Panda Precision Makes the Tough Stuff Its Nitch

Going After the Tough Stuff
Back in 1992, Mr. Keith Pratt, now President of Panda Precision (Wixom, MI), had a dream that required a lot of guts, determination, and his job. Secure with his position as a veteran prototype technician at a Big Three auto maker, Pratt had seen hundreds of tight-tolerance prints and exotic materials that the industry had to offer. Familiar with the difficulty of making quality parts in time for delivery on older machine tools, Pratt saw many jobs in those days farmed out to smaller, independent shops with more capability. Still, though, there was always a handful of parts that would give even the top vendors problems. He recognized this as his opportunity to fulfill his dream-- to build a small, computer-integrated manufacturing facility that specialized in tight tolerances, unusual materials, and uncommon part shapes. In essence, Pratt would develop a business that sought the "no quote" parts that others in the industry labeled "money losers".

Humble Beginnings Rooted in Quality and Service
Imagine giving up a solid salary, benefits, and job security right at the end of a hard-hitting recession. Well, this is exactly what Keith Pratt decided to do. "Letting it all hang out" like this meant that Keith had to minimize his risk while accessing the specialty machining nitch he wanted for Panda Precision. Before he had even rented the 2,000 square foot shop where he would start out, Pratt visited Addy Machinery's Michigan Technical Center and looked into the Mazak VMC's and turning centers on the floor. Pratt knew there were many other competitive CNC's available, many of which had lower base prices (a definiite selling feature at that time for the new company!), but he concentrated on features and support. "I knew there were other CNC machines out there that cost less," says Pratt, "but I needed machines that could hold our kind of tolerances in all kinds of materials. I was looking for flexible machines that were accurate in aluminum as well as in stainless with plenty of back-up for a new shop." With these concerns in mind, Keith chose both a Mazak VTC Vertical Machining Center and a Mazak Quick Turn 15N Turning Center for Panda's entrance into the industry. As a two-man shop working 70 hour work weeks, he depended on his machinist and salesman capabilities as well as the Mazaks' accuracy, reliablitly, and affordability to keep Panda Precision rolling.

Making Ideas a Reality-- What Panda Precision is All About
The specialty machining nitch that Keith Pratt addressed back in 1992 demanded shorter delivery times combined with constant part-print changes. With his excellent reputation established for delivering quality on time, Pratt's sales grew quickly, requiring him to hire additional personnel and to purchase more machines. Within three years, Panda Precision was breaking ground on a 20,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility complete with the latest CAD/CAM capabilities for design assistance and complete product development capabilities. Upon completion, all Panda products are today subjected to a comrehensive, detailed inspection-- including a Zeiss coordinate measuring machine testing (pictured at right) if necessary-- to satisfy the most demanding customers.

A strategic tip for other shop owners-- when hiring new personnel, Keith insists that each employee is cross-trained on each piece of equipment. Every individual in the shop is a trained professional capable of handling any job, from turning and milling, to grinding and EDM work. The employees are required to go through continuous training programs to keep them abreast of the industry's latest machining techniques. "I give my employees the freedom to talk directly to the customer and then to make the decisions necessary to do the job properly," says Pratt. "By cross-training and giving them the freedom they need in the shop, Panda accels-- and as a result of this, we retain our employees better than other shops." Pratt now employs 15 individuals in the sparkling-clean plant.

Today, Panda continues to do the tough stuff that few other shops could quote. Keith Pratt's customer base has expanded to include the industrial, automotive, aviation and medical industries. He still buys the Mazaks, too, (now with 4) knowing that the Mazaks were the machines upon which he built Panda Precision's reputation for quality and timely delivery. To talk to Keith about his services or his experiences with Mazak and Addy Machinery, give him a call at (248) 449-0950. He'll be there to take your call.

E-Mail Addy Machinery to learn how easy it is to start out with Mazak CNC machines. With our Optimum Customer Support Program, which includes Mazak Financing and Training, you will invest in machines you upon which you can build a business!

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