10/10/2011 1:34:00 PM
NEWS BRIEFS
Fastener Machine Manufacturer Diversifies
Jackson, MI-based Orbitform Group has been manufacturing machines that perform fastening, riveting and forming for companies since 1984.
Now Orbitform is expanding into the retail sales market, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
In May the company reportedlypurchased Interlochen-based Pit Products and its sister company, Garage Pals. Both companies now manufacture aluminum cabinets, garage doors and cabinets under Orbitform Group’s roof.
“It was a way to take advantage of a lot of our talents in a totally different market,” said David Shirkey, who runs Pit Products at Orbitform Group.
Orbitform Group president Phil Sponsler sees the additions as necessary innovations to thrive in the 21st century economy. In March 2010, Orbitform Group had 43 employees. Now, the company has 60 employees.
“It really does start with the customer … and providing solutions so that they can be successful,” Sponsler told the Citizen Patriot. “If you don’t do that, you’re probably not here in 2011.”
Orbitform and other manufacturers are utilizing new technology —websites, email marketing and mobile apps — to promote their products and services.
Orbitform Group continues to update its product line and also has done more marketing through its website and through its applications lab, where companies can test out Orbitform Group machinery with their products and building processes.
“The old ways (of doing business) really haven’t worked or carried people through,” Sponsler said. “There are a lot of people who went out of business.”
In the past six years, Orbitform Group has invested $2 million in tooling, software, equipment and education for staff to be more competitive in the marketplace, according to the Citizen Patriot.
“We’re making people aware of what Orbitform is,” said Bryan Wright, vice president of sales at Orbitform Group. “It’s working because of the number of new customers we’re winning each year.” ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
Jackson, MI-based Orbitform Group has been manufacturing machines that perform fastening, riveting and forming for companies since 1984.
Now Orbitform is expanding into the retail sales market, according to the Jackson Citizen Patriot.
In May the company reportedlypurchased Interlochen-based Pit Products and its sister company, Garage Pals. Both companies now manufacture aluminum cabinets, garage doors and cabinets under Orbitform Group’s roof.
“It was a way to take advantage of a lot of our talents in a totally different market,” said David Shirkey, who runs Pit Products at Orbitform Group.
Orbitform Group president Phil Sponsler sees the additions as necessary innovations to thrive in the 21st century economy. In March 2010, Orbitform Group had 43 employees. Now, the company has 60 employees.
“It really does start with the customer … and providing solutions so that they can be successful,” Sponsler told the Citizen Patriot. “If you don’t do that, you’re probably not here in 2011.”
Orbitform and other manufacturers are utilizing new technology —websites, email marketing and mobile apps — to promote their products and services.
Orbitform Group continues to update its product line and also has done more marketing through its website and through its applications lab, where companies can test out Orbitform Group machinery with their products and building processes.
“The old ways (of doing business) really haven’t worked or carried people through,” Sponsler said. “There are a lot of people who went out of business.”
In the past six years, Orbitform Group has invested $2 million in tooling, software, equipment and education for staff to be more competitive in the marketplace, according to the Citizen Patriot.
“We’re making people aware of what Orbitform is,” said Bryan Wright, vice president of sales at Orbitform Group. “It’s working because of the number of new customers we’re winning each year.” ©2011 GlobalFastenerNews.com
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