At Tool Gauge, we have a long-term commitment to producing top quality products with the highest manufacturing standards for the aerospace industry and in other sectors.

In the midst of the novel Coronavirus, we are continuing our daily operations with the safety and wellness of our employees, customers, and community in mind. We will continue to produce plastic and metal parts and assemblies and have the capacity to meet any additional orders that may aid the medical plastic(s) and parts demand related to the coronavirus outbreak.

If your organization has questions about our plastic injection molding or CNC machining capabilities, please contact us today or refer to our Plastics and Metals Parts and Assemblies pages for more information.

The post COVID-19 Relief: Manufacturing Capabilities appeared first on Tool Gauge.

September proved to be one of the busier months with the remaining plastics departments moving from the old PMP building to the facility. Mold maintenance, CNC, and quality moved in the middle of the month, followed by the tool room and plastic injection molders.

With the help of Checkmate Industries, the plastic injection molders were moved swiftly to the new facility in just three days. Molders were then reconnected and calibrated to keep up with production schedules and to prepare for Boeing’s BAC5231 recertification.

Due to delays with a demolition permit, demo day was pushed back from early to mid-November but that didn’t slow Dickson Company from tearing down our old plastics building in less than a week. The final wall came down, marking the end of an era and the start of phase 2 construction with Washington Patriot Construction.

Construction began early December with site grading in preparation for footing and stem wall excavation, and footing forms installation.

Upcoming construction activities include concrete footing placement with 100+ yards of concrete being poured starting Dec. 13^th, stem wall form and rebar installation, underground plumbing and electrical installation, and slab on grade in early January.

Substantial completion of the Tool Gauge expansion project is scheduled for May 11, 2020 with an open house scheduled in June.

When completed, Phase 2 of the expansion project will include an industry leading paint line, QA lab, training and lunchroom area, employee lockers and restrooms, offices and facility lobby. Other important expansion details include:

• •An additional 80,000 sq. ft. in our plastics division
• •Expansion of our plastics press size range
• •Broadened secondary operations, improving flow and ergonomic assembly
• •Installation of a state-of-the-art vertical paint system
• •New research and development center
• •Implementation of multiple collaborative robots (cobots)
• •An additional 2,000 sq. ft. for CNC machines and equipment within our metals division

If you’ve been keeping up with our social media outlets and blog posts, you may have noticed we’ve already started taking action on expanding our plastic presses and evaluating new technology for the factory floor.

We’ve received one of our five new plastic injection molders, a bright green Engel 1250 equipped with a Viper 50 robot. Once up and running, this machine will be molding interior parts for Boeing’s 777x and 737 aircrafts. In the next coming week, we will be receiving four additional Engel 85-340 ton molders for the plastics factory floor.

Management and engineering teams have also evaluated new types cobots for the plastics division, including an autonomous mobile robot (amr) from Mobile Industrial Robots (Mir). Olympus Controls visited Tool Gauge in late November to demonstrate their MiR500, which is a prime candidate to autonomously transport material and finished goods from various departments in the new facility. Both teams will continue to evaluate MiR as they review proof of concepts and ROI before purchasing a model. Click here for more information on our automation strategy with MiR robots.

We invite you to follow along with the last leg of our expansion journey by watching our 24 hour Workzone Cam and on our social media handles.

The post Facility Expansion Update – Winter 2019 appeared first on Tool Gauge.

I was born and raised in Spanaway, Washington and I’ve been with Tool Gauge full-time for three and a half years now.

You’re currently in the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC) adult apprenticeship program with a focus on Tool and Die, what interested you most about this type of apprenticeship and career path? When did you decide to join?

The Tool and Die apprenticeship attracted me because I really like working with the manual machines like the lathes, mills, and grinders. I find it interesting how a simple block of material can be turned into a very complex part with very tight tolerances – a challenge of sorts that keeps your mind . It’s very hands on instead of letting the machine run the program after pushing a few buttons.

After about two years of working at Tool Gauge, I decided it was better for me to join the apprenticeship program to learn more skill for the trade instead of only relying on, on-the-job training to advance my career.

How long is the apprenticeship and what are your plans after graduating?

In total, the apprenticeship is five years with 15 classes total. I’m currently almost done with my first year of the apprenticeship. After graduating, I plan to continue working at Tool Gauge and hopefully working on more complex jobs around the shop.

Tell us what a typical day looks like for you as an adult apprentice and what type of classes you’re currently enrolled in.

My work schedule is typically from 6:00 am – 4:30 pm then I head to class from 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Classes are one day a week depending on professor availability – this quarter, classes are on Wednesdays. When I don’t have class, I usually head to the gym and get some homework done before falling asleep. As far as classes, I’ve already taken Shop Algebra and Blue Print Reading. I’m on my third class of the program which is Shop Geometry. We’re learning the basics of geometry and how to incorporate it into our typical work day.

Your dad works at Tool Gauge, has he been a mentor during your apprenticeship?

He has been a huge influence with my decision making. Working with my father goes pretty smoothly most of the time. He treats me just like another employee when we’re at work. It’s nice to have him as a boss because I’ve learned the value of taking my time on jobs to make sure what I’m doing is correct and precise. He is always trying to show me different ways to use machines or tools, “try using this, this way” or “maybe this would be more comfortable using it like this.” Him along with all the other guys in our department are very knowledgeable and can help with any questions I have.

Would you recommend an adult apprenticeship with AJAC?

I definitely would recommend joining an apprenticeship program. It’s a great program to learn about all the little things that go into the trade like knowing what type of metals you’re working with, how to program a machine, and even how to use basic math in everyday work.

The post Meet Tool Gauge Apprentice, Travis Gibson appeared first on Tool Gauge.

Nearly 100 students representing 12 school districts across Washington State, came together June 28^th, to celebrate Signing Day 2019 with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAC), hiring employers, family and friends. Signing Day marks the first day of the students apprenticeships as they embark on an opportunity to develop and advance their technical skills and work experiences within their chosen industry.

In an NFL draft-like ceremony, hiring employers and youth apprentices signed letters of intent proclaiming their commitment to start and finish their apprenticeship before high school graduation. During their apprenticeship, students will receive 2,000 hours of paid-on-the-job training and valuable work experience in their chosen field including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, automotive, and culinary.

During the ceremony, Clint Folyer (Metals Operation Manager) and Stephen Pyne (Metals Shop Foreman) signed on three new apprentices for the metals division. Jacqueline Espinoza and Ilia Andruh from the Tacoma School District will focus their training as production technicians and Gavin Robinson from the Puyallup School District will be training as an automation technician. Apprentices will be working with supervisors and fellow machinists on 3 axis CNC machines, tool and die maintenance, among other types of training. 

Recap: View photos and videos from the AJAC 2019 Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day Ceremony on their Flickr page and on YouTube.

About the AJAC Youth Apprenticeship Program: AJAC currently operates two registered Youth Apprenticeship programs for youth. Both the Production Technician (Youth) and Automation Technician (Youth) are 2,000 hour programs designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in the aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. These apprenticeship programs combine paid on-the-job training at an AJAC employer and college-level classroom instruction which can lead to a high school diploma, journey-level card and short-term college certificate.

The post 2019 Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day appeared first on Tool Gauge.

Tool Gauge apprentice, Raquel Taijito, is one of the 79 graduates who will receive her journey-level credential as a Production Technician. Not only is she receiving her credentials at tonight’s ceremony, but she be receiving her high school diploma from Stadium High School in Tacoma, Wash.

Raquel was hired through a partnership with Tool Gauge and AJAC as a registered Youth Apprentice.

“Raquel displayed a genuine interest in working for Tool Gauge during the interview process,” said Clint Folyer, Metals Operations Manager. “She carried herself very well and answered my questions with mature, though-out answers.  She showed all the right qualities that we look for in an employee.”

During her sophomore year, Raquel’s mom and high school engineering teacher encouraged her to enroll in AJAC’s Youth apprenticeship program as a Production Technician.

“I knew I liked to build things. When I was a little girl I used to love to play with Legos and it would be all these funky designs, but I remember just enjoying building and designing my own stuff,” Taijito said.

The Youth Apprenticeship program is designed for high school juniors and seniors to develop career-ready skills in aerospace and advanced manufacturing industries. The 2,000-hour programs combine paid hands on, on-the-job training with an AJAC employer alongside college level classroom instructions which can lead to a high school diploma, journey-level credential and short-term college certificate.

“The AJAC program helps close the skill gap between experienced workers leaving the workforce and the rate at which new talent is trained so that companies are never without the talent that makes them successful,” Folyer said.

As the school year comes to a close, Raquel is looking forward to keeping up her skills with a full-time job at Tool Gauge. In fall of 2019, she will enroll as a freshman at St. Martins University with a goal to pursue an aeronautical engineering degree.

“My dream is not actually owning a shop,” Taijito said. “But it’s being a part of a company where I can design aerospace parts – something that deals with NASA or satellites. That’s my ultimate goal.”

Congratulations to Raquel and the rest of the AJAC class of 2019!

The post AJAC Grad Night at the Museum of Flight appeared first on Tool Gauge.

AIX is an annual event showcasing cabin interiors, in-flight entertainment, connectivity, passenger experience, and passenger services and will draw more than 16,000 industry attendees from 103 countries, 1,000 airline buyers representing 268 carriers, and featuring more than 550 exhibitors. Senior buyers, CEOs, fleet managers and other decision makers will be onsite to inform attendees about the latest aerospace products and services, from cockpit doors, galleys and lighting to fasteners, overhead storage, and seating.

If you’re attending the expo, please stop by and visit the Tool Gauge booth to discuss your plastic and metal assembly needs. To schedule an appointment in advance, please email Jim Lee, General Manager, or call +1.253.473.2740.

We look forward to speaking with you!

The post See You Soon at AIX 2019 in Hamburg, Germany! appeared first on Tool Gauge.

• • An additional 80,000 sq. ft. in our plastics division
• • Expansion of our plastics press size range
• • Broadening of our secondary operations to improve flow and ergonomic assembly
• • Installation of a new, state-of-the-art vertical paint system
• • An additional 2,000 sq. ft. for CNC equipment within our metals division
• • Implementation of multiple collaborative robots (cobots)

Once our new facility is complete, we expect to create between 100 and 150 new jobs over the next five years for the Tacoma-Pierce County region. We will grow from 135 employees currently to approximately 235 by 2024, adding full-time, apprenticeship, and internship positions in machining, molding, assembly, and engineering.

Just like many businesses going through such an extensive company expansion, we have learned a few lessons along the way, including:

• • We visited other local peer aerospace companies to verify best practices.
• • We found out that plans take longer than projected.
• • We learned to not delay – we need to hire now for the future.
• • We need to continuously think automation and LEAN practices.
• • We created new benefits package to attract new talent.
• • We implemented key performance indicators (KPIs) measuring safety, quality, delivery, cost, and training – measure, report, share in Plastics and Metals Operations, Tool Maintenance, and Secondary Operations.
• • We immediately integrated change into our evolving culture.

Estimated expansion timeline

• • June 2019: Phase 1 of construction complete
• • Late 2019: Phase 2 of construction complete
• • Fall 2019: Inauguration of new manufacturing facility

Follow live expansion updates

We invite you to follow our construction progress on our live workzone cam at https://bit.ly/2NpvscM.

To discuss your plastic and metal assembly manufacturing needs, please email our General Manager Jim Lee.

The post Facility expansion update – Fall 2018 appeared first on Tool Gauge.

I am originally from Gig Harbor, Wash. I am in my third year at Pacific Lutheran University in Seattle in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in economics with a minor in business. I will graduate in June 2020.

What attracted you about interning at Tool Gauge this summer?

I have always been interested in the aerospace industry, especially the defense sector. I believe Tool Gauge will provide me with the working experience that I need to help shape a career path in this field. The fact that the company is also working on a major expansion of its Tacoma manufacturing facility is also an exciting event to witness first-hand. After being employed full-time for three months this summer, I will work part-time starting in September after school starts which I know is going to be a challenge from a time management standpoint, but this is an amazing opportunity!

Which Tool Gauge department are you assigned to and what kind of projects do you typically work on?

I am currently working in the company’s Estimating Department. I am involved in the quoting process for customers such as Boeing. This area is interesting to me because I get to see the kind of capabilities Tool Gauge has. I will later be introduced into marketing which is another area I am interested in.

What kind of job will you be seeking after you graduate from university?

I really enjoy crunching numbers and hope to land a budget analysis job in the Department of Defense. I’d love to do this as a career and I think that my current internship at Tool Gauge will prepare me well for this type of position.

Would you recommend an internship at Tool Gauge to others and why?

Absolutely! The working environment here at the manufacturing facility is very friendly, yet very professional. This internship is also a great way for me to gain insight into how an office is run as well as receive hands-on experience in a very exciting, innovative field. I know these skills will serve me well in the future.

The post Interview with Korey Wasser, Intern at Tool Gauge appeared first on Tool Gauge.

