Take a look around - everything that is not growing, or is not
a part of nature, has been made by someone.
Most of us take for granted the manufactured goods that we use
every day, but someone, somewhere, has figured out a way to produce
those goods in an efficient manner, which makes them affordable
to the consumer. This process took root largely during the Industrial
Revolution in the mid 1800’s.
The drive to develop a “Better Mousetrap” never stops,
as Inventors constantly strive to make goods that are a benefit
to society and Engineers are charged with the task of improving
products and the methods used to produce them.
Component Tool & Manufacturing serves the needs of a wide variety
of industries which produce anything from Food Packaging, Medical
Supplies, Building Products, Heavy Equipment, Rail, Automotive and
High Tech Equipment.
The Tooling used to produce a product, or parts within a given product,
are the factors that directly affect the quality and success of
everything that is manufactured.
Combining the craftsmanship of our Employees and using the latest
in Manufacturing Technology, Component Tool has established a reputation
with our customers, where they know we will hold to their standards,
or better.
Getting to this point has taken over 25 years of dedicated effort
(hard work) by our crew, and gradual growth when possible.
Founded by Crete residents Tim and Kathy Piepenbrink in 1982, it
took several years of working two jobs to get the shop properly
equipped and develop a suitable customer base, before taking the
plunge at going full time.
The project that made that plunge necessary was assisting one of
our customers in obtaining a contract to make thermoformed Salad
Trays for McDonalds.
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Taking a few steps back, before starting a business, there were
several influences that contributed to Piepenbrink’s notion
to get into this field of work, and the commitment it required:
“I can only remember my Dad missing 1 day of work in his entire
career, and the dedication that he had to his job”. He also
gave me motivation to think things through, and always do the best
that I could.
A couple of enlightening experiences were working at Empire Pattern
Works for my neighbor Eldon Worn, learning Blue Print Reading, Drafting,
and Math. I was also was able to see some true Craftsmen plying
their trade – quite an experience for a youngster just out
of high school.
Another valuable experience that probably triggered an entrepreneurial
interest, was working at Bernard Welding Equipment Company in Beecher.
Founder Art Bernard had invented the MIG Welding process, which
revolutionized the welding industry. Mr. Bernard not only invented
the process, but he manufactured his raw idea, developed it into
a world class product, continued to make improvements, and took
it to market throughout the world.
“I was fortunate to get good experience in a few other shops,
and also attended Washburn Trade School and Prairie State College
prior to striking out on my own.”
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Component Tool has developed from a one man shop, to a group of
dedicated Craftsmen. A close-knit team, most of our Machinists and
Tool Makers have learned their trade while employed at Component
Tool. On the job experience, and attending school at Prairie State
has been the path for their training, but most importantly, they
have worked together and helped each other learn the intricacies
of our trade – we hand what we have learned down to the next
person, just as it was handed to us.
While we have had many interesting projects over the years, our
biggest accomplishment has been making the transition from manual
machining into the world of CNC Machining. Technology over the past
30 years has integrated the use of Computers into all aspects of
manufacturing. Computer driven Machine Tools and CAD Drafting have
greatly improved the accuracy and quality of the goods made. The
Machines themselves are able to dramatically out-perform machines
of the past – easily at a rate of 10 to 1.
It still takes people to make all these things happen. The terrific
machinery of today is only secondary to the skills and abilities
of the people that run them.
It was mentioned earlier that Component Tool combines Craftsmanship
along with the latest Technology. Sometimes those two words don’t
fit side by side.
“In our “Job Shop” environment, where we are required
to serve a very diverse customer base, the knowledge and skill that
our “Craftsmen” feed into the machine tool controls
will produce a most remarkable product………..”
Just take a look around!
