This year, Steelhead Technologies was proud to sponsor the annual Top Shops Award recognized by Products Finishing Brand Media.
This award is determined based on a comprehensive survey. The results of these surveys uncovers the pulse of the industry which reveals the benchmarks and standout performances of the top shops. Here’s a breakdown of the most exciting findings, highlighting the dynamism and energy driving these leading-edge facilities.
Finishing Line Usage & Capacity Utilization
This assessment is leveraged based on how well each line is managed. The top shops didn’t just work hard; they worked smart, utilizing an impressive percentage of their total capacity, pushing the boundaries of efficiency. Top shops kept their equipment buzzing for a solid 12 hours a day, maximizing their productivity.
Speedy Service & Reliability
The number one industry buzzword is “lead times” and managing these lead times effectively can keep or lose customers quickly. When it comes to speed, top shops delivered, cutting lead times down to one week. Time is money, and they’re cashing in!
Reliability is the name of the game in lead time management, with a stellar on-time delivery rate, top shops rise above the rest. Customers can count on these top shops to meet deadlines, no sweat.
Quality & Loyalty
Quality management sets apart the best from the rest by assuring output meets customer expectations as it relates to safety and specification alignment. Top Shop’s commitment to quality shines through, ensuring products pass inspection without the need for rework and a nominal rate.
The extremely high retention rate notes that their customers keep coming back. This retention rate is another strong indicator of a Top Shop and a testament to their exceptional service and quality.
Financial Prowess
Reinvesting in the future of a shop demonstrates excellence and a commitment to serving customers' quality throughput. These shops reinvest in their future, dedicating a strong percentage of their sales to capital expenditure. They’re not just maintaining; they’re thriving with robust growth in sales from the previous year.
Productivity Metrics
To drill the financial analysis down even further, the survey analyzed the income per finishing line. Each finishing line is a powerhouse, generating millions in annual sales. The Top Shops workforce is a driving force to success, each contributing an impressive piece of sales.
Profitability & Efficiency
With a healthy profit margin, these shops are not just operational; they’re highly profitable. These Top Shops achieve a remarkable return on assets, showcasing their efficient use of resources.
Business Dynamics
Another factor surveyed includes the win rates of each quote sent. Top Shops won a large amount of the quotes they booked. This is a defining factor that these top shops are competitive and in high demand. They’re also active in the market, delivering an impressive number of new part quotes every month.
Operational Excellence
One indicator in evaluating operational excellence rests in the number of customer audits and peer audits they host on an annual basis. These Top Shops are transparent and always strive for improvement. Another element analyzed in operational excellence is on the materials spending and revenue per labor hour. With strategic spending and efficient labor, top shops excel in the product finishing process.
Commitment to Improvement
Continuous improvement in environmental management and parts inspection is a consideration as well. Top Shops invest in quality and compliance, spending significant hours on environmental management and parts inspection. Continuous training and experienced shop floor workers (averaging 15-20 years of experience) keep the standards of these Top Shops high.
Workforce Stability & Safety
Employee Turnover Rate and Accident/Incident Rate is another consideration to assess these product finishing job shops. Maintaining a low turnover and a minimal incident rate, these Top Shops foster a safe and stable work environment. Furthermore, offering competitive wages of ensures they attract and retain top talent.
Methodology and Insights
These top shops are identified through a rigorous benchmarking process, scoring high across various performance measures. The survey spans key areas such as finishing technology, business strategies, and human resources, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the industry's best practices.
2024 Top Shops
The top shops are a powerhouse of productivity, quality, and innovation. They set the bar high, leading the industry with their relentless pursuit of excellence and growth. If you’re looking to benchmark your shop, these top performers provide a roadmap to success! Join us in celebrating the winners of this elite accolade!
Electroplating and Anodizing Top Shops
- Ace Anodizing and Impregnating Inc.
- AeroDynamics Inc.
- American Metal Coatings
- ChromeTech
- Electro-Spec
- Gleco Plating Inc.
- Great Lakes Metal Finishing Inc.
- Green Bay Anodizing Inc.
- Hohman Plating LLC
- Incertec
- Industrial Polishing Services Inc.
- Lincoln Industries
- Luke Engineering
- Lustrous Metal Coatings Inc.
- Microfinish
- Miramar Metal Processing Inc.
- Plateco Inc.
- Professional Plating Inc.
- Reid Metal Finishing
- Surtronics Inc.
- The Electrolizing Corporation of Ohio
- U.S. Chrome Corp. of New York
- West Tech Finishing Inc.
- Wolverine Plating
Liquid and Powder Coating Top Shops
- Ace Anodizing and Impregnating Inc.
- Andrews Powder Coating Inc.
- Axis Peinture
- BFG Manufacturing Service
- ColorFast Coatings
- Colourfast Corp.
- Fitzgerald Finishing LLC
- Freedom Finishing Inc.
- Georgia Powder Coating
- JIT Powder Coating Co.
- Militex Coatings Inc.
- Performance Powder Coating LLC
- Professional Plating Inc.
- Progressive Coating
- Surgical Coatings
- TLC Metal Restoration Inc.
How Software Streamlines Operations to Unlock Success
The integration of production floor and back-office systems can help unlock new levels of success. These systems act as the backbone, providing the necessary tools to:
- streamline operations
- enhance productivity
- maintain top-tier quality standards
By harnessing the power of data, digital solutions ensure that every facet of the operation is visible, controlled, and aligned with industry benchmarks. Integrated job shop software empowers shops to make informed decisions quickly, respond to market demands with agility, and sustain a competitive edge.
Steelhead Technologies elevates these capabilities by offering a suite of features designed to support and enhance these critical systems. For example:
- Quoting and Invoicing: Their quoting and invoicing tools streamline financial transactions,
- Workboards: Video/photo instructions and icon-based workboards facilitate efficient and clear communication, especially within bilingual workforces.
- Contract Review: Contract review and a comprehensive customer portal ensure that client interactions are smooth and professional.
- Digital Certs, Specs & Compliance: With tools like digital certs and specs, compliance reports, and maintenance management, Steelhead Technologies ensures that job shops remain compliant and operationally sound, setting the stage for ongoing success and industry leadership.
- …and much more!
By providing robust solutions for purchasing, billing, inventory management, and quality management, Steelhead Technologies helps shops maintain impeccable standards and operational excellence. Additionally, scheduling, timesheets/workforce management, and accounting integration features ensure that both production and administrative tasks are handled efficiently, freeing up resources to focus on continuous improvement and growth.
For exact numbers and details, or to access the full Top Shops Survey Report, contact Todd Luciano via email at tluciano@gardnerweb.com to purchase a copy of The Products Finishing Top Shops Report.
Disclaimer: Although many Top Shops are currently partnered with Steelhead Technologies, many are not, and manage their operations in many different ways. This article is designed to celebrate the 2024 Top Shops while offering a solution to unlock new levels of success.