Open Possibilities for Shops

As we count down the weeks to IMTS 2024, we at Okuma America are focused on the theme we’re spotlighting in this year’s booth, “Open Possibilities.” This concept is a driving force for our day-to-day activities as we serve our customers, and perhaps you’ve seen Open Possibilities in action yourself.

What Open Possibilities Means for Our Customers

It’s useful to consider what Open Possibilities means for our customers, and how this sets us apart in the marketplace. First, it means that Okuma does not consider ourselves to be merely a builder of machine tools. We are a machine tool partner who, in the short-term, enables shops to tap into their potential for growth. (This can happen relatively quickly, as I’ll demonstrate below.) In the long-term, what we can make possible is the creation of generational businesses that provide good jobs and financial stability for our customers’ communities and families.

A Story of Steady Growth

As an example of short-term business growth, I’ll share the story of one particular shop, Mach Machine, based in Hudson, Massachusetts and started in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Dan and Angela Olsen. In our recent case study we recount in detail how they were able to grow their business, but it all boils down to making the most of the right technology, at the right time. By using Okuma machine tool technology, and with support from distributor Morris and our team here at Okuma, they have been able to steadily grow their business by opening possibilities to new and better contracts. Among other things, their enhanced repeatability and reduced cycle times have made them more competitive and in-demand with customers.

After evolving through a couple major facility expansions, Mach Machine is currently growing into a new addition that brings their total footprint to nearly 33,000 square feet. Today, their fleet of Okumas stands at 20+ and counting. I’m always in awe when I see customers such as this who have the ambition, the know-how and the courage to achieve these kinds of results in a relatively short time frame. Okuma is proud to have played a part in this inspiring story.

Building a Generational Business

Speaking of inspiring, let’s talk about the Barth family in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their impressive journey with Okuma machine tool technology was jumpstarted many years ago by an opportune visit to IMTS, where shop owner Don Barth attended a presentation given by my predecessor, Larry Schwartz (who was then President and COO of Okuma America Corporation). Larry spoke about the importance of evaluating spindle utilization, and Don experienced a classic light-bulb moment – which led to bringing the first Okuma machine into the family business, Dimension Machine Company.

The company has been progressively growing since and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Today, the business is run by Ruthie Brockman and Kevin Barth, the second generation of Barth ownership. They’ve expanded their stable of Okumas to 23 machine tools and adopted the latest technologies, including automation. Building a generational business such as this is an amazing achievement, and we see this happen often with our customers.

Business Growth and Generations of Opportunity

When I look back on my years with Okuma, I’ve seen firsthand how we’ve helped many shops and Okuma users realize the success they envision. They frequently thank us, with heartfelt sincerity. Business growth and generations of opportunity are dreams made possible with Okuma.

About Jim King
Jim King is President and COO, Okuma America Corporation.
Follow Jim on LinkedIn.