Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing

E-14: Revving Up Manufacturing Solutions

Mooresville, North Carolina manufacturer, Roush Yates, continuously strives for the competitive advantage.
Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions
Automotive racing is a lot like manufacturing. The team with the best crew, finest parts and most skilled driver often has a competitive advantage. Just like the manufacturer with the best workforce, equipment and leadership has a one-up on their competition. No one knows this better than a manufacturing company that was created to initially support a world-class race engine company that would compete at the highest levels of the motorsports industry, Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions.
In this installment of Clocking In, I sit down with Bob Ucman, director of business development at Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions. Bob is responsible for keeping Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions competitive by expanding their reach into various industries. He has over 20 years of manufacturing experience.
Out of the passion for power and performance excellence, Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions was formed. This unit provides world-class CNC machining of complex parts for critical applications into the aerospace, defense, automotive and other high-tech industries. The company is located in Mooresville, North Carolina. It also delivers expertise in multi-axis and waterjet processing of metal and plastic parts with complex geometries.
In this episode, we discuss how the pandemic has affected the work Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions does, how Bob Ucman came to work in the manufacturing industry, how Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions grew from support Roush Yates Engines to become a manufacturing powerhouse of its own and more.
LINKSNCMEPRoush Yates Manufacturing Solutions
ABOUT
Phil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bob UcmanBob Ucman is the director of business development at Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions with over 20 years of manufacturing experience. He previously served as a technical sales specialist, application specialist and division manager for several different manufacturing organizations. Bob graduated from Valparaiso University with a BA in Recreation Land Use Planning.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-13: Switching On Manufacturing

Raleigh-based electronic switch manufacturer, Electroswitch Electronic Products, strives for quality and innovation.
Electroswitch Electronic Products
In business, flexibility is a strength, especially in times of uncertainty. The range of standard and custom products our next guest can design and produce has helped his company find their way through the pandemic. We talk with a manufacturer who takes pride in its product line’s versatility and quality.
In this installment of Clocking In, I sit down with Kyle Martin, the vice president and general manager of Electroswitch Electronic Products. Kyle’s experience covers a broad range of industries with concentrations in design, manufacturing and continuous improvement. Kyle has previously held leadership positions with Bob Barker Company, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Americal Corporation, Chesapeake Display and Packaging, International Jensen/Jensen Sound Labs, and United Technologies. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University Technologies. Kyle serves as the Advisory Board Chair of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
The Electronic Products Unit of Electro Switch Corp is recognized for quality and best-in-class lead-times for their industry-leading switch brands including Stackpole, Shallcross, CRL/Centralab, Eaton Miniature, ASM, OakGrigsby, Gaynor and CW Industries.
In this episode, we discuss how the pandemic has affected the production at Electroswitch Electronic Products, the variety of their products, the importance of electrical switches and how Kyle’s background has prepared him for the leadership role at Electroswitch and more.
LINKSNCMEPIndustry Expansion Solutions (IES)Electroswitch Electronic Products
ABOUT
Phil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Kyle MartinKyle Martin is the vice president and general manager of Electroswitch Electronic Products in Raleigh, North Carolina. Kyle previously held leadership positions with Bob Barker Company, Goodyear Tire &Rubber just to name a few.  Kyle serves as the Advisory Board Chair of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a Master’s Degree in Engineering from North Carolina State University.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-12: Molding The Future of Manufacturing

