Regional Manufacturing Just Got Easier CATALYST CONNECTION MAKING YOUR FUTURE Annual Report 2016

CATALYST CONNECTION MAKING YOUR FUTURE Annual Report 2016 Making Your Your Making Future Regional Manufacturing Just Got Easier CATALYST CONNECTION MAKING YOUR FUTURE Annual Report 2016

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g . . . . E ...... R C om munity CATALYST CONNECTION turing, visit: If you or someone you know could benefit from a new career in manufac Partnership (IMCP) regions across thecountry. twelveof Investingone ManufacturingCommunities Commerceas in U.S.of the Department by designated was partnership This initiative. the declining coal sector, consistent with the Administration’s POWER workersin dislocated and companies struggling support can that way initiative seeks to boost metals manufacturing businesses and jobs in a This organizations). development economic and workforceindustry, university,government, of partnership (a Community Manufacturing als Making YourFuture greater Pittsburgh region. seekersjob industryinform and to companies news manufacturing the in local about information have also will site The goals. life and capabilities their match careers which learn visitors help to available be will uations training, apprenticeships, and job search tools. Assessment tools and eval offer organizationsthat other provide to will resourceslinks site and The opportunities. career manufacturing about more learn to likewould who and interests. In 2017, a new website will be created that targets adults aware of the variety of careers available for people of all experience levels PennsylvaniaWestnorthern areresidents and the of Virginia,few but southwesternin employment for largestindustries the of one still is ing Manufactur awareness. is step first The manufacturing. in career a find Making YourFuture REGIONAL MANUFACTURING JUST GOT EASIER MAKING YOURFUTURE: www.MakingYourFuture.org MAKING YOUR FUTURE

is a new initiative to help thousands of people people of thousands help to initiative new a is was developed by the Greater Pittsburgh Met Pittsburgh Greater the by developed was Annual Report 2016

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Making Your5 Future CATALYST CONNECTION MAKING YOUR FUTURE Annual Report 2016

EFFECTIVE APPRENTICESHIPS Catalyst Connection has MANUFACTURING EXPANSION & EXCELLENCE undertaken a new project to help manufacturing employers who are TOURS Two Manufacturing Expansion & Excellence Tours interested in developing employees through an apprenticeship program. (MEET@) were offered in 2016 to allow manufacturers and members Catalyst Connection’s will help Effective Apprenticeship program of the community to visit a manufacturer who has recently grown and/ 6 position these companies as an in their region and/ 7 Employer of Choice or achieved operational excellence. MEET@ is a new series that is much or industry, emphasizing the career opportunities they can offer. We are more than company tours. The host companies share insights, lessons offering an apprenticeship toolkit that manufacturing companies can use learned and strategies that put them on their current path of success. The as a guide to start a new program or enhance an existing apprenticeship. manufacturing and business communities have embraced these opportu- Catalyst Connection can also provide an assessment of an employer’s nities to come together and learn about companies in their own backyard. needs and customize an apprenticeship program with a combination of The MEET@ events take only a couple of hours but it gives a chance for online training, local classes and on-the-job learning experiences. participants to network and build business relationships with their peers.

The Effective Apprenticeship Toolkit MEET@UEC includes the following information: Universal Electric Corporation (UEC) staff discussed how the successful • Why a company should choose the Catalyst Connection integration of market growth, global expansion, new product devel- Apprenticeship Program opment, operational excellence, workforce development and a strong • An overview of the Catalyst Connection Apprenticeship Program corporate culture has led to their need for an 80,000 square foot expansion and the creation of new jobs. • Manufacturer and apprentice requirements • Process for a manufacturer to join the program MEET@ISC Industrial Scientific Corporation (ISC) hosted the MEET@ for their • Process for an apprentice candidate to join the program new 200,000 square foot building that serves as the company’s global headquarters located in Robinson Township along Interstate 376. As the global leader in gas detection, Industrial Scientific provides gas detection “Oberg Industries began the Apprentice Program as a means of training their products and services that keep workers safe in hazardous environments. own workforce; we now find Don Oberg’s idea more relevant than ever due to MEET@ in 2017 the shift in public education to push students to enter college versus vocational Catalyst Connection is looking forward to more MEET@ events in the programs. Oberg is one of many companies throughout this region that simply future. If you would be interested in hosting one, please contact us. cannot find enough qualified employees through normal recruiting channels, so we must focus on training our own through the Apprentice Program.” — Linda Wood, Training and Learning Experience Coordinator, Oberg Industries, Inc. www.catalystconnection.org Making Your Your Making Future 8 needs toachieve leadershipgrowth. individual specific on focus to coaching one-on-one of hours ten receive will participant Each learning. mobile and accelerators, develop guides, manager lessons, micro including: resources sustainability skill to access have will Participants confident. and successful be to needs leader every • focus ontopicsofinterest thatare discussedby thegroup. of manufacturing companies to participate in quarterly sessions that • candidate foramanufacturingmanagementcareer. a as identified been has who company manufacturing a in person any • feedback, andimprove theorganization’s overall culture. developmental using employeesdevelopperformers, poor addressefforts, change ambitious support Participantsto howcoaches. learn and leaders • focus from developers like Development Dimensions International manufacturing (DDI). a with materials world-renowned includes content The individual. each of needs and experience the match can that programs comprehensive offer to expanded been has training leadership Our required tokeep theiremployees productive, motivated, andhappy! Academy facturing the created Connection Catalyst organization. the of level every strongfor at need leaders the is companies manufacturing successful to THE MANUFACTURING ACADEMY TacticalSkills Leadership ExecutiveForumsManufacturing Manufacturing in Leaders Emerging Essentials of Leadership to help managers and supervisors obtain the skills skills the obtain supervisors and managers help to

