Sko-Die E-Newsletter – September 2019

Patrick Steininger

The expansion of the Sko-Die facility began during the summer and it has been exciting to see the continuing progress of the construction of the new building over that past few months. In this edition of the Sko-Die e-newsletter we will provide you with an update on the project.

In prior editions of our e-newsletter, we have been introducing you to our unparalleled team here at Sko-Die, and in this edition you'll meet three more integral members of the team and learn more about their talents and the pivotal roles they play at the company.

Thank You,

Patrick Steininger
President

 

Sko-Die Facility Expansion Update

The 10,000 square foot building of the oldest section of Sko-Die has been demolished down to the foundation. Excavating has been completed and concrete footings have been poured for new steel columns for 22’ clear ceiling heights for the new building. The extra ceiling height will enable us to better use our cubic square footage for a more productive workspace. The new building’s completion is targeted for 4th quarter 2019.

Pre-Demolition

Post-Demolition

Meet Our Team

Debra White – Purchasing Manager

Debra White

Debra White

Debra has been a member of the Sko-Die team since May of 2018. In her role as Purchasing Manager she interacts with suppliers and is responsible for purchasing raw materials for Sko-Die’s manufacturing operations as well as necessary supplies and products for departments ranging from maintenance to quality.

Debra’s career in manufacturing spans over 30 years, during which she has held roles ranging from buyer/purchasing supervisor, to import coordinator, to commodity manager. She is a Certified Purchasing Manager through the Institute for Supply Management and recently received her MBA from National Louis University.

Her ability to align suppliers to obtain the best value for Sko-Die and its customers without sacrificing quality and delivery has made Debra a truly valuable member of the Sko-Die team.

“It is great to work for a family owned company with open lines of communication and no red tape. Management values the work of all of the employees and they truly listen to our ideas and input.”

Debra is mother to a daughter and two sons. She loves spending time with family and planning family events, including the annual summer gathering with 30+ family members held at a new destination within the United States each year.

John Scott – Production Manager

John Scott

John Scott

John has been a member of the Sko-Die team since December of 2018. As Production Manager, John makes sure department supervisors have personnel to run their respective areas, ensures job orders are lined up with the production schedule, material is prepared and ready, and everything involved with scheduling the day to day operations at Sko-Die.

During John’s 20+ year career in manufacturing he has held supervisor and production manager roles and has been responsible for managing numerous employees across multiple departments.

John brings a fresh perspective that has helped in making continuous improvements to safety protocols, lean manufacturing and 5S. He has implemented a shop floor observation process where employees from different departments regularly walk the shop floor and provide input and ideas aimed at improving the overall operations of the company. He is dedicated to creating clear lines of communication with the leadership team to help facilitate the exchange of information.

“I like the family atmosphere at Sko-Die, and that was one of the things that really appealed to me that led to me making the decision to work here and join this great team. There is direct access to everyone in the company and open lines of communication. I love the fact that most of the employees have been here for a long time which says a lot about the company.”

John is father to a 13-year-old daughter and 17-year-old son and is devoted to spending time with his family. He is a passionate Chicago sports fan (White Sox, Bears and Bulls) and loves cars.

Tim Happel – Senior Design Engineer

Tim Happel

Tim Happel

Tim recently joined the Sko-Die team in July as Senior Design Engineer and has been immersed in becoming familiarized with Sko-Die processes. He has dived right into his role by designing new fine-blank dies, improving existing tools and reviewing prints and tolerances of existing parts.

Tim has been in manufacturing all of his life. His dad was a tool and die maker and after college Tim developed an interest in pursuing a career in tool and die and design. He has held multiple engineering and technical sales roles throughout his career, with responsibilities including progressive die design, quoting, sales, interaction with customers, and other engineering related tasks.

Tim brings a diverse skill set and a unique perspective that has enabled him to quickly make a positive impact at Sko-Die. Upon his arrival he has been working closely with the engineering department and has helped expand their design output.

“I am very happy to be a part of the Sko-Die team. Everyone here is respectful and encouraging, and there is a very positive culture and feeling of teamwork. The management team is experienced and good at what they do. They listen to their employees and take suggestions, and everyone feels like they can approach them with new ideas.”

Tim is married and the father to two young daughters (preschool and 1st grade). He loves spending time with his family, playing softball, swimming, boating, and working in his yard.


For any questions or inquiries, please contact:

Michael McGuire, Director of Sales, 800-486-4756 X120, michael.mcguire@skodie.com

For more information visit www.skodie.com

 

Sko-Die Inc.| 8050 Austin Ave. - Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone: 800-486-4756 | Fax: 847-966-0322

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