Baker Manufacturing, Inc., is an employee and customer focused business committed to being an industry leader in quality of products, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction. It has been in Pierce County since 1970 when Dave Baker founded the aerospace machine shop to become a Tier 2 supplier for The Boeing Company. Much has happened since those doors opened.
Now, 46 years later under the leadership of Tony and Lori Baker, the company and its dozen skilled employees have branched out from the heavy aerospace concentration to make pumps for the mining and drilling industry and parts for the maritime industry, including Washington State ferries. In addition, the company is marketing the existing product line in new ways. Parts often require additional pieces for installation, such as bolts, nuts and gaskets, etc. and the company is packaging these together into “kits” for ease of use by customers.
The road has not been free of obstacles. From a peak of 20 employees to a low of four employees during the recent recession, the company is now operating where Tony wants it. Although fewer employees now than during its peak, the firm is realizing greater sales and profit volumes. Tony credits his excellent staff and the skills they possess. He is especially complimentary of the training support provided by the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC). After finding employees that are the “right fit,” the company will invest up to $4,000 in each of them to provide the skills needed to keep the firm operating at the current sustainable level.
The investment in employees is coupled with investments in new equipment. Bringing on line 3D printers and a horizontal milling center, Baker Manufacturing will continue to be a leader in the field. Robots, too, will find a place on the shop floor as these demonstrate the flexibility and consistency required in this dynamic environment.
Known for its agility, quality and on-time delivery, the company provides inspection services, reverse engineering, tool design and set-up, and time analysis improvement studies for an increasing customer base in energy, bionics, medical and construction industries as well as aerospace and marine sectors. A key person responsible for the successes that have landed new and exciting accounts for the company is Vice President, Dan Shelton. Dan started with the company three years ago and has brought project management expertise as well as marketing and outside sales skills to the position. His energy and dedication is a perfect fit for the type of company Baker Manufacturing is and will be as it moves forward.
If the current trend line continues, the need for a larger space will necessitate a move. The search is on for a new facility closer to home for the owners but not so far that the employees will have a difficult commute. Pierce County continues to be attractive as a place to have a business and continues to be an option for a new site. Our community is stronger for having this dynamic and progressive firm in our County and in the Boeing supply chain.
To learn more about Baker Manufacturing, Inc., visit its website at www.bakermfginc.com. Contact Hans Kueck at 253.798.2335 or [email protected] to find out more about our business retention services.
www.piercecountywa.org/edd