Part of vertical integration is addressing the bottlenecks. There’s a lot of cross training, so managers can move talent where the work is. A worker training in assembly is often an experienced machinist, available when those skills are needed. The PDC cultural backdrop is we’re all here to do whatever is needed to deliver the best systems for customers. Everyone’s job description is the same: to make everyone else proud, and for our customers to be successful.

I believe one reason for our terrific track record with repeat customers is that we are able to quickly turnaround machined parts to keep customer production lines running. Having total control gives us the ability to be very agile and flexible in how we respond, and to be able to change course quickly when needed. “If we worked with an outside machine shop, we would have no control over processes – or productivity. Here, we are hands-on, able to break down barriers, and literally improve quality in real time.

If a customer has a rush project, we are uniquely capable to deliver on time. Every PDC employee embraces our “customers first” ideal, and understands that their willingness to go the extra mile is one of the most important differentiating attributes. PDC employees understand that controlling the process here, rather than risking outside vendor delays, is a great way to build loyalty.