The PMPA recounts the history of Huron Automatic Screw Co. and its major turning points that have led to its great success.
In the 2016 article written in Production Machining Magazine, the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA) recognizes Huron Automatic Screw Co. for its longtime dedication to the industry and its major turning points toward success along the way. Keith E. Brooks, a lifelong journeyman, started what would become Huron Automatic Screw Co. out of a small barn in Port Huron, MI in 1931. Mr. Brooks would run machine parts, mostly threaded fasteners, to leading car manufacturers in Detroit, while his wife, Lucy, kept the books. Almost thirty years after the company’s opening, and a transfer of ownership to Keith’s sons, Allen and Walter, the company relocated to their facility in St Clair, MI. Huron Automatic Screw continues to uphold a well-respected reputation in that same facility today. Edward Brooks, President of Huron Automatic Screw Co., was interviewed for the article:
“We are well-known in the marketplace for our quality and reliability,” Mr. Brooks says. “Although, there are many that say, because there are so many different certifications, quality is an equalizer. I still think it’s a differentiator for us, because we have seen numerous occasions with other companies where parts have been offshored and have lost their quality.”
A Notable Turn Toward Present Success
Production Machining Magazine pointed out that in the mid-1990’s Huron Automatic Screw Co. made significant changes to the business that would uphold their reputation of quality and reliability, and ultimately lead to greater success in the industry.
In the 1990’s, ownership was handed down to Walter’s sons and the current owners Warren, David, and Edward Brooks. Finding the auto industry to be too volatile, the brothers shifted focus toward the heavy truck, off-road and agricultural industries. This shift sparked a five-year investment plan centered on the facility and equipment that would eventually prove to be highly beneficial for the companies stakeholders. The Brooks brothers rearranged the facility to maximize space, replace outdated equipment, and positioned the quality center in the middle of the plant. These modifications to the plant led to higher efficiency, increased productivity, and shorter cycle times.
The financial gains from these changes led to the biggest machinery investment in the company’s history: a six-spindle, full CNC controlled machine. The machine provides quality and capabilities that sets Huron Automatic Screw apart from its competitors, and it has become a “showpiece” for the business. Now, the company is recognized for its quality, reliability, and versatility, offering services to multiple industries including the auto-industry.
Loyalty and Participation in the PMPA
Huron Automatic Screw Co. has been a proud and active member in the PMPA since 1933. Being involved with this organization has been beneficial to Huron Automatic Screw Co. by offering networking opportunities and creating an avenue to exchange ideas with other businesses in the industry. Mr. Brooks was asked about the company’s involvement with the organization by Production Machining Magazine.
“Almost since its inception, we have been very involved in PMPA meetings, and my family has held numerous leadership positions and has been a part of several different committees,” Mr. Brooks says. “One of the core benefits of the association is open sharing, and we have come home from meetings and conferences with so many new ideas about cutting tools and machines, but we’ve also been able to contribute many ideas as well. We’re all competitors, but we’re friendly competitors.”
So, when choosing your supplier for threaded fasteners and precision parts, choose Huron Automatic Screw, a company that has a proven reputation for quality and reliability and has earned a permanent position in the industry through decades of service.
About Huron Automatic Screw Company
With over 85 years of experience, Huron Automatic Screw Company is highly regarded in the fastener manufacturing industry for product excellence and quick turnaround, making us an ideal partner to handle your prototype through production quantity jobs. Our precision machined threaded fasteners, pins, spacers and other parts are purchased by fastener distributors, component manufacturers and OEMs across the United States and go into a wide variety of components such as axles, power trains, suspensions, engines and steering components.
Our tradition of quality and our use of innovative modern manufacturing practices have been our company’s competitive edge in manufacturing precision machined products. Add to that our reputation for on-time delivery and competitive prices, and you’ve got every answer you need to give us a try on your next project.
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