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places a focus on building the skills the building on focus a places is a group for senior managers managers senior for group a is (ELM) is suggested for suggested is (ELM)

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CATALYST CONNECTION • • • • • • Program Outcomes Choice, Most Creative, andBest Marketing Plan. awards for the following categories: Best Manufacturing Message, People’s Johnstownand Pittsburghwith in wereheld ceremonies recognition Two regional planning. and production video on training and equipment “What’sManufacturing?” SoAbout Cool withtheme, the with alocal video a create manufacturingto company a futureTwenty-eighttalent. of pipeline were schools middle paired each build to companies manufacturing local with people young more connect Contest Video Student ManufacturingNew VIDEO CONTEST EXPLORE THE NEW MANUFACTURING STUDENT Engage localmanufacturingcompanieswitheducation manufacturing Show students theinterconnectedness between theartsand industry Address theneedforaskilledworkforce withinthemanufacturing perspective ofmiddleschoolyouth manufacturing andpossiblecareer opportunitiesthrough the Development ofvideosthatwillbeshared onlinetopromote experiential learning Provide teacherprofessional development through training and students, parents, teachers, andthecommunityatlarge Create regional awareness ofcareers inmanufacturingamong MAKING YOUR FUTURE

Catalyst Connection expanded the Each team receivedteam Each video Annual Report 2016 in its second year to to year second its in Explore the

Making Your9 Future 10 raymond yeager CATALYST CONNECTION Our best wishestoyou foraprosperous 2017. at 412.918.4300. websiteour at visit involved, get and us join Please ways. small and big both in community manufacturing this for changes positive make help to honored is Connection Catalyst annually! billion Pennsylvania. Theyare makingadifference withproductsthat exceed andservices $13 The driving force behind all of this activity is the manufacturing employees of southwestern companies tobuildafuture pipelineoftalent. Contest Video The level. every at professionals and leaders op businesses.their The running are manufacturers successful how see and curtain the behind step to ufacturers manufacturing. in career a find people of thousands helping on focus to community Manufacturing Metals Pittsburgh world! the impacts that difference a making is region howexamplesthis showof some report annual this in stories news The our clients;however, we have hadsomegreat opportunitiestoreach outina broad way. companies. Catalyst Connection has made an effort to keep that personal connection with fromlocal participants group of small a manufacturer’sclassroomwith the a in or facility great and what they would like to change. Our consulting services are often provided at businesses these makes what workers the We from first-hand rooms. breakhear the and southwestern Pennsylvania.of offices companies the Wefloors, shop the throughwalk manufacturing the in work who people the know to get Weway. individual and direct a in difference a making on been has focus primary Connection’s Catalyst years, 28 For successful aspossiblethrough one-on-one. we seekto helpeach manufacturer beasproductive and MAKING A DIFFERENCE is expanding to connect more young people with local manufacturing local with people young more connect to expanding is petr — www.catalystconnection.org

chairperson, catalyst connection a mitchell ManufacturingAcademy Manufacturing Expansion & Excellence ToursExcellence & ExpansionManufacturing —

PRESIDENT’S LETTER president andchiefexecutive officer,catalyst connection Making YourFuture brings a comprehensivea brings program develto Explore the New Manufacturing Student ManufacturingNew the Explore

