He said Firland produces aerospace components for Boeing,“ such as various brackets and shims, for all in-service Boeing commercial airplane models. Their capabilities include 4-axis machining and semi-complex assembly.”
Firland maintains equipment like:
• Turret punching
• Water jets
• Break presses
• 4-Axis machining
• Vertical milling
• Deburring
Their website, www. firland. org, details their workshop capabilities:
“ We are a precision machine shop that specializes in aerospace component manufacturing. We are experts in the manufacturing of aluminum parts that require precision CNC machining, cutting, forming, bending, and assembly. We also regularly produce parts made from rubber, foam, and other metal and non-metallic materials.”
Sheri Kneeland, office manager, has spent 29 years of her career with Firland. She wears many hats in the company, overseeing a wide range of responsibilities that include managing certifications, customer service, production control, HR, purchasing, shipping, and more. She is also involved with the company’ s Kaizen culture. Kaizen is a process for continuous improvement. She enjoys it because it allows employees to be engaged in solving problems. She said employees submit a problem statement along with a proposed solution. From there, the teams work together to troubleshoot issues.“ The problem is driven by employees, as well as the solution. Management makes sure they are on the right track.”
She feels that the company treats its employees well, offering good benefits. She noted that when people start at the company, many face impediments to employment, but they work diligently with them to ensure their success. She said new workers can become permanent
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