In Phoenix, Rahn said there is a large push toward educating young students about manufacturing.“ Recently, we were at a larger shop in Phoenix. Like everyone, they find it very difficult to find new employees. They have a program to bring in high school students and if they can pass an aptitude test, they can have a paid apprenticeship. After a two-year program, they can make about $ 70,000 a year with no school debt. If you are mechanically inclined person, you can start learning a trade that you’ ll have forever,” she added.
AMF is very passionate about manufacturing. Rahn said,“ I like meeting new people and going into new shops. I’ ve been in the aerospace and defense industry for so long, it is fun to see what other shops are doing and how they do it. We can all take the same blueprint, and make the same part but we all do it differently. Now that I am involved in the metalworking fluid side, I get to see many different industries. It’ s very interesting and I learn quite a bit from other shops.”
While AMF is a service-based, coolant distributor, it truly cares about the community, including the future builders of America. This altruism also translates into how they run their business. Smith says,“ The first step is to convince the customer that we are here to help. Once we have their
attention, we find out what products they need and address the issues at hand. Most times, we will clean out a machine, provide the coolant needed to refill that machine and allow the customer to test the coolant first hand at no cost.”
Additionally, Smith said,“ Anyone can sell you a fluid. At AMF, we deliver performance backed by service that works right beside you— day in and day out.” He explained that the difference between ordering from a catalog versus through a service-based company like theirs is personal service.“ We talk to the operators who use our products and make sure there are no issues. We check inventory levels and ensure the customer has what they need. We also head off issues before they even occur. It’ s not just us selling the product,” he added.
While value for money can seem like a lost art, Esparza explained that they strive to provide more for their customers.
12 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS