Pines Technologies Manufacturing for Global Market

American manufacturing isn't dead, declares Pines Technologies CEO Ian Williamson.

It's happening right here in Westlake.

Pines Technolgies, which will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2013, makes custom tube and pipe bending machines. The machines bend titanium, nickel-based alloys, steel and aluminum.

Its products are used for everything from suitcase frames to plumbing to airplanes.

"Tubes are in almost every type of product," Williamson said. "Those stackable metal outdoor chairs? The frames are bent with our benders. Pipes for aircraft, cars, same thing."

One Pines Technologies bender is in Afghanistan, he said, and is used to maintain the V-22 Osprey and other aircraft. 

Going Global

The company, which has been in Westlake since 1994, had its best year since 2000 in 2011, Williamson said, with $12 million in sales.

"A while back, we saw we needed to change the way we do business," he said. "We have to think globally."

That meant thinking beyond the domestic market dominated by the automotive industry. 

Williamson said where they saw the potential was in power generation. Developing nations such as Brazil and India need power to build industries and infrastructure.

Whether they're powered by coal or nuclear energy, these power stations need boiler tubes. Which means there's a need for machines to bend those boiler tubes to specification.

"We have more than 1,000 current customers," Williamson said.

"The most productive workers in the world are in the U.S.," he said. "We can compete with anyone. And do."

Building on Local Talent

Pines Technologies is putting the finishing touches on a massive bending machine that will be shipped to India. It bends 10-inch pipe and, weighing 97 tons, is the largest machine the company has ever made. It is driven by five 40-horsepower motors.

It will be disassembled at the company's 45,000 square-foot plant, carefully packed into large shipping cars, and sent to India, where it will be reassembled under the supervision of company representatives.

What's remarkable, Williamson said, is that much of it is made from parts either made in Northeast Ohio, or distributed by companies here.

"Just about all of this was made within 60 miles of here," he said.

Changing Times

The company employs 70 people, and has hired 25 in the last three years.

Manufacturing isn't what it was a couple of generations ago, Williamson said. With more investment in technology and computer-assisted production, fewer people are needed.

And those who are, are skilled.

The days of someone being able to come right out of high school, walk into a plant like Pines Technologies, and get a job are pretty much over.

"All our shop employees, except maybe two, are skilled," Williamson said.

Skilled labor means trade workers like machinists, electricians and millwrights. They often train at places like or Lorain County Community College, and have completed professional apprenticeships.

Williamson said skilled labor is hard to find. "We have a dearth of machinists in Northeast Ohio," he said.

Which means they have to be recruited from other companies. That means better salary, better benefits and a better work environment. Most skilled workers at Pines Technologies make between $16 and $22 an hour.

While a good salary is nice, Williamson knows it's more than money that keeps good workers.

"They want stability," he said. "We tell them what's going on, what business we're bringing in, and what we're planning. They want to know that the company is focusing on long-term so they'll have a place to work next year."