From time to time on our blog we are going to spotlight some of the team members of John Prosock Machine.    As a precision machine shop that provides quality CNC milling and lathe machining, we know that we are only as good as the people that make up our team.   Our team philosophy sits at the core of our ability to achieve on time delivery combined with tight tolerance quality from the first machined work piece to the last. 

Tiffany Rafferty somewhat stumbled into the machine shop business back in 2000 through her cousin, Amanda, who also works at John Prosock machine.  Tiffany started out in the machine shop where she learned to operate CNC milling machines and CNC lathes.  Tiffany was a quick study and rapidly moved from not just operating precision machines but programming some of our vertical and horizontal turning centers.

Tiffany also had a knack for administrative tasks and the eye for detail necessary in the tight tolerance world of machining.  Within a couple years, she had transitioned from the machine shop floor into the office environment.  She now processes quotes for machined parts and serves as our Management Representative for our ISO 9001:2000.  She was instrumental in the certification process and now works daily in making sure our precision machining meets these international codes. 

Tiffany recently said,  “With this job it always keeps you busy.  There is never a dull moment.  I like working with the ISO part of job because it helps me stay organized and think or new ideas for the organization of our machine shop.”  Tiffany recently conducted our regularly scheduled ISO meeting where she reviewed practices in both our milling and lathe departments with all of our staff.

What does Tiff do in her spare time?  “I have 2 boys so spare time right now is not an option, but I do like to read and go running – not away from the kids.  Most of all I like to spend time with my family.”

Owner John Prosock believes that Tiffany has been a strategic part of the growth of his machine shop.  Her precision skills help us make precision machined parts every day.

As our economy shifts toward globalization every CNC Mill and Lathe shop must address the issue of offshore competition with confidence and a healthy respect.  We must say goodbye to the days where North America had dominance in precision machining.  But we must not despair or grow bitter.  We must innovate.  Machine shops in America must rise to the challenge.  Custom machining must be redefined by higher standards and better customer service.  One important thing to remember is that companies are looking for CNC mill and lathe shops to supplement the machined parts they are sending over seas.  They realize that quick turnaround is often a necessity for them to meet the custom machining needs of their customers.  If all their parts are machined in China, they are left vulnerable. The manufacturing sector is exploding.  Be creative.  Look for niche markets where your machine shop can thrive.