Even If It’s Curling, Bring It!

Admit it, if you’re like me, you watch downhill skiing, speed skating, and figure skating once every four years. The Winter Olympics are now in full swing and we will ALL watch curling with a furrowed brow as we try to understand it. But for some reason we will still watch and invariably start to root for the competitors even as we question, “what’s the goal of this sport?” Why do we watch? Because we’re witnessing the best of the best compete at the highest level to achieve their goal of going for the gold.

Every day I come in to work and see the best of the best downhillers, speed skaters, figure skaters and (even curlers!) of Okuma America do their thing, going for the gold medal daily - which for us is to provide you the best Customer Experience in helping you achieve your highest level of productivity and quality.

Pushing for the Tenths

I have the privilege of leading Okuma America’s mechanical, electrical, and software engineers. Daily, we get requests to solve your unique challenges. Every morning at 9 a.m. the engineering and inside sales teams meet to review and discuss the latest requests that come in from you that don’t fit into the “typical” request buckets. We call on all of our engineering resources internally as well as our expert support team in Japan to find solutions that meet your needs as you pursue competitive advantage. We welcome your requests for engineering support because – well – that’s what we do to go for the gold with you.

Sometimes your requests seem like “curling” to us. We don’t always initially understand, but we try, recognizing that if you are asking for it, you have a reason that will likely put you in a position to win. And, we know that we are the hidden team behind you that will get you that tenth of a second, tenth of a point, or in our own parlance, that “tenth” of accuracy and precision to make the difference for your customer.

Whatever Your Sport – Gold is the Goal

We are here for you, whatever your particular CNC machining sport. Our Sales and Contracts teams work with our Distributor Sales teams on the street to put together the best possible machine tool and accessory package to exceed your manufacturing requirements. Our Engineering teams work to develop new Applications and Product designs with our Partners in THINC to improve your competitive position. Our Service teams ensure that we keep your Okuma machines running 24/7 if that’s what is required.

The Olympians we watch performing at the top of their game on the biggest world stage have a hidden team of Olympians behind them – coaching, training, advising, teaching, and healing. That is the role of Okuma’s “Olympic” team - to support you and take you to the top of your game. Together with our distributors, we have 1200+ employees, 150+ engineers, and 600+ Okuma-trained experts at 32 service support centers focused on only one goal – your success in going for the Gold.

Any curling enthusiasts are welcome to respond below with an explanation of that game and strategy for me. Or send us your request for your Okuma CNC machine. Let’s go for the gold, the best of the best, together.

Brian Sides is Director of Technology, Okuma America Corporation.