, come to an event, or call us directly directly us event,call an or to come ,

brings together the Greater Greater the together brings Annual Report 2016 allow man allow - -

President andCEO right: Chairperson oftheBoard left: photo above:

Raymond Yeager— Petra Mitchell—

Making Your11 Future CATALYST CONNECTION IMPACT RESULTS AND STATS Annual Report 2016

IMPACT RESULTS STATS our work leads to helping small manufacturers compete Companies Served Companies Served in a global economy, grow their business and ultimately by Industry in 2016 by County in 2016 create and retain jobs. primary unique percentage county unique percentage naics description accounts % accounts % Petra Mitchell, President and CEO, Catalyst Connection Fabricated Metal 44 23 Allegheny 70 39 Product Mfg. Armstrong 3 2 Machinery 26 14 Beaver 13 7 Sales Increased $ 13,200,000. Manufacturing Miscellaneous 23 12 Butler 24 13 Sales Retained 115,100,000. Manufacturing Cambria 4 2 Cost Savings 14,200,000. Computer and 20 11 Electronic Product Fayette 4 2 Manufacturing Greene 2 1 Investment Made Primary Metal 14 8 Indiana 6 3 Manufacturing 12 Lawrence 5 3 13 Plant and Equipment 9,872,501. Electrical Equipment, 13 7 Appliance, and Somerset 6 3 Information Systems 1,015,800. Component Mfg. Washington 26 14 Plastics and Rubber 12 6 Workforce Practices 1,136,121. Products Mfg. Westmoreland 21 11 Products and Processes 7,552,001. Nonmetallic Mineral 10 5 Product Mfg. Grand Total 184 100 Other 4,175,001. Chemical 5 3 Manufacturing

Transportation 5 3 Companies Served Savings on Investments/ 1,390,000. Equipment Mfg. by Size in 2016 Investments Avoided Printing and Related 3 2 employee size unique percentage Support Activities accounts % Furniture and Related 2 1 Product Mfg. 1-9 16 9 Jobs Created 185 Paper Manufacturing 2 1 10-19 16 9 Jobs Retained 773 Food Manufacturing 2 1 20-49 36 20 Total Jobs 958 Beverage and Tobacco 1 1 50-99 39 21 Product Mfg. 100-249 47 25 Wood Product Mfg. 1 1 Each year, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) evaluates 250-500 20 11 the impact that Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers have on the clients they serve. Evaluations Apparel 1 1 conducted by Fors Marsh Group, an independent third party, documented the above results based on client Manufacturing >500 10 5 surveys conducted in 2016. Grand Total 184 100 Total 184 100

Revenue Expenditures funding sources dollar percentage use of funds percentage in 2016 amount % in 2016 % PA Dept. of Community 1.1m 21 Manufacturing Consulting 87 and Economic Development Services and Programs U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 1.2m 24 Workforce Education 6 National Institute of Standards Administration and Other 7 and Technology, Manufacturing Extension Partnership Your Making Future Fees 1.5m 30 Private Grants and Other 1.3m 25 Government Funding 14 and sellers. asaresource for and serve buyers Identifyopportunities countries. Marcellus Shaleandforeign Enter new markets, including NEW MARKETS: sourced to low cost countries. products not easily copiedorout Develop andlaunch innovative NEW PRODUCTS: tools. marketingthrough andsales Identify andreach customers NEW CUSTOMERS: Business Growth and expand business opportunities. needs clients’ our meet toservices continuallynew we add clients. resourcesour topartnershipsnew forge bring towe accelerateproductivity.toimprove turers and growth their catalystconnection’s strategic services assistlocal manufac- STRATEGIC SERVICES

- future needs. staffing reduce turnover andplanfor Strengthen company culture, EMPLOYEE RETENTION: prepare for advancement. positionand current at their among employees to perform Improve skills fundamental EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT: skills. turing employees today’s with manufac ing solutionsdesignedto hire Tailor unique testing andtrain EMPLOYEE HIRING: Development Organizational

- - ating enhancements. for alloper procedures necessary Advance communicationand PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS: tions. ISO andother quality certifica newReach customers by gaining IMPROVMENTS:QUALITY become globally competitive. to Six SigmaandReshoring including LeanManufacturing, Custom productivity programs IMPROVEMENTS: PRODUCTIVITY Operational Excellence