The award-winning injection molding manufacturer in Greensboro, NC, Core Technology, continues to expand despite the pandemic.
Core Technology Molding Corporation
The pandemic has brought an abrupt end to the last 10 years of business and economic growth in the United States, resulting in many manufacturers suffering short and long-term damage. In spite of the situation, we talk with a North Carolina manufacturer that has found opportunities in the face of this adversity.
In this segment of Clocking In, I sit down with Geoff Foster, CEO, president and founder of Core Technology Molding Corporation. Foster has been involved in the manufacturing industry for over 25 years. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Applied Engineering Technology from North Carolina A & T State University. He later went on to be awarded the US Patent # 6,024,591 for a Sealed Electric Connector for Ford Motor Company while working for AMP Corporation in Greensboro. Geoff founded Core Technology Molding Corporation in 2006 and has since turned it into a highly recognized growth company winning many awards including the 2015 and 2018 North Carolina M/WBE Outstanding Achievement Awards and the 2017 BMW Minority Success Story of the Year. In 2019, Foster was named the Greensboro Entrepreneur of the Year.
The company, based in Greensboro, North Carolina, manufactures injection molding solutions for its customers across 150 countries in the aerospace, appliance, automotive, consumer goods, gaming, medical device and outdoor lawn equipment industries.
In this episode, we discuss the founding of Core Technology, how the company has found a way to expand in spite of the pandemic, how the company’s supply chain has been affected by the pandemic, how Foster, being an adjunct professor at NC A & T State University, has given his organization a pipeline to talented, young professionals and more.
LINKSNCMEPCore Technology Molding Corporation
ABOUT
Phil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Geoff FosterGeoff Foster is the President and CEO of Core Technology Molding Corporation and founded the company in 2006. Geoff earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Applied Engineering Technology from North Carolina A & T State University. He was employed as an Engineer with AMP Inc. and Tyco Electronics in roles of Quality Engineering, Product Engineering, Product Manager and Global Product Management. He was awarded US Patent 6,024,591 for a Sealed Electric Connector for Ford Motor Company. Foster went on to complete his MBA at Wake Forest University’s Babcock Graduate School of Business in May 2001.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-11: The Job Manufacturer

In this episode, we talk to someone whose mission it is to help create jobs for North Carolina.
NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development
Jobs are the foundation of any thriving economy. When people have jobs, they get paid. When they get paid, they spend money. When they spend money, it bolsters the economy. This is precisely why organizations like NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development (EAPED) are so vital.
EAPED is instrumental in positioning the university as one of the top public research universities in the state as well as across the country. Their strategic focus towards building and managing relationships and economic partnerships enhances local and global engagement, resulting in new jobs and investment for the state of North Carolina. The group works with a variety of internal and external constituencies to advocate for NC State in achieving its three-tiered mission of teaching, research and extension and engagement.
Specifically, the Economic Development Partnership works across the state to attract new businesses and industries to North Carolina. Director Tom White is instrumental in helping recruit companies to the state while providing real-world opportunities for students and faculty. During the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the group brought $1.35 billion in capital investment to North Carolina and helped create 5305 jobs.
In this interview, I sit down with Tom who has been in the commerce industry for over 30 years. Tom has been the director of NC State’s Economic Development Partnership since 2008. He’s previously worked as Department of Commerce, Employment and Training Division and Vice President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
In this episode, Tom explains goals of the Economic Development Partnership, his role, how his mentors shaped who he is today and how the pandemic is affecting economic development in North Carolina.
LINKSNCMEPNorth Carolina State External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development
ABOUT
Phil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Tom WhiteTom White has been the director of NC State’s Economic Development Partnership since 2008. He has a long history of working in commerce, serving as director of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Employment and Training Division and Vice President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. White graduated from Duke University with an English degree and later earned his Master’s degree in Public Affairs from North Carolina State University.
Tom White also serves on a variety of boards focused on economic development across North Carolina, including Coalition for Global Competitiveness; Kenan Fellows Advisory Council; Capital Area Workforce Development; UNC System Economic Transformation Council; NC Japan Center; LC Industries for the Blind; Triangle J Council of Governments; Wake County Economic Development; NC Defense Industry; Boundless Impact Community Development and the Institute for Emerging Issues.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-10: Cultivating Solutions

Mertek Solutions founder Jerry Pedley combines his love for mechanics, work ethic and turns it into a thriving business.
Mertek SolutionsAccording to Gallup, 70% of Americans view the American Dream as personally achievable. Our next Clocking In guest was a farm boy from Iowa who worked his way through the manufacturing industry and created a prosperous business in which he’s proud to go to every day. He is a manifestation of that dream, showing it is achievable to anyone.
In this interview, I sat down with Jerry Pedley, president and founder of Mertek Solutions. Pedley has been in the manufacturing industry for over 45 years, previously working as an automation engineer, manufacturing manager, division manager and electrician for several different companies. Pedley is well respected in his community, earning a reputation for his compassion as a leader and getting results. He sits on both the NCMEP and Industry Expansion Solutions Advisory Boards.
Mertek Solutions is based in Sanford, North Carolina and provides machine design for manufacturing automation and manufacturing equipment design. Mertek serves as a manufacturing solution consultant to Fortune 500 corporations and start-ups alike. Since its inception, Mertek has only grown, earning over 40 awards in its ten years. Some of these awards include: NC SMT Business and Industry Award 2016; IAF Award for Advisory Board Champion 2017; Superintendent Extra Effort Award 2017 and NC Small Business of the Year 2017.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the creation of Mertek Solutions, Pedley’s outreach efforts, how Mertek Solutions is working through the pandemic and how Mertek Solutions has pivoted to make PPE and more.
LINKSNCMEPMertek Solutions
ABOUTPhil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jerry PedleyJerry Pedley is the founder and president of Mertek Solutions. Pedley founded Mertek Solutions in 2010. Prior to its inception, Pedley worked as a automation engineer, manufacturing manager, division manager and electrician for several different companies. Pedley sits on both the NCMEP and Industry Expansion Solutions Advisory Boards. Pedley is an instrument rated pilot and has a plane at the Raleigh Executive airport.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-09: North Carolina Business in the Era of COVID-19

