This year has been both an exciting and productive one for Astro Machine Works.
In 2018, we transformed the structure of our business and team while continuously delivering the high-quality solutions our customers count on. As the new year approaches, we’d like to take a look back at some of the highlights of 2018, as well as share what you can look forward to from Astro in 2019.
CHANGES IN 2018
In 2018, Astro adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) designed to provide transparency and build a culture of shared success among our employees. Through our ESOP, Astro employees will accumulate shares of the company, which can be cashed in at retirement or when departing the company, providing long-term benefits and allowing team members to benefit directly from the success they create every day at our company.
Our team has grown this year as well, as Astro continues to engage the next generation of the manufacturing industry. We’ve added to our staff through apprenticeships, allowing local college students to gain hands-on experience while simultaneously earning degree credits. Students may work alongside our team during the summer months or throughout the year.
As part of our National Manufacturing Day celebration, we invited high school students to tour our facility. Over multiple days, these students participated in a range of activities and live demonstrations. Through one-on-one conversations, our team helped students explore interests in our processes and potentially careers in manufacturing.
Our business progressed greatly in 2018, notably marked by the expansion of our facilities, adding 10,125 square feet to Building 2, as well as a 10-ton overhead crane to our welding and fabrication department. These enhancements will allow us to increase capacity and meet the growing demands of our customers. We also completed our quality upgrade to ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certification.
We attended the 17th Annual Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Forum & Expo in Houston, Texas, where we exhibited our manufacturing capabilities and custom solutions for a wide range of defense, energy, and scientific experts.
LOOKING FORWARD TO 2019
In 2019, Astro will continue to expand to meet increasing demand. We are dedicated to the ongoing development of our team through apprenticeship programs, Manufacturing Day activities, and by strengthening and supporting our existing team with opportunities and internal recognition.
Astro Machine Works is a full-service solutions provider, delivering custom machinery, components, and fabrication services to customers across myriad industries. Our reverse engineering and prototype machining services, combined with over 30 years of experience, allow us to meet the needs of our customers in the most cost-effective manner possible.
We consistently deliver excellent service, which our customers have come to know and expect. We strive to create relationships built upon our values of quality, integrity, teamwork, innovation, respect, compassion, and commitment to make it all possible.
Stay in touch in the new year and see what Astro Machine Works has in store. To learn more about our capabilities and services, contact us today.