- Making- Your Future – Stacey Wolfe people.”managing for learned they knowledge and skills the leverage to able still are individuals those and training, Leadership of Essentials in participating been have supervisors and managers line front Electric’s Universal years, “For for eachparticipant. coaching one-on-one and Skills Leadership Essential DDI include to updated been has leadership skills providing training to UEC employees for been many years. In recent has years, the training Connection Catalyst training. providing and employees right the hiring on focus a places team management The employees. more hire and County ton Washingin facility their expand world. to UEC led has products their for demand Increasingthe around and U.S. the across markets industrial and education higher care, center, data the provide flexible power to systems.They solutions bution health retail, Universal Electric Corporation (UEC) is a manufacturer of customizable power distri Universal ElectricCorporation • • two simplethingsexceptionally well: The world’s most successfulmanufacturers getsuperiorbusinessresults by doing employees want to stay. attract themost talented people andthebest organizations regarded asan ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CATALYST CONNECTION floor — by givingthemtoolsforsolvingproblems andleveraging opportunities. They engageandinvest inallemployees —from theexecutive suitetotheshop They buildeffective programs toselect,develop, andretain talent.

Employer ofChoice STRATEGIC SERVICES employer ofchoice Annual Report 2016

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TALENT SELECTING QUALIFIED job, coworkers andemployer. employee feelsabouttheir influencer onhow each employees. It isapowerful that surrounds acompany’s Culture istheenvironment CULTURE IMPROVEMENT Employer ofChoice Development — Organizational your future. — take steps now toprotect person candevastate acompany The suddenlossofakey SUCCESSION PLANNING rate. greatly increase thatsuccess A proper hiringprocess can actually succeedattheirjobs. 30 percent ofnewhires Manufacturers findthatonly

15 CATALYST CONNECTION STRATEGIC SERVICES Annual Report 2016

Business Growth — New Customers ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT BUSINESS GROWTH – New Customers STRATEGIC MARKETING Strategic marketing is the Leadership Development adding new customers is key for a long-term business framework for determining – growth strategy. the services can help with finding, where your company will strong leadership skills among supervisors and attracting and selling to prospects. compete, how you will Organizational managers results in: higher employee morale and differentiate yourself from the Development — competition, how you will Leadership productivity; and lower employee turnover and provide value to your custom- incident reports. T-Tygart Industries, Inc. ers, as well as when and how Catalyst offers leadership you will enter each market to consulting and training using T-Tygart Industries, Inc. provides custom CNC machining, metal fabrication, parts reach customers. Catalyst Connection is an official educational channel partner of Development DDI content and other washing and remanufacturing of industrial equipment and components. In business sources to develop a strategic Dimensions International (DDI). since 1994, T-Tygart operates out of a 25,000 square foot facility in Greene County. SALES PERFORMANCE solution to meet the specific Catalyst Connection’s Neal Rabogliatti worked with T-Tygart to develop and launch Best practice companies that needs and budget of each Butler Technologies, Inc. a new website that is responsive and optimized for Google, with a focus around their have successfully built high manufacturing client. Butler Technologies, Inc. manufactures custom user-interface products and printing unique remanufacturing services. The website now ranks on page one of Google search- performing sales teams excel at: 1) hiring the right people, 16 services, ranging from sequentially numbered label and decal printing to precision es for 11 strategic keyword phrases. T-Tygart is receiving a significant increase in traffic to 17 DDI LEADERSHIP the website with more qualified leads from visitors who complete the contact form. 2) observing, evaluating and MIRROR® FEEDBACK graphic overlay and membrane switch components. From their facility in Butler managing their reps and County, Butler Technologies can provide design and consultative engineering to assist This “look in the mirror” “Neal provided us with extensive insight and advice that focused toward the channel partners, 3) providing provides a unique and customers from concept through production. Nadine Tripodi, President and CEO, manufacturing and industrial customers we wanted to target.” — Jeff Blasinsky, continual product, competition important understanding recognized that her employee, Ross Wells was doing a great job as an Estimator and VP & Operations Manager. and buyer training, 4) develop- of an individual’s strengths that he had potential to take on more responsibility at Butler Technologies with ing sales enablement tools that and growth areas. additional leadership development. Ross signed up for Catalyst Connection’s Emerging are aligned with the buying cycle, and 5) being vigilant Leaders in Manufacturing (ELM) Program, which is facilitated by Catalyst Connec- to avoid disconnections and DDI SUCCESS PROFILES tion’s David Rea and One Step Beyond’s Bryan Fischer. Ross joined an ELM group with inconsistencies that can crop DDI Success Profiles help other professionals in the manufacturing field for two years that focused on skills in up over time. organizations start down the strategy, culture and leading people. The program also included Ross implementing path toward hiring or a leadership project at Butler Technologies. He launched a Core Values initiative at the WEBSITE AND SEO promoting the best people by company, with the guidance of the ELM facilitators and his mentor, Nadine. identifying the characteristics We offer turnkey website that describe the ideal “The ELM Program was great for Ross’ growth and he applied much of what he solutions for manufacturers, candidate for the job. learned at the company. It has prompted good conversations for new ideas and which includes: messaging, programs.” — Nadine Tripodi, President and CEO, Butler Technologies photographs, specifications and other information needed DDI LEADERSHIP CUR- “This program is the best training I ever had. The skills we learned in class were for a website that delivers more RICULUM reinforced in the homework. David Rea was a big help in assisting me with the em- leads. A proper Search Engine DDI Success Profiles help ployee survey as part of my leadership project.” — Ross Wells, Butler Technologies Optimization (SEO) plan organizations start down the improves a website’s ranking path toward hiring or in search engines, thus promoting the best people by increasing company’s visibility identifying the characteristics leading to a pipeline of quali- that describe the ideal fied prospects to drive sales. candidate for the job. VIDEO PRODUCTION EXECUTIVE Videos have become one of the COACHING leading ways companies attract Executive Coaching is a customers on the web. Catalyst highly personalized method Connection can help plan, that strengthens executives’ shoot and edit the production performance by helping them of a professional HD video. identify, organize, and execute Catalyst Connection also helps important work priorities. market videos through online and social platforms to attract qualified prospects. CATALYST CONNECTION STRATEGIC SERVICES Annual Report 2016