In this uncertain time, Ben Kinney from Business North Carolina helps shed light on the current business climate in North Carolina.
Business North CarolinaAccording to North Carolina’s Small Business and Technology Development Center, there are 179,773 employer businesses in North Carolina. 98.1% of them are small businesses. As of March 24, 2020, many of those businesses were deemed “non-essential” and had to temporarily close to limit the spread of COVID-19. This has resulted in mass layoffs and some businesses are facing the threat of having to permanently close their doors.
For this interview, I sat down with Ben Kinney. Kinney has been a publisher at Business North Carolina (BNC) since 2003 and started his career in advertising sales working for The News & Observer. He is a 1992 graduate of North Carolina State University with a BA in History. Kinney is also the publisher of Southpark Magazine.
BNC is the largest business industry magazine in North Carolina. Located in Charlotte, the magazine has provided relevant business news to North Carolinians for over 35 years. BNC partners with NCMEP every year to help host the annual manufacturing convention, mfgCON. Over the last several weeks, BNC has been reporting on the effects the pandemic is having on North Carolina businesses.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the current manufacturing climate, how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting business, how the small business loan included in the government stimulus package can help NC businesses and more.
LINKSNCMEPBusiness North Carolina
ABOUTPhil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Ben KinneyBen Kinney has been a publisher at Business North Carolina since 2003 and has worked for The News & Observer and South Park Magazine. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1992 with a BA in History.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-08: Fetching Designs

A small start-up that began in the home of Alisha Navarro, transforms into one of the most respected dog accessory manufacturers in the pet industry.
2 Hounds DesignThere are almost 90 million dogs currently owned in the US. As dogs have become a more integral part of American life, their owners have sought more quality and variety in their little friend’s accessories. Our next Clocking In guest invested just $500 dollars into starting a company that could supply this new demand.
I had the pleasure of interviewing founder and president of 2 Hounds Designs, Alisha Navarro and several members of her organization's workforce. Alisha founded the company in 2003. She was tired of looking at the same four walls at her white collar job and started sewing dog collars part-time. As she saw increased demand for her products, she was able to quit her job and focus on 2 Hounds Design full time.
The organization is located in Indian Trail, North Carolina, a small suburban town located 30 minutes south of Charlotte, North Carolina. 2 Dogs Designs’ no-pull harnesses have been rated as one of the best by professional dog trainers. The company has been mentioned in prestigious magazines such as New York Magazine and Business Insider, as well as pet industry networks.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the founding of 2 Hounds Designs, trends within the pet industry, the growth of 2 Hounds Designs workforce, what’s in 2 Hounds Design’s future and more.
LINKSNCMEP2 Hounds Designs
ABOUTPhil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Alisha NavarroAlisha Navarro is the founder and president of 2 Hounds Designs in Indian Trail, North Carolina. She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 2001 where she double majored in physics and mathematics. She went on to Appalachian State where she earned her masters in physics in 2003. Alisha was named Woman of the Year in the Corporate Category by the Women in the Pet Industry Network.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-07: A North Carolina "Basement" Success Story