I decided to become an apprentice at age 16 at the beginning of my sophomore year at Stadium High School in Tacoma. It was after my old engineer design teacher Mr. Reher introduced me to The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee’s (AJAC) and their training programs to see if this would be something that I would be interested in. These programs sounded like a really cool training alternative, especially the way they are structured – apprentices receive on-the-job training during the day at a local company’s job site and take classes one night a week at a community or technical college. So I decided to go for it!

Which specific AJAC apprenticeship program attracted you the most at the time?

I chose the aerospace-oriented production technician program which is specifically designed for high school students ages 16 and 17 who are looking to advance their skill set, knowledge, and understanding of advanced manufacturing. The job duties of a Production Technician is to set up, test, and adjust advanced manufacturing machinery or equipment, using a combination of electrical, electronic, mechanic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies. Production Technicians work hands on with computer-aided design (CAD), as well as analytical and scientific software. I liked how the program gives high schoolers like me the opportunity to learn and enhance their knowledge in a variety of machining and manufacturing techniques. I also was attracted to the idea that I was going to learn basic manual and CNC machining, including shop knowledge and blue print reading.

How long is the apprenticeship?

This is a two-year program and I am currently in my second year. I will graduate in June 2019 with a Technician Operator certificate, as well as graduate from high school at the same time. By the time I complete my apprenticeship, I will have spent a year and three months at Tool Gauge altogether and received 2,000 hours of training in precision metal manufacturing which is pretty amazing.

What attracted you to Tool Gauge specifically?

In addition to the opportunity to learn with a local leading-edge aerospace manufacturing company, for me it is about the people who work there. I remember meeting Tool Gauge’s Metals Operations Manager Clint Folyer for the first time and how he had a really nice attitude with genuine care for his team. I remember him saying that the company was not too big, but big enough to do both production and unique jobs. Now that I work in Tool Gauge’s metals division, it’s exciting to be able to say that I manufacture parts that go into airplanes.

What are your plans after completing your apprenticeship?

I hope to work as a Technician Operator first. After that, all the skills and work experience I will have acquired will help me reach my ultimate career goal which is to become an aerospace engineer.

What is it like to be an apprentice and would you recommend this program to others?

Being an apprentice is a lot of fun and I really enjoy what I do. It is not easy sometimes because you have to juggle work and school, but I know it is worth it in the end because this work experience will help me understand the industrial and mechanical aspects that I need for a future career in aerospace engineering. I would recommend this program to young people who are eager to learn and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Youth apprenticeship programs are also a great alternative to a four-year university degree and can lead to fulfilling and rewarding careers.

The post Meet Tool Gauge Apprentice Raquel Taijito appeared first on Tool Gauge.

I just finished my third year of mechanical engineering at Principia College in Elsah, IL as part of a dual degree program with the University of North Dakota (ABET mechanical engineering degree).

What attracted you about interning at Tool Gauge this summer?

Before this summer, I did not have any insight on what it would be like to work in an aerospace supplier. For my final year at university, I am choosing between three concentrations within my mechanical major – manufacturing, design, and aviation. When I found out about Tool Gauge, it seemed like a good match where I could learn more about the manufacturing industry. Also, I had a connection to Tool Gauge who seemed to have a lot of positive things to say about the company, so I decided to apply and here I am for a solid 11-week summer internship!

Which Tool Gauge department are you assigned to and what kind of projects are you working on?

I have been assigned to the company’s Plastics Engineering Department. I will be working on 2D drawings creation in SolidWorks and ERM system set-ups while shadowing and assisting project management.

Where are you from originally and why did you choose to work so far away from home?

My whole family lives in Bangladesh, but I have been studying in the U.S. since high school. I used to live in Bellevue, WA with a host family for the past six years until recently when my host parents had to move to Italy. So the Pacific Northwest has become my home away from home for the summer. I will go back to IL in August for my last year of college.

What kind of job will you be seeking after you graduate?

I am hoping to work as a project manager or a mechanical engineer for an engineering firm. Law school is also on my radar where I hope to study patent and contract law.

Would you recommend an internship at Tool Gauge and why?

I would definitely recommend an internship at Tool Gauge because it is a safe environment for growth and learning. Everyone I have worked with so far, from project managers and process engineers to quality assurance and manufacturing staff, have been great mentors to me, willing to share their experiences and knowledge about the industry and answer my endless questions to help me understand how Tool Gauge parts and assemblies come together. I could not have asked for a better fit for my internship.

The post Interview with Namrata Roy, Engineering Intern at Tool Gauge appeared first on Tool Gauge.