BUSINESS GROWTH – New Markets BUSINESS GROWTH – New Products expanding into new markets provides revenue innovation acceleration diversity and the opportunity for significant In today’s global environment where aggressive competition is common, innovation business growth. is perhaps THE driver of long-term success. For companies wanting to develop new offerings that generate revenue and grow market share, sustain and build competitive Alpine Packaging, Inc. advantage, and maintain customer loyalty; innovation is not just important — it’s imperative. Alpine Packaging, Inc. manufactures custom printed labels and printed poly bags for the food, beverage and dairy industries, as well as a variety of industrial sectors including tire manufacturing, mining and safety. With funding assistance through the Innovation BOSS Controls LLC Adoption Grant managed by Innovation Works, Catalyst Connection’s Connie Palucka provided New Product Development assistance to help Alpine develop labels that BOSS Controls LLC is a 2012 start-up company, located in Allegheny County, that incorporate new technology to allow customers to more easily track products after they designs and sells innovative WiFi product solutions (Smart Plugs) to a wide range of are shipped to retail locations. The development and testing of this innovative solution commercial enterprises, universities, school districts and government. BOSS Smart 18 continues as Alpine Packaging is working with one customer, a fortune 500 company, Plugs gives customers control over their Plug Load which in turn, results in remarkable 19 to bring this new label to market in the near future. Catalyst Connection continues to savings upwards of 50%, on their electric bill. Utilizing grant funds, BOSS Controls was help Alpine, not only on this initiative, but also to help them identify market applica- able to upgrade their Atmospheres software technology to create a virtual ecosystem tions for a new digital press that the company purchased to allow them to produce 21st between controllers, sensors, web and mobile interfaces, cloud hosted data and con- century labels. trols logic. Catalyst Connection’s Anna Mancuso, PMP, managed the project with local developer, B-Three Solutions. Catalyst also worked alongside partner, C-Leveled, on the “Catalyst Connection has been an outstanding partner in providing multiple redevelopment of the BOSS website, which includes a new energy savings calculator. resources in the development of our innovative products. Connie and the team were key in meeting our client’s requirements in a timely manner.” — Jan Lehigh, “We were very grateful and pleased to have Catalyst Connection assist us with President of Alpine Packaging, Inc. the software upgrade project and a recent update to our company website. They have deep knowledge about manufacturing and business processes that is help- Business Growth — ful for any company.” — Dan Brailer, Chief Operating Officer at BOSS New Markets

EXPORT COMPLIANCE Exporting provides huge opportunities for companies, but it also adds a degree of risk that could negatively impact shareholder value. A proper compliance program can minimize personal and business risks associated with export regulations.

MARKET DIVERSIFICATION The greatest opportunities for a business to grow often comes from entering into a new market or industry.

