The company , originally started by O . J . Harper , is 52 years old and is operated by Chairman Bob Hazel , with leadership by Val Khlevnoy , president and Brian Henderson , vice president of engineering . The company is employee-owned , which Lindgren and Funk say is important to the long-term approach of solving customer challenges .
“ We can go from a blank sheet of paper to prototype in five or 10 days . We can be very decisive and targeted . The real advantage is for the customer — every one of us is focused on the customer ,” said Funk .
He said that the customer can come to them with requirements and then , “ They give us a sandbox in which we get to play .” He added that they bring value through discussions and brainstorming while having freedom to get to the best solution for the customer .
They operate out of two facilities , one in Renton , Washington with two-thirds of operations , and in Kent , Washington with one-third of operations focused on composites . Over 10 years , they have invested in new American-made manufacturing equipment , especially in milling machines . They have also spent a good deal of time re-thinking layout and flow for the most efficient environment . “ Every department had a hand in creating their own space ,” said Funk . He added ,
APRIL | MAY 2021 ISSUE NO . 20 35