AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 47

According to Lewis , automation has allowed the company to bid lower on products and win back contracts . “ We ’ ve brought jobs back from China and I ’ m always glad when we do that ,” he added .
Lewis started at the company in 1981 as a machinist before working his way up to company President .
“ We have very talented team members ,” Lewis said . “ They add value to our product while advancing in the company .”
Changes in the assembly line can come from the suggestions of floor workers , Lewis said . When a new assembly station is needed for a product , the process starts with a meeting of representatives from the floor , tool room , engineering and management , he added .
“ Together , we come up with ideas on how to set up the stations and what new machines we might need ,” Lewis said .
“ If you come to work on time , work hard and learn , you can make your own luck ,” Lewis said .
The peak time for ATI manufacturing is from January to July with sales slowing down the remainder of the year as temperatures ease . The company hires temporary workers during those peak months , but is always looking for people with talent to move to full-time , year-round employment . As temporary workers become permanent , the employees on the floor can move up to the tool room and then to the engineering section .
Prospective employees can apply through A . S . A . P . Services , 920 W . Johnson Ave ., in Springdale .
“ It ’ s a good place to earn enough to take care of yourself and your family ,” Lewis said .
The station is initially designed by engineering , assembled by the tool room and tested by floor team members .
“ We get feedback and make adjustments before we ever put it on the floor . By the time it ’ s ready to go , we should have it working well . The process is very rewarding , it ’ s my favorite thing to do in the factory ,” Lewis said .
The company is expanding rapidly , with a second facility in Springdale that specializes in aluminum parts .
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