MARKET ASSESSMENT AND FORECASTING Analysis of a new market is critical prior to investing time and resources for a growing business. CATALYST CONNECTION STRATEGIC SERVICES Annual Report 2016

Operational Excellence • AS9100 (Aerospace) IMPROVEMENT KATA A universal means of develop- • ISO 9001:2015 ing solutions in any situation OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE — — Quality Improvements (Quality Management is the best way to prepare for Principles) the challenges ahead. operational excellence consulting services help operational excellence achieved through quality • ISO 13485 manufacture products and services more effectively improvements reduces product defects and increases (Medical Device) LEAN MANUFACTURING through productivity, quality and process customer satisfaction. • ISO/TS 16949:2009 These tools include a improvements. (Automotive) cultural readiness survey, lean Companies that achieve and maintain high quality standards consistently outperform assessment, high level value their competition and grow their sales. Quality certifications are available specific • ISO 14001 stream map and a review of Today’s manufacturers are already operating at a high level of performance. Each to the industry in which a company works. These certifications are recognized as the (Environmental) key performance indicators incremental improvement in quality or cost savings can have a significant impact on as they relate to the strategic profitability and competitive advantage. measure of a manufacturer’s excellence in quality systems. Many large corporate buyers • OSHAS 18001 vision of the company. require their suppliers to maintain current certifications. Manufacturers who are (Occupational Health and From there, we can help certified have a greater opportunity to gain new sales and attract new buyers. Catalyst Safety Management) design the best approach to Quality Mould, Inc. Connection supports quality systems with — (right column) deploying the lean tools • Quality Systems Audit across the enterprise. Quality Mould, Inc. manufactures a wide variety of products out of traditional and 20 modern materials in Westmoreland County. They were seeking to expand into new Conspec Controls, Inc. 21 customer markets which would require larger manufacturing facilities and additional SIX SIGMA Conspec Controls, Inc., located in Washington County, manufactures affordable and METHODOLOGY machinery and equipment to accommodate this goal. Catalyst Connection’s Eric robust gas sensors, detectors, and systems for numerous industries in a variety of A disciplined, data-driven MacDonald facilitated a session with Quality Mould management and staff to docu- ment the process flow for the new 33,000 square foot Eastpointe facility. They used diverse applications for the power generation, oil and gas, industrial, and HVAC mar- approach for eliminating kets. Conspec wanted to become ISO 9001:2008 certified to meet the requirements of defects in any process. lean techniques to maximize the value-added flow of materials and to minimize travel distances. Customized training and coaching was delivered to the staff to provide a solid current and new customers. Craig Wilson, Catalyst Connection Consultant, provided assistance in developing a Quality Management System that is compliant to the SUPPLY CHAIN foundation in basic lean principles and 5S, including hands-on experience with a focus OPTIMIZATION on improving visual controls across the facility. ISO 9001 standard. He assisted Conspec staff with ISO quality management system development, documentation, and implementation efforts that ultimately led to the Improve the movement “Catalyst Connection helped us completely re-think and re-arrange our man- company’s goal of ISO certification. of product from suppliers to ufacturing process. Since learning lean manufacturing techniques, we stream- customers that leads to lined all of our equipment, avoided costly mistakes, and are well-prepared to “Craig Wilson shared his expertise in preparing Conspec for ISO Certification. reduced costs, improved We finished our certification audit and I believe whole-heartedly it couldn’t have quality and shortened lead launch efforts to new markets. We are very pleased to have Catalyst be part of our manufacturing processes.” — DJ Danko, President of Quality Mould, Inc. been accomplished without his guidance. We have seen returns in increased timess now to protect production and cost savings. Our documentation process has been standardized your future. which allows assemblers and technicians to immediately locate work/test in- structions. Also our non-conformance procedure has directly lowered our war- SAFETY PROGRAMS ranty replacements and repairs.” — Ben Cope, Inside Sales / Sales Support Manager. Assist manufacturers to meet compliance requirements from government agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

TRAINING WITHIN INDUSTRY (TWI) TWI consists of standardized programs addressing the essential skills needed by supervisors, team leaders, and anyone indirectly leading others.

ERP SELECTION An advanced computing driven transformation in the manufacturing sector is inevitable. CATALYST CONNECTION STRATEGIC SERVICES Annual Report 2016

FINANCIAL SERVICES the right financing solution will become the foundation of business expansion and growth.