What started as an engineer’s basement invention has grown into one of the world’s most in-demand pressure regulators.
Equilibar
Pressure control technologies are an integral part of many products and industries. They assist in supplying important operations with the appropriate amount of fluid or gas.Our next guest’s valves and regulators have been dubbed gold standard within pressure control technology manufacturing.
I sat down and talked with Jeff Jennings, inventor, founder and president of Equilibar. Jeff founded the company in 2007. What started in his basement grew into a company whose products are in-demand across the globe. Jeff obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and has been in the manufacturing industry for over 20 years.
The company is located in Fletcher, North Carolina, a town located 25 minutes south of Asheville, NC. Nestled in between the ancient Appalachian Mountains, Equilibar designs innovative flow control, sanitary, back pressure and vacuum control devices.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the founding of Equilibar, how the internet assisted the expansion of Equilibar's customer base, Jeff’s invention of patented pressure control products, how Jeff helped found the DuPont State Forest and more.
LINKS
NCMEPEquilibar
ABOUT
Phil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Jeff JenningsJeff Jennings is the founder and president of Equilibar. Jeff has more than 30 years of engineering experience in manufacturing. He graduated from Clemson University in 1985 Magna Cum-Laude with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. Jeff was the founding president and board member for Friends of Dupont Forest from 2001 to 2007 and is currently a member of a state-appointed committee on the DuPont State Forest Advisory Committee.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-06: Taking Aerospace Manufacturing to New Heights

Founded by an ex-Navy pilot, VX Aerospace strives to be more than an aerospace manufacturer
VX AerospaceDynamic composites are extremely useful in the advancement of the aerospace industry. The use of composites can reduce the weight of aerospace vehicles up to 20 to 50%. They have a high thermal stability and are resistant to fatigue and corrosion. With the ever growing demand within the industry for something state-of-the-art, it is vital that aerospace manufacturers be both adaptable and innovative.
VX Aerospace is a dynamic, advanced composites design and manufacturing company located in Morganton, North Carolina. Their facility sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain range, an hour’s drive east of Asheville, North Carolina. But VX Aerospace is more than its name would suggest. The organization is beginning to branch out into ATV manufacturing.
I sat down and talked with Robert Skillen, founder and chief engineer of VX Aerospace. He founded the company in 2007, following his stint in the Navy as an F-14 aviation pilot. Robert obtained an aerospace engineering degree while attending the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy.
In this episode of Clocking In, we discuss Robert's background and role within the organization, the philosophy he uses with training the company’s workforce and whether pilots may become obsolete in the future and more.
LINKSNCMEPVX Aerospace
ABOUTPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Robert Skillen is the founder and chief engineer of VX Aerospace. Robert has a degree in aerospace engineering which he obtained from the U.S. Naval Academy. Robert spent his time in the Navy as an F-14 aviator. He has more than 25 years of manufacturing experience which includes work in both Navy depot operations and on the MIL-Handbook-5 and NAS standards committees.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.

E-05: Going With the Flow

Going 50 years strong, Hoffer Flow Controls hopes to maintain their influence across a broad array of industries
Hoffer Flow ControlsMeasurements make a difference. The wrong measurement of fluids could make or break a product or operation. In your home, a flow meter determines the difference between a $50 water bill and a $250 water bill. In the aerospace industry, a flow meter determines whether a space shuttle receives enough rocket fuel to launch into outer space.
Hoffer Flow Controls is a flow meter manufacturer in Elizabeth City, North Carolina less than an hour’s drive away from the Atlantic Ocean. From custom designed flow meters made exclusively for the US Navy to standard products made for a wide array of industries, Hoffer Flow emphasizes and prioritizes quality in all of their products.
I sat down and talked with Bob Carrell, President and COO of Hoffer Flow Controls. Bob has been with the company for over 20 years with a background in Mechanical Engineering. From 2014 to 2015, Bob served as the Chairman of the Measurement Control and Automation Association, the largest association of process management, control manufacturers and distributors in North America.
On this episode of Clocking In, we discuss the origins of Hoffer Flow, the core purpose of their organization, how Hoffer Flow sources the workforce they need, Hoffer Flow’s innovative work within the aerospace industry and more.
LINKSNCMEPHoffer Flow Controls
ABOUT
Phil MintzPhil Mintz is the Executive Director of NC State Industry Expansion Solutions (IES) and Director of the North Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NCMEP). At NCMEP, Phil drives outreach to NC manufacturers, builds relationships with federal and state leaders and coordinates efforts to drive profitable manufacturing growth in the state. He also leads the broader IES Extension Operations outreach unit of regional managers, technical specialists and business development leaders providing business engagement, assessment and improvement tools. This includes statewide peer networks, ISO 9000 quality management systems, Six Sigma, Lean manufacturing, environmental services, and health and safety solutions.
Bob CarrellBob Carrell is the President and COO of Hoffer Flow Controls. Bob has been apart of the organization for over 20 years. From 2014 to 2015, Bob served as the Chairman of the Measurement Control and Automation Association. Bob graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1979 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.
Check out the Clocking In: Voices of NC Manufacturing website.