARCH Specials provides national coverage at a regional level through its seven production facilities. And that also means every ARCH Special cutting tool is American made.

“In the future, manufacturers will be faced with increasingly complex challenges in their cutting tool needs,” said Brian Ayers, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Not only in reduced lead times and faster delivery demands, but also in materials challenges – metals, composites, all with different applications and specifications depending on the industry; from household goods, to motor vehicles, aircraft, even medical equipment.

There’s no better validation than with customer successes confirming that hard-earned reputation.

“Our Beamer Laser machine has reduced our etching time an average of 14 seconds per item etched,” said Craig Hundertmark, General Manager of R.I. Carbide Tool. “That was certainly a major factor in R.I. Carbide achieving record months for volumes of tools shipped per-month in 2018.”

R.I. Carbide tool is a Rhode Island-based maker of high-quality precision tooling for today’s state-of-the-art manufacturing. The company’s skilled craftsmen depend on Beamer Laser to help them maintain the top-quality their customers demand.

“We are able to provide significantly crisper etching of the tools for our customers,” Hundertmark added. “With the Beamer Laser equipment, etch depth is easy to adjust, to meet the various demands of customers.”

Hundertmark also noted that Beamer Laser equipment user-friendly software is easy to learn, with minimal training, reducing downtime and improving productivity.

Similar success has been realized by Specialties Company of Freeport, a Texas provider of chemical hoses and related chemical hose products and services for more than 50 years.

“Before our Beamer B-Series marking system, it took us two minutes to mark a single product tag,” said David Jones, Specialties Company President. “Now we are marking 15 tags in two minutes. Furthermore, we have begun marking parts directly (instead of tags), further – and significantly – reducing production time and manufacturing costs.”

Jones also had praise for Beamer customer service. “Our customer service experience is excellent. We were hit with a power surge, which shut down the machine, but the Beamer customer support and engineering team had us quickly back up and running.”

Henry Ford once said, “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” Beamer Laser Marking has built its reputation on delivering American-made high-quality laser marking solutions to its customers. Learn how your operation can benefit from the Beamer Laser Marking dedication to quality and customer service to increase your productivity.

Manufacturing Month helps to generate interest in manufacturing, and develop a new supply of talent that will help them build the future of our rapidly growing and evolving industry. Students throughout the state have made visits to a wide range of facilities to learn more about career opportunities, and interact with employees and get an up-close look at the exciting technologies being used in manufacturing.

ARCH Medical Solutions is proud to be one of the partnering organizations welcoming students to its specialized facilities for an interactive presentation and tour. Students were greeted by Paul Barck, President of the ARCH Medical Solutions group. Paul gave an inspired speech showcasing the types of medical tools, devices, and implants that enable surgeons around the globe to perform their jobs. Referencing an ankle injury sustained by Boston Celtics star forward Gordon Hayward that required surgery, he said that it would likely include parts ARCH is responsible for manufacturing ... a real life example the kids could really connect with.

“Everyone we interacted with at ARCH made us feel welcome and comfortable,” said Hampstead Middle School Teacher Heather Mailloux. “Paul did an amazing job summarizing in kid-friendly language what ARCH manufactures and how they do it. He was able to engage the middle school students and prepare them for the tour of the facility. The tour guides were pleasant and informative. They were patient with the students’ questions and their desire to touch and feel everything. It couldn't have been a better experience!”

Said Barck: “It’s a real pleasure working with students and showing them around our facility. Manufacturing isn’t something people talk about on a daily basis, but its importance is great in our country, and within the state of New Hampshire. We are extremely proud of the products we create, as they are vital to betterment of people’s quality of living. We don’t take that lightly. To show kids, who are learning about the world around them, and to pique their interest in our line of work is of extreme importance, and, quite frankly, it’s fun.”

Brent brings 30 years of industry experience to his new role with ARCH Specials, with nearly two decades serving as President of Ultra-Met Carbide Technologies. Brent has also served in leadership roles in Product Management, Operations, Engineering Management, Application Engineering, and CAD Design at leading companies in the cutting tool industry. In addition, Brent holds an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School as well as a BSAS, Mechanical Engineering from Youngstown State University.

“For the past few years I’ve been watching with interest what ARCH is building with their cutting tool platform. I’m excited to be joining the ARCH Specials team and applying my experience to further their mission of becoming the partner of choice for engineered specific custom cutting tools,” Brent says. “ARCH Specials new online Tool Builder is the most comprehensive Special Cutting Tool configurator I’ve seen to date. At ARCH Specials, we will utilize our comprehensive tooling design, application know-how, and the engineering expertise of our 7 cutting tool companies all with unique industry niche and market-specific expertise to closely collaborate with our customers to provide them the best solution possible.” Brian Ayers, Vice President of Sales & Marketing says, “As we continue to make acquisitions and consolidate the breadth of our custom cutting tool manufacturing capabilities, we’ll continue to position ARCH Specials as the one-stop shop for custom cutting tool engineered solutions. I’m excited for Brent to be joining the team and leading the charge for ARCH Specials.”

“It is a bittersweet day at ARCH Global Precision as we announce the divestiture of our Hi-Vol Products business unit to LISI Group,” commented Eli Crotzer, ARCH Global Precision President and Chief Executive Officer. “On one hand I am exceedingly happy for all of our colleagues at Hi-Vol as they join a great organization in LISI that is intimately familiar with the inner workings of the automotive markets. On the other hand, it is an emotional day to have one of the founding businesses of ARCH leave the organization. In addition, I have been working closely with the team at Hi-Vol for the last 15 years, and I want to acknowledge everyone at Hi-Vol for his or her hard work, commitment, personal sacrifices, and friendship over the years. It has been both an honor and a privilege to work with so many wonderful people over the last 15 years.”

Mr. Crotzer further commented, “The sale of our automotive components business, Hi-Vol Products, repositions our portfolio to be focused primarily on cutting tools, medical implants and instruments, and high-precision components for the aerospace and defense markets.”