Published: April 15, 2008 10:28 am      

Manufacturing exec expects technological advances to boost industry

The United States got to where it is by making things.

While many communities have been ravaged by declining manufacturing and staggering job losses, Matt Wilks is directing his United Industrial Electro-Mechanical Services in a direction that bodes well for the future.

The downturn of manufacturing has swiftly accelerated since the beginning of 2000, yet Wilks founded his company in 2003 after returning from working at U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh.

“The biggest misconception that people have with domestic manufacturing compared to imports is cost and quality,” Wilks said. “I know we have a very talented and dedicated work force in western Pennsylvania who strive for excellence and to allow our quality to be second to no one.”

Wilks, who serves as president and chief executive officer, expects technological changes to boost his growing metal fabricating business, which is located in the old Shell Plant at 163 Cramer Pike in West Taylor Township.

“This business is changing every day with new techniques and new methods of processing, such as robotic welding and cutting,” he said. “We are currently utilizing advanced CNC (computer numerical control) processing and are evaluating robotics.”

United Industrial makes a variety of outriggers, frames and turrets for cranes in its original equipment manufacturing (OEM) division. These weigh anywhere from 500 pounds to 4,000 pounds. In its structural division, the company processes weldments that can weigh up to 40,000 pounds.

The company has grown from two employees in 2003 to its current work force of 70.

“We have a variety of job positions from engineering and welding to material handlers and laborers,” Wilks said. “Of course, some positions require specialized training prior to employment, but we do train some of our job positions.”

Employees use plasma and oxygen-fuel cutters; CNC forming, drilling and sawing; machining; automated welding; and blasting/finishing equipment.

“The plasma cutter is a critical piece of equipment, which is the starting point of our manufacturing process,” Wilks said. “It would certainly slow things if we didn’t have the capability, but we could move on short-term by outsourcing.”

The plant’s major customers are crane manufacturers, cement works and transportation companies.

To remain competitive, United Industrial just expanded into the structural steel market and recently purchased a computer- operated drill line and horizontal band saw. The company also is in the process of renovating its front offices.

Currently, all of the company’s product is shipped by truck, but Wilks is looking at rehabilitating the plant’s rail service, which would generate additional work not available by trucking methods.

Wilks prides himself on his company’s ability to adapt to customers’ needs.

“One of our biggest strengths is our ability to change quickly and stay nimble,” he said. “We can adjust to changes in our customers’ short-term requirements, which is what sells this business and our company. We provide them with efficiency, quality and delivery.”

United Industrial also provides electrical and mechanical maintenance services to local and regional manufacturing businesses. The company is currently doing business in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

“We currently don’t have any international sales, but we are actively evaluating the global market,” Wilks said.

His strategy is working, as sales revenues have grown from $1.5 million in 2006 to $7 million in 2007.