Dow Key Microwave Signs Contract for Services in Mexico with The Offshore Group

Ventura, California-based, Dow Key Microwave has recently signed a contract for the provision of outsourced manufacturing support, or, “shelter,” services in Mexico with The Offshore Group of Tucson, Arizona. 

Dow Key will occupy manufacturing space at The Offshore Group’s Roca Fuerte industrial park, located in Guaymas, Sonora, and will manufacture electro-mechanical RF switches that are used in equipment such as: satellite and radio communications equipment, radar systems, mobile radios, base stations and air traffic control systems.  At its maturity, the project will employ approximately 100 workers.

According to company president, Dave Wightman, “Recommendations from our sister companies, available labor pool, and genuine low cost manufacturing benefits led to our decision.  Mexico and The Offshore Group were chosen over several other options due to location and an excellent client reputation.”

Dow-Key Microwave Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers of electro-mechanical RF Switches is a diversified manufacturer of a wide range of proprietary products and components for industrial and commercial use. Dow Key Microwave is AS9100 / ISO-9001:2000 registered.

Whitepath Fabtech to Manufacturing in Mexico under The Offshore Group ISO registered "Shelter Program"

Whitepath Fab Tech, a leading supplier to the heating and cooling equipment industry, has announced that it will open a Mexican production facility in order to supply its major customer, the Carrier Corporation, with control panels for HVAC systems.

Whitepath has contracted with The Offshore Group of Tucson, Arizona for the provision of shelter services in a 35,000 square foot building that will be constructed in Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila. At the project's maturity, Whitepath will employee approximately 75 workers.

According to the company's Vice President of Operations, Randy Huntsman, " We are looking forward to expanding our operations into Mexico. We feel the Mexico operation will help us stay competitive in today's global market. With Offshore's proven track record in providing excellent shelter services, we feel we have a competitive edge already".

Whitepath Fab Tech was founded in 1989. In addition to electronic control panels for HVAC applications, the company also manufactures discrete wires, wiring harnesses, and control boxes for heating and cooling applications.

13th Annual Manufacturing in Mexico Summit a Success

The October 2007 Manufacturing in Mexico Summit was distinct from previous events in that this was the first year it was hosted by The Offshore Group's Manufacturas Zapalinamé in Coahuila, Saltillo.  In all prior years, the Summit had been presented by the Group's Maquilas Tetakawi S.A. de C.V. in San Carlos, Sonora.

Attendance this past October was in excess of 250 individuals.  Among them were senior executives of companies that are new to and experienced in Mexico.  

Separate speaking programs ran concurrently to suit the informational needs of attendees with different levels of knowledge and expertise.  Companies represented were from the aerospace, automotive and transportation, electronics, HVAC, medical device and general manufacturing industries from the United States, Canada, Germany, Belgium and New Zealand.

We invite executives of companies that may be considering a Mexico project for 2008 to review last year's program.  Additionally, those that wish to receive updates on the 14th Annual Manufacturing in Mexico Summit to be held in October of next year may keep themselves informed throughout the year by registering to receive Manufacturing in Mexico Summit updates. Summit Powerpoint presentations and videos will be available on The Offshore Group's website by the end of Q-1 2008.

Offshore Group Company, ILS, Expands its Client Base

International Logistic Solutions, a member of The Offshore Group family of Companies, has recently been chosen as the Authorized Freight Agent for Access Electronics, Inc.'s global logistics.  ILS has been chosen to provide the same services to the PKC Group in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Access Electronics is a Gurnee, Illinois-based manufacturer of unique cable assemblies.  The company uses the most technologically advanced connector and wiring technologies to service companies in the medical, industrial, gaming, automotive, marine, and data and telecommunications industries.

The PKC Group is based in Oulu, Finland.  The company offers design and contract services for wiring harnesses, cabling and electronics. The Group has production facilities in Finland, Brazil, China, Mexico, Estonia and Russia, and it employs about 5,000 people. The Group had net sales of EUR 229 million in 2006. PKC Group Oyj is listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.

Greenheck Fan Corporation to Open Saltillo, Mexico Production Facility

Schofield, Wisconsin – the Greenheck Fan Corporation has announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico to produce ventilation equipment to serve the heating and cooling industry market.

The company has contracted with The Offshore Group for 34, 822 square feet of industrial space in the La Angostura Industrial Park.  Greenheck expects to employ approximately 50 - 75 workers during the first phase of the project.

According to Greenheck’s General Manager, Dave Kallstrom, “Our new facility in Saltillo will optimally position us to supply our most important customers in Mexico, and will enable us to investigate additional market opportunities.  The services  that The Offshore Group provides will assure that we focus on our core mission”.     

Greenheck Fan is America’s leading manufacturer of ventilation equipment.  It designs, manufactures and ships fans and ventilators, centrifugal and vane axial ventilation systems, and laboratory exhaust systems around the world.

Ducommun Incorporated Inaugurates Mexican Production Facility

The Grand Opening celebration to mark the inauguration of Los Angeles, California-based Ducommun’s new Mexico manufacturing facility took place recently at The Offshore Group’s Roca Fuerte industrial park in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.

Ducommun Incorporated’s (NYSE:DCO) newly established plant will produce aerospace components and subassemblies for commercial aircraft. DAS is developing the site, within The Offshore Group’s industrial park, to accommodate the future expansion of the facility as required to meet the needs of the global marketplace.

Joseph C. Berenato, chairman and chief executive officer of Ducommun, stated, “We are pleased to begin the operations of Ducommun Aerospace (Mexico) Ltd. The new production facility will allow DAS to increase its productivity and competitiveness which will enable DAS to seek new business in the highly competitive global aerostructures marketplace”.

Founded in 1849, Ducommun Incorporated provides engineering and manufacturing services for the aerospace and defense industry.
 

Powerbrace Feted for Excellence in Safety

Saltillo, Coahuila - The Mexican equivalent to the United States' OSHA has bestowed its highest honor on the Powerbrace Rail Products Division for excellence in safety: the "Planta Segura," or, "Safe Plant," award. The facility scored well statistically, but the auditors were particularly impressed with the pervasive culture of safety created and sustained by the management team. The ceremony for the best companies in southeast Coahuila was held at the government facilities in Saltillo last week. Five companies won the top prize. They are; Chrysler, Magna, Cementos Apasco, General Motors, and Miner's Powerbrace subsidiary.

Miner's subsidiary began recruiting and training for their Mexican operation in July 2004 and officially opened the new plant in January 2005. In just over 2.5 years, this greenfield operation has garnered recognition for its world-class manufacturing practices, customer satisfaction, quality programs, and workplace safety initiatives.

According to company President Mike Weber, "Our staff in Saltillo is a very talented group of people committed to taking care of the customer. Their strategy is to run a first-class operation that inspires associates at every level to do their very best. The key is the culture of "family" shared by all."

Powerbrace Rail Products operates at The Offshore Group's La Angostura Industrial Park.