[S2E4] We're Built For This BEST
Pete Zelinski: Starrett does manufacture internationally. It's a company that has grown through expansion and acquisition over the decades into product lines beyond the handheld measuring devices we're focusing on in this episode, the company makes saw blades in Brazil, it makes optical systems in Scotland, it manufactures in other facilities in the U.S. For example, metrology systems are made in California, precision granite products are manufactured in Minnesota, gage blocks are made in Ohio and laser measurement systems are manufactured in Georgia. But the significant point is that the measuring tool manufacturing that began in Athol remained in Athol and continued thriving here, among other things, that has affected people. Manufacturing in a location staying in that place, makes the plant part of a community. Starrett has recruited a fair amount of its team, its talent from the local neighborhood.
[S2E4] We're Built For This
Tim Cucchi: So when I asked to get off the toolmakers program, I was happy I was on days. And they said, Okay, so what do you want to do here. I said I spent some time with a micrometer department, I have some family in there, I feel comfortable knowing some people there. Can I learn what micrometers are? So from there, I went into the micrometer department, I started building basic micrometers at the first level. After about three to four years of that we started creating manufacturing cells here at the L.S. Starrett company. So this was the second assembly manufacturing cell created that I was asked to go into, which was really, you know, a lean concept, I'm sure we're all aware of what that means. Everybody learns every step of the process, we did a little five piece flow, flow was continually going, work was inspected there. And it was a really great job. I raised a family, I raised my two daughters and my stepson. In that cell, that micrometer assembly cell, but from there, after about maybe four to five years in there, I was asked to go into our special order micrometer department, where a special order micrometer department is basically if you see a tool in our catalog, but it's just not quite going to accomplish the application that you need, whether say you need an angle, ground at a 45 degree upholster or standard 60 degree, that would just come through our special order department. So a lot of tool modification in there. That was really fun. Because after having been here, close to 10 years, at that point, maybe eight years at that point, I understood tools understood how to use drills and taps and reamers. So from there, I really got to modify and create tools from the bottom up. When I introduced myself out of respect, I do not call myself an engineer, for those that are degreed and had put the time in this school. I understand that and I do respect that title. So I will always say I was a methods engineer, or usually I say I was in engineering. So I got my education right here on the shop floor. But as well, I did go on to, I believe I have 10 or 11, different manufacturing certifications, everything from how to use Excel to GDT, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. And then even into product management into finance, and LET leader education training, leader effectiveness training. Starrett does support if you're willing to continue education, whether it is to go to school be degreed, or even just certifications, Starrett will support you in that. And I would say the opportunity is for yours for the taking. It all rests on your shoulders. What do you want out of life? What do you want out of your career? And I say that to everybody, I come in contact here, the new hires if I happen to meet some of them. Previously, I was hiring people in a training cell. And that was part of my process during my interviewing is I would say, the doors wide open for you. And if you're happy running a machine, there's absolutely no judgment from me. If that's what you are happy with. You can spend 50 years here running a machine knowing what you're going to do day in, day out and be totally satisfied. If you want to build tools or assemble tools for the rest of your lifetime. Great place to do that. If you want to work your way up here, no matter what avenue, whether it's engineering, whether it's in sales and marketing, whether it's even in purchasing and buying, whether it's in programming. Most of our mid level executives for lack of better word, management originally came from the shop floor. And that still exists today. Actually, can I share a quick story? I think that might tie this in. I think this might tie this and this just lives with me. So I want to make sure I get this. 2019 I visited Mount Airy down in North Carolina that was doing some saw production. And first time I had been there, so they gave me a little tour. And I saw these welding machines. I said hey, those are the two machines that I started on back in 1995 aren't they? Because they did move those down to Mount Airy. And that was another reason why kind of I wanted the tour too because that job was going down south. Alright, but back to my story though. So I saw those machines here. And those are the machines I started on '95 I just was like pretty cool. I just smiled. Not only that though, then I saw some my micrometers that they had there and some special micrometers that they had there to check the different angles of the tooth pitch or the width of the blade. And as like I used to build those tools. I used to build those special order tools that were specially modified to measure these tooth pitch, all at the same machine that I started on '95. Hey, I used to engineer these tools to make them even better for application. And then I'm like now I'm the product manager of these tools. So, January 2019, down in Mount Airy, my first time I saw the two welding machines that I started on in 1995. And that was a full circle, from welding, to assembly micrometers, to modifying special micrometers to engineering the micrometers. Now to managing entire precision micrometers obviously included. That's a full circle of my story right there.
