Atlas is not sitting idle while manufacturing costs escalate. With this adversity comes creativity and change. A metal fabricator has three inputs into the process: material, human labor, and machine time. We see material continuing to increase and it has not plateaued yet. Human labor is pressuring for increased wages and benefits which add to the pricing pressure. But, our customers want costs to be contained and stable prices. To help combat the rising costs of material and labor, speed is our ally. Humans augmented with collaborative robots like Baxter and industrial robots help with labor costs. We currently utilize both technologies and carefully plan more implementation in 2018.
 
   
 
Investing in the machines that make the parts seems to be one input that can control costs. Over the last several years, Atlas has aggressively invested in automated Trumpf punching technology in both facilities, now boasting 4 Trumpf punch systems, three of them fully automated. This technology is the fastest punching technology in the world. The only variable we can control is to build the parts faster so that the machine run time costs less.
 
Once again, we are embarking on change by installing a 4kw fiber laser. With cut speeds up to 5x faster than CO2 technology, we plan to use this tool to help combat rising costs. The software to nest parts on the flat sheet is also key to minimizing scrap and obtaining maximum sheet density. We are also implementing Radan nesting software on the laser and punches so that our engineers can get the best sheet utilization possible.
We are diligently investing in technology to control production costs and combat the tariff increase.
 

 
We would like to congratulate Mark Jackels on his 40th work anniversary here at Atlas!
 
Mark started his journey at Atlas on April 24th, 1978. Over the last four decades, Mark has held several job titles including Machine Operator, Production Lead, Union Steward, Sales Estimator, Plant Manager and currently as our Senior Sales Engineer.
 
Please help us in congratulating Mark on a tremendous accomplishment!
 

 
Join us Saturday, April 28th for the 4th Annual SpringFest 5k and Fun Mile at 10:00 AM! We are thrilled to be one of the sponsors this year! This family fun event is located at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds with proceeds benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley and the Chippewa Area Mentor Program. Other activities during the weekend event include the Kubb Championship, Chris Clark Bike Thrill Show, ATV Big Air Tour, and the Classic Car Show. Outdoor music and delicious food is also available. Learn more about SpringFest activities here!
 
 

Record sales for the month of March is a reason to celebrate! Our amazing team worked hard to provide excellent customer service and products to all our clients and we are grateful to see increased sales as a result! We celebrated in silver service style at our plant with delicious food and drinks. A few unique dishes we enjoyed included stuffed pork loin with spinach and garlic, chicken marsala, roasted potatoes, and of course, a cupcake tower. Needless to say, we devoured the cupcakes in celebratory style. Thank you to all our clients and team members who helped us reach a new record!