Wisconsin ultra-high-precision shop expands, only reinvests in the best machinery - Today's Medical Developments

Oct 26, 2024

Elizabeth Engler Modic, Editorial Director - Manufacturing Group

In today’s world of manufacturing, establishing a niche and maximizing processes are invaluable advantages. Having the right equipment to do so, that’s a challenge Owen’s Industries tackled head on – most recently purchasing two additional HERMLE Performance Line C 400 milling machines. The recent purchases are the third and fourth C 400 machines Owens acquired within the last two years, which brings their total HERMLE investment to eight machines. Owens began operations in 1944. Since the 1980s, the Company, located in Oak Creek, WI, has provided superior CNC precision machining services, producing custom parts of any complexity. Proudly offering customers ultra-high-end machining services, the Company looked to HERMLE for what Owens’ vice president Mark Plesnik said is an investment in the best equipment possible. “Looking at HERMLE, doing some research on it, talking to some other people – it became very obvious to me that was one of the best machines out there,” said Plesnik. According to Plesnik, Owens serves primarily the aerospace industry, along with defense, medical, commercial, high-end analytical equipment, energy, and others. As components evolved into smaller and more intricate sizes, Owens utilized the HERMLE machines to continue stepping up and exceeding customer expectations. HERMLE USA’s regional sales manager, Cullen Morrison, said Owens is a perfect fit for HERMLE machines because of the demand for high precision and tight tolerances. “The continued investment in HERMLE machines is really going to help keep them at the top,” said Morrison. “The HERMLE is just a really good fit for what they do, and Owens is a really good fit for the machines.” All HERMLE machines are designed and manufactured at the global headquarters in Gosheim, Germany, and then shipped to customers throughout the world. Plesnik revisited the progression of HERMLE investments, mentioning the continued advancements of rigidity and capabilities to hold the tightest tolerances on a wide variety of materials – including titanium, high nickel alloy and aluminum. “I can’t imagine trying to work with a different kind of machine tool anymore,” said Plesnik. “We’ve had several [other] machine tool guys come in… the best they can do is claim they’re as good as a HEMRLE. So, I think that says a lot.” In addition to the outstanding quality of the machines, Plesnik mentioned the unparalleled service HERMLE provides – especially for maintenance and repairs. “HERMLE is everything you’d expect it to be from a German company – very high-class,” said Plesnik. “For a simultaneous 5 axis center, it’s very low maintenance. The HERMLE team, in general, has been phenomenal.” Harnessing the power of a highly skilled team, combined with the outstanding capabilities of 5 axis machining technology, Owens is well-positioned as an industry-leader today and for the foreseeable future. “It’ll be really interesting to see what the next three, four or five years hold for Owens,” said Morrison. “And we’re really excited to be a part of that journey.”