Harry Foster, Foreman of Mass Finishing and Polishing Department: Hello, my name is Harry Foster. I've been with the company 50 plus years, I am now the foreman of mass finishing and polishing department. This they call a spiral pinion. And inside here, this spiral is what we're seeing makes the dial move. Now we're able to get into that spiral inside that pinion to make that as smooth and as slippery as possible. That incredible accuracy. Everything that you see on this and everything that you're going to see down there goes through this roll. Now, some of this is brass. This is steel. One of the big challenges back then was to make this look uniform. And that's what I'm personally extremely proud of is that through all of this testing, trial and error that we not only cut costs, but we kept our product as good or better than what we had before consistently to get the finishes. We all buy on if we liked the color buy shirts and shoes, our cars. Our tools are no difference. No, they're accurate. And that's it. That's a hands down. Everybody accepts that and expects it quality.
Tim Cucchi: I think Doug's famous line, I'm sure he used it. We're in a great place. Things that get made need to be measured, and we make measuring tools. Love the United States of America. We have our faults, we're all human just like any and everybody else in every country. But in America you have the opportunity to become anything you want. Same at The L.S. Starrett company. So I tie that in to American manufacturing. And what that means to me, what that means to The L.S. Starrett company founded 1880 Right here in Athol, Massachusetts Laroy Starrett invented the first combination square blade. And from there, he took off to 3,500 precision measuring tools. And now we're down to maybe about 2,800 precision measuring tools, and out of those 2,800 precision measuring tools, 87% of those are made right here in Athol, Massachusetts, right where this company was founded. It doesn't get any better than that after 142 years. We're still maintaining that American manufacturing, that work ethic, that craftsmanship, the quality, the pride, everything we've touched on, so the heart and soul of The L.S. Starrett company is in Athol Massachusetts, American manufacturer. You see all the U.S. flags we have out, we have a Made In America literature brochure, throwing a little plug if you don't mind. About a year and a half ago, we went to market with our most popular micrometer the 436.1 series of outside micrometers, where I send their frames out to a company in Texas. I keep it here in the United States where they do a hydrographic a dip, liquid print, I'll give you a shout out where there's an American theme print, there's an eagle and a flag. How cool is it to have a micrometer in the hand that has the American theme and pride on that the flag stripes, the stars, and all that's done right here in the United States of America. It doesn't get any better than that.
I grew up spending a lot of time outdoors. My father loved the outdoors. So I spent a lot of time in the outdoors. My mum has a special connection with plants. She's got a green thumb. She loves planting, she loves gardening. She talks to her plants to this day. I learned everything that I know about plants from her. And I think it was their love for nature that really introduced me to my ability to recognize my love for it as well. I mean, I believe every human being is born with that innate understanding that we're connected to the natural world. But maybe growing up in urban centres, sometimes we forget. But I had the privilege of climbing trees, plucking fruits off trees, watching birds build nests, watching seasons change, and really understanding that my life was connected with the natural world.
DM: I really believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful instruments of social change. And I know that I have been deeply moved by documentaries, by films, by stories that I have witnessed that have helped me understand the human face and the human side and the intensity or, the depth of a problem. And it's, you know, it's these stories that have challenged me to think differently and act differently and do better. So stories are powerful. So an area that I'm focused on is what is called edutainment, where I hope to be able to share many stories about inspiring people who are doing great work, then do it in an engaging and entertaining format so that people don't just go away inspired by the story, because it's true, but are also deeply moved by the narrative because of the way it's been showcased. As an actor, I find that I'm in a place of privilege, because I get to choose my parts. And I try and choose parts that I believe can offer perspective, start conversations, get people thinking and feeling differently. And I know that some of the parts that I've played in the recent years have changed me as a human being. And it's very exciting. And I know there is an artistic side to you Makhtar , because I can see that hint of a smile emerging when I'm talking about this. There is nothing more satisfying than being at work that is so deeply entwined with your purpose. And I'm so excited that some of the characters I've played have empowered women and educated men, about gender, and about the environment. And I hope to continue to be able to do this. The tough part about what I do is that there aren't enough people who understand and recognize the significance of such storytelling. So we're always looking for partners high and low. So please let me know whenever IFC is ready to come on board and tell some truly beautiful stories. 041b061a72