We help manufacturers with their financial objectives by: • Identifying the most appropriate resources and options • Verifying eligibility for funding from a variety of public and private sources • Customizing both public/private and commercial loan packages • Applying for state and federal assistance through programs operated by the Industrial Development Authority, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Finance Authority, the Small Business Administration, and Small Business First • Connecting with leaders in the banking, leasing, accounting, insurance, 22 investment, legal and real estate sectors who can provide specialized, expert 23 counsel

Glassautomatic / Rolf Glass Glassautomatic is a glass cutting and engraving company that sells tabletop giftware and personalized gifts under the Rolf Glass name. They are located in Westmoreland County in the historic glass-making town of Mount Pleasant. In 2015, Glassautomatic worked with Art Tintori, Catalyst Connection’s Managing Director, Finance, to purchase additional equipment so they can expand production of the glass items. “Engraving glass vessels is a very old craft. The work, when done manually, is very labor intensive. We have been successful by applying modern production methods. Catalyst Connection staff understands technology, we enjoyed their support for many years.” — Rolf Poeting, President, Glassautomatic CATALYST CONNECTION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Annual Report 2016

BOARD OF DIRECTORS do you want your business to grow profitably and in a sustained manner? then catalyst connection can help. they have assisted hundreds of local manufacturers — including dmi companies. as a customer and board chair, i see firsthand the dedication and pride of the catalyst connection team. join us and see for yourself. Ray Yeager, President & CEO, DMI Companies, Inc.

Executive Committee

RAYMOND M. YEAGER DAVID L. BONVENUTO CRAIG S. HERYFORD NICOLAS GLORIEUX 24 chairperson vice chairperson secretary treasurer 25 dmi companies, inc. oberg industries, inc. buchanan ingersoll baker tilly & rooney pc virchow krause, llp

front row: left to right — Joel Ross, Universal Electric Corporation; Lori Albright, Stellar Precision Components; Jeffrey Kelly, Hamill Manufacturing Company; Raymond Yeager, DMI Companies, Inc.; Patrick Gerity, Westmoreland County Community College; Jason Rigone, Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation; Judy Wojanis, Wojanis Supply Co., Inc.

back row: left to right — Linda Froehlich, Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc.; Gregory Boyer, S&T Bank; David Ruppersberger, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance; Thomas Polacek, JWF Industries; Nicolas Glorieux, Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP; Lawrence Barger, BDO USA, LLP; Dave Sweet, MECCO Marking and Traceability; Trevor Dunthorne, MCC International, Inc; Craig Heryford, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

not pictured — Vicki Barbur, Independent Consultant; David Bonvenuto, Oberg Industries, Inc.; Peter Ferraro, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP; Nadine Tripodi, Butler Technologies, Inc. CATALYST CONNECTION STAFF AND CLIENTS Annual Report 2016

