Each month, we sit down with a Designetics innovator to talk about his or her career, what makes fluid applications systems at Designetics special, and topics relevant to the fluid applications industry. This month: Production Supervisor Tammy Long.

According to a special report developed by IndustryWeek called “The Future of Manufacturing: 2020 and Beyond,” a large number of manufacturers expect significant growth in the coming years. In fact, nine out of ten manufacturers polled expect revenues to grow and more than half expect their revenues to grow five percent or more per year over a five-year period.

Despite this growth prediction, manufacturers will have to navigate a number of pressing issues. For example, manufacturers surveyed for the report mention market volatility as a major factor in growth uncertainty; they just don’t know where markets are going, to gauge future success. In addition, survey respondents cited material and labor costs and price reduction requirements as major factors impacting future success. And, all respondents think improving performance and production processes are key. In fact, the number one operational challenge cited was improving internal production processes.

It’s not enough to be the leader in fluid application systems and solutions; we focus on being a leader in employee engagement and benefits too.

We believe treating employees right—with integrity, honesty and compassion—is just part of the equation. There’s also a component of career advancement to consider. So, we actively encourage promotion from within, giving employees the opportunity to use job training as a career path. We also develop a host of lunch-and-learn and internal seminar opportunities, aimed at offering employee’s new ways of thinking and learning about the industry, as well as topics covering personal enrichment.

Summer is coming…and with it, an opportunity to do good.

As a premier provider of fluid application systems and solutions, Designetics knows its contribution spans far more than brush applicators, dispensers, fluid application tips and the like. Instead, its contribution reaches into its community, its employee populace and the world beyond.

Like Apple’s Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, or the Hewlett Packard boys working in a converted shed, Designetics’ founders Wally Krueger and Craig Williams created a revolution in a humble place. Nearly thirty years ago, Krueger was approached by a leading glass manufacturer with a problem, a challenge and a hope.

Automotive manufacturers were looking for a way to update and upgrade the way automotive glass was assembled on a car. Previous methods slowed production, increased scrap and created issues for worker safety. The question was asked, what if there is a better way, one that would provide an even and smooth coating? A process that would increase production, decrease scrap and support worker safety?