According to Lewis, automation has allowed the company to bid lower on products and win back contracts.“ We’ ve brought jobs back from China and I’ m always glad when we do that,” he added.
Lewis started at the company in 1981 as a machinist before working his way up to company President.
“ We have very talented team members,” Lewis said.“ They add value to our product while advancing in the company.”
Changes in the assembly line can come from the suggestions of floor workers, Lewis said. When a new assembly station is needed for a product, the process starts with a meeting of representatives from the floor, tool room, engineering and management, he added.
“ Together, we come up with ideas on how to set up the stations and what new machines we might need,” Lewis said.
“ If you come to work on time, work hard and learn, you can make your own luck,” Lewis said.
The peak time for ATI manufacturing is from January to July with sales slowing down the remainder of the year as temperatures ease. The company hires temporary workers during those peak months, but is always looking for people with talent to move to full-time, year-round employment. As temporary workers become permanent, the employees on the floor can move up to the tool room and then to the engineering section.
Prospective employees can apply through A. S. A. P. Services, 920 W. Johnson Ave., in Springdale.
“ It’ s a good place to earn enough to take care of yourself and your family,” Lewis said.
The station is initially designed by engineering, assembled by the tool room and tested by floor team members.
“ We get feedback and make adjustments before we ever put it on the floor. By the time it’ s ready to go, we should have it working well. The process is very rewarding, it’ s my favorite thing to do in the factory,” Lewis said.
The company is expanding rapidly, with a second facility in Springdale that specializes in aluminum parts.
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