STAFF CLIENT LIST

catalyst connection has developed an outstanding reputation as the go- Accudie Inc. CMC Impact Metals Irwin Automation, Inc. Proceq USA, Inc. to source for professional expertise for companies that are serious about AccuTrex Products, Inc. Cygnus Manufacturing Company ITI Trailers and Truck Bodies, Inc. Process Instruments, Inc. improving their productivity, increasing revenue growth, and developing Ace Wire Spring & Form Co., Inc. Community Products Jadco Mfg., Inc. Product Evaluation Systems employee skills. Acuity Finishing Compunetics, Inc. James Austin Co. ProMinent Fluid Controls, Inc. Ed Wagner, Regional Director, Catalyst Connection Acutran Conspec Controls, Inc. Jatco Machine & Tool Co., Inc. PTC Alliance, North America Adams Manufacturing Corp. Control Analytics, Inc. Jeannette Specialty Glass, Inc. Q-Cast, Inc. Advantech US, Inc. CP Industries Johnson Matthey Quality Mould, Inc. top row: left to right — Aero Tech Designs, Inc. Creekside Springs, LLC JWF Industries Quintech Electronics and Communications Inc. (QEC) Petra Mitchell, Matt Holjes, Bob Dopico, Allison Marsiglio, Eric MacDonald, Neal Rabogliatti, Allison Moux, Scott Dietz, Aerotech, Inc. Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Kencove Farm Fence Supplies Ed Wagner, Jim Marsilio, Craig Wilson Corporation R & D Coatings, Inc. Affival, Inc. Kerotest Manufacturing Corp. Custom Fab Trailers, Inc. RE2, Inc. bottom row: left to right — All-Clad Metalcrafters, LLC Kongsberg Protech Systems USA Dawar Technologies Corporation Rearick Tooling Tom Reed, Pauline Yankes, Art Tintori, Tim Clark, Jeanne Straw, David Rea, Mara Connelly, Anna Mancuso, Connie Paluc- Allegheny Millwork ka, Cindy Connelly Diamond Wire Spring Company Kopp Glass, Inc. Renerge, Inc. 26 Allegheny Performance Plastics, Inc. 27 Du-Co Ceramics Company Koppers, Inc. Richardson Cooling Packages, LLC Allegra Pittsburgh/Image 360 Ductmate Industries, Inc. Kurt J Lesker Company Rose Plastic USA LP Aloma Shim & Manufacturing Dynamet, Inc. L&S Machine Company S&W Wire Company Alpine Packaging, Inc. E.A. Fischione Instruments, Inc. L. B. Foster Company Sarris Candies Angstrom Sciences, Inc. EH Schwab Company Langeloth Metallurgical Co. Schaffner Manufacturing Company Applied Test Systems, Inc. Energi Fenestration Solutions Lingis Manufacturing & Machine Co. Schroeder Industries Aquatech International Corp. Ensinger, Inc. Lockheed-Martin Aeroparts, Inc. Seegrid Corporation Aquion Energy, Inc. Ervin Industries Magee Plastics Company Somerset Welding & Steel, Inc. ARDEX Engineered Cements eV Products MCC International, Inc. Specialty Tires of America, Inc. Arkwood Products, Inc. Everything Ice McConway & Torley, LLC Standard Horse Nail Corporation ATI Flat Rolled Products Evive Station McDanel Advanced Ceramics Stellar Precision Components Atomized Materials Co., Inc. Technologies ExOne The Conair Group AUMA Actuators, Inc. MECCO Marking and Traceability Ezeflow USA Flowline Division The Techs AvinED Technical Furnishings, Inc. Medart, Inc. Filmtronics, Inc. Thermal Transfer Corporation Bacharach, Inc. Mesta Electronics Inc ForeFront Engineering & Design, Inc. threeRivers 3D, Inc. Bearing Service Company Mitsubishi Electric Power ForeFront Product Design, LLC TIGG LLC Beaver Steel Services, Inc. Products, Inc. Forum Lighting TMK IPSCO Hot Mill Berkley Medical Resources Natural Concrete Products FPD Company TMK IPSCO Melt Shop Berner International Corp. Nord-Lock, Inc. FS-Elliott Company, LLC TruFood Mfg Bolsan Company, Inc. Oberg Industries, Inc. General Carbide Corporation T-Tygart Industries Inc Boss Controls OEM Shades, Inc. Glassautomatic Tudi Mechanical Systems Bunting Graphics, Inc. Omnicell Global SFC Valve Corporation U.S. Corrugated, Inc. Butler Technologies, Inc. O’Neal Manufacturing Services H&W Global Industries, Inc. U.S. Liner Company Butler Winding Company Online Stores, LLC Haemonetics Corp. Uncle Jimmys Brand Products, LLC C.U.E., Inc. Painter Tool, Inc. Hamill Manufacturing Company United Welding & Fabrication, Inc. c3controls Penn Machine Company HarbisonWalker International, Inc. Universal Electric Corporation Cadence Pennatronics Corporation Homer City Automation, Inc. Versatex Building Products, LLC Cannon Boiler Works, Inc. Pennsylvania Transformer Hormann Flexon LLC Technology VSMPO-Tirus US Carpenter Powder Products Hranec Sheet Metal, Inc. Perryman Company Wabtec Corporation Caterpillar Global Mining Hussey Copper, Ltd. PIAD Precision Casting Corporation Waters Technologies Corporation Center Rock, Inc. Ideal Aerosmith Pittsburgh Air Systems Wheeler Bros., Inc. Chelsea Building Products IGS Industries Pittsburgh Plastics Manufacturing WindStax, Inc. Chick Machine Industrial Scientific Corporation Pleiger Plastics Co. Wojanis Supply Co., Inc. Cleaveland/Price, Inc. IngMar Medical, Ltd. Precision Kidd Steel Co., Inc. ZOLL Medical Corporation Intervala LLC Zoresco Equipment Company

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Above: This book was manufactured by Acuity Finishing. They are a local manufacturing facility that Catalyst Connection is proud to also identify as a client.

Catalyst Connection is a private not-for-profit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsyl- vania. We provide consulting and training services to small manufacturers in southwestern Penn- sylvania, accelerating revenue growth and improved productivity. Through active collaboration with our clients and the manufacturing community at large, we contribute to the growth, vibrancy, and ongoing robustness of manufacturing in our region. Catalyst Connection is supported, in part, by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development, and by the National Institute of Standards and Technol- ogy’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

a NIST | Network 2000 Technology Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3110 MEP | Affiliate phone: 412.918.4300 fax: 412.687.2791 toll free: 1.888.887.7472

A Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center

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