Precision machine shops are busy places that run multiple shifts every day.  John Prosock Machine is no exception.  We pride ourselves on working diligently to get our orders done and done with precision.  When weather events like last week’s superstorm Sandy happen, we do our best to keep the machines humming and orders in process.  Last week’s storm made that difficult.

Here at John Prosock Machine, we are truly blessed that we did not have any water damage or that the two trees that fell down did not fall into our building. We were out of power from Tuesday until mid afternoon Friday. We were able to receive a few deliveries via UPS and Fed Ex when John was at the shop checking up on some things.

If you tried to reach us by phone, you most likely got our answering machine.  If that was the case, we are sorry we were not able to take your call.  John was able to keep in touch with some customers via his cell phone. When we came on line Friday (around 3:00 pm), the phones started ringing immediately. We had 63 messages to attend to!

As a result of the storm, our cable line was hanging low. Barb had let the cable company know that on Friday, and expressed our concern about needing to be back in business and our frustration about not being able to stay in touch with our customers.  We were concerned that it wouldn’t even be resolved by Monday when we were officially open for business.

The cable company said they would have it fixed by Sunday; unfortunately, they brought the wrong size truck.  In the meantime, as the cable was hanging low, another truck took it out on Monday. But it has since been fixed and all is well.

To our valued customers who trust us for their precision machining needs, we would like to say thank you for hanging in there with us during the days we were not able to be open for business. We value you and your business.  Again, we are grateful for the safety of our workers and our business.  In preparation for future events such as these, John has since made a copy of all our customers’ phone numbers, a paper record, so we can keep in touch the old fashioned way.

All in all, though we lost some productive days, our precision machine shop is here to serve you.

Back to school even means something in the precision machining world!  John Prosock Machine believes in the potential of students, and in that spirit has been partnering since 2006 with Upper Bucks County Technical School in a coop program that gives current and former students the opportunity to get a head start toward their employment. 

Dianne Horne, office manager and HR Director at John Prosock Machine took over the program at JPM in 2008, and working hand-in-hand with the coordinator at the technical school, wrote the job description for the students.  Together they have established safety standards, helped the students get their working papers, and encouraged them to grow in their field.

The coop program involves young men and women at all stages.  At the present time, John Prosock Machine employs two of the three young men who went through the program.

Josh Moyer

Josh Moyer was in the coop program during his junior and senior years of high school and worked his hours after school.  He graduated from high school two years ago, and upon graduation was offered a full-time job at JPM.   He has learned quite a bit about precision machining in his time at John Prosock Machine including understanding measurement tools and reading blueprints.

Dianne explains, “The program at the tech school opens the door, because they get training.”  John Prosock Machine wants experienced workers at the shop, and most newly graduated students have no experience.  They’re at a distinct disadvantage in the job market, but by taking part in a coop program like this, they get training and can enter the work force with experience.

Terrence Burns

Terrence Burns started in the coop in the spring of his junior year.  He graduated in 2012 and has worked at JPM ever since.  Though he worked at two other precision machine shops while in the coop program, he chose to work at John Prosock Machine.   Terrence says he’s learned a lot though hands-on experience at JPM.

Chris Horne

Chris Horne is a senior at Quakertown High School.  He has been in the coop program for over a year.  He goes directly from school to JPM, where he works 26 hours a week.  Chris says that when he first walked in the door, he didn’t know what the machines were, but as a result of his time at JPM, he now can program those same machines.

John Prosock Machine and Upper Bucks County Technical School work together to make sure the students follow strict guidelines.  JPM has posted a copy of Child Labor Laws.  They monitor how many hours a week the students in the coop can work, the employees take the students under their wings, and the supervisors watch them while they work.  While in the coop, the students keep journals about their work.  The supervisors grade the students and sign off on their work.

“It’s a great community program,” exclaims Dianne.  John Prosock agrees.  In a recent letter to the Technical School, John states, “The program meets our needs as an employer and also meets the business and industry community in Bucks County and neighboring locations.”

So, “back to school” in the world of precision machining has far-reaching, positive meaning at John Prosock Machine!

There is a lot of buzz and speculation about the introduction of the cap and trade laws.  Many speculate that it will be a job killer and open up the necessity for deep cuts in manufacturing, which in turn will impact the machining industry.  Here’s a recent article that may be of interest to you.  Is your machine shop at risk?

On June 26, the House passed a cap and trade bill that is expected to dramatically increase the cost of energy. The American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) establishes an economy-wide cap on carbon emissions and creates emissions credits. Companies would then buy and sell credits to emit more carbon. The goal is to force the economy to use renewable energy sources by increasing the cost of traditional sources. Many of the alternative sources have yet to be invented or discovered.

Manufacturers are concerned about the impact of skyrocketing energy prices in America. Many fear that the energy tax would force companies to outsource work to low-cost Asian countries such as China and India.

NTMA/PMA One Voice lobbied aggressively to prevent the passage of cap and trade, however, it passed by a narrow margin, with more than 40 Democrats voting against the bill. To see how members of Congress voted on this legislation, click here.

The Senate is expected to consider cap and trade this summer. One Voice will continue to lobby against this job-killing legislation. You can tell your Senators to vote against cap and trade by clicking here.