He stated they carry inventory for larger customers that have regular orders, and offer blanket POs for customers. He and Ryan routinely assess what ' s in inventory, so he knows what to forecast for the coating department.
Flores said the company is committed to new technology, and they have a technology road map for growth in the machine shop. They update machinery software and said,“ Almar is always looking for the latest technology that will give them an edge over the competition.” On the coating side, they keep an eye on new developments or the need for more staffing and equipment.
Flores noted there ' s not much competition in this space. His previous employer had used tools sharpened by Almar, which is how he discovered them. However, he noted that often people try to buy off the shelf, but it ' s not always the right solution. By using Almar, customers have an opportunity to order precision tools. He thinks that manufacturing in the region is experiencing rapid growth, and he sees the business continuing to grow, while automating processes.
For new hires, Ryan has teamed up with local high schools, including robotics teams. He said,“ So much of current manufacturing is technology based, it is great to find young kids who are comfortable and have expertise in that area.”
12 | NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS
ALMAR LAUNCHES A NEW ONLINE WEBSITE AND CATALOG FOR TOOL ORDERING:
One of Ryan ' s proud accomplishments is that they have recently launched a catalog and website for tool ordering:“ We really believe this will be the future of the company.” They are premiering their new technology at the West Coast Technology and Manufacturing Show in Anaheim, California. According to the website, " Anaheim, California, brings together the best of both worlds with time-tested manufacturing strength and forward-thinking technology. The region is home to over 5,000 manufacturers and a workforce supported by top universities. It has become a hub for innovation in aerospace, medical devices, precision machining, and more."( https:// west. mtseries. com /)
Almar ' s main competition comes from distributors.“ The new website will streamline customer interactions, making it easier for them to purchase directly from the manufacturer,” Ryan remarked. However, he said their model will not only include placing orders through the new website, but they ' ll also take orders via phone and email. He expects to find new customers by having a more advanced website. He said the overall process will be less cumbersome for new customers, as once they set up an account, they can place the order and have it shipped out immediately.