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Kurt
Manufacturing
Kurt Manufacturing
not only manufactures close tolerance, precision-machined parts,
but also quality. Eric Regnell reports.
In modern manufacturing, vertical integration is a popular strategy.
By using this approach, Kurt Manufacturing is able to generate quality
in all aspects of its production, addressing customers’ needs
efficiently and delivering quality products on time and without
defects.
Founded in 1946 in Minneapolis, Kurt is now headed by president
W. G. Kuban, son of founder and namesake Kurt Kuban. With seven
divisions across three states, Kurt holds 50% of the market share
on workholding vises, as well as distinct segments in precision
gaging and healthcare products. Some 500 employees make up its workforce,
in both the parent company and subsidiaries such as Theradyne.
Each division has complete assembly services capability. From production
of individual pieces and parts to full assembly of orders, Kurt
is able to serve its customers expertly. The company’s use
of vertical integration allows it to control its production from
source to output, which means order quality is more easily controlled,
and various requisitions reach their destinations faster.
Kurt is a tier-one supplier to each of the “big three”
automakers. As a certified ISO 9002 company, it further proves its
leadership in its field. Kuban notes that quality is present throughout
Kurt’s production process and cites this as the company’s
formula for success. Indeed, the company’s tagline is, “Quality
is something our customers take for granted.”
More than meets the eye
Manufacturing is only one piece of Kurt’s multi-angled approach.
The company’s electronics division is dedicated to making
superior inhouse software that takes advantage of Kurt hardware.
Building programs for analysis, statistical data collection, and
gaging, the division streamlines the process for customers.
Kurt does this by offering consulting services, process evaluations,
equipment installation, and system support. The electronics division
combines familiarity with its systems with “real world”
experience. Using Kurt’s own hardware internally gives employees
contact with the products they recommend. This practice leads to
better products and lower overhead, providing better service to
the customer.
Kurt ensures quality in all its divisions by employing inhouse tooling
and checking. Offering powder coating for their products, along
with specialties in die casting, precision gear manufacture, and
tube bending, Kurt has combined these disparate but necessary elements
under its aegis. The adoption of this vertical integration model
has enable the company to become a well respected manufacturer.
Kurt’s Theradyne subsidiary has been producing treadmills
and wheelchairs for the healthcare industry for over thirty-five
years. Theradyne makes numerous types of wheelchairs for both hospitals
and airlines. It also builds three models of treadmills, designed
with both exercise and rehabilitation functions in mind. Kurt also
produces Kinetic, a device that attaches to any bicycle and converts
it into a stationary exercise bike.
Kurt’s workholding division provides devices for a variety
of manufacturers. With scores of vises, dials and gages, as well
as the ability to produce nearly any type of custom workholding
fixture, Kurt has carved a niche by serving its customers well.
Quality by intention
Quality is more than a slogan at Kurt. Employees are invested in
making quality a constant. This devotion is considered a pervasive
philosophy, instilling in every employee that “the customer’s
success is our success.”
Kurt motivates its employees to such enthusiasm by providing a quality
work environment. In addition to offering paid vacations and the
usual benefits, such as 401K and an employee stock ownership program,
Kurt provides tuition reimbursement, health club memberships, service
recognition awards, and company support of bowling, softball, golf,
and other leagues and teams. There are a number of other programs
that assist employees both on and off the job.
Simply put, Kurt understands that quality is not simply a by-product
of good materials. It is a deliberate choice, built on a robust
business strategy combined with attention to detail and flexibility.
By focusing on quality in all aspects of its business, it is easy
for the customer to do business with Kurt.
Kuban indicates that vertical integration has been key to Kurt’s
success. And with annual sales at $180 million, and a history of
over 50 years, Kurt’s business certainly has a quality design.
For more information, call 763-572-1500 or go to www.kurt.com
Email: marketing@kurt.com
Or write to, Kurt Manufacturing 5280 Main Street NE Minneapolis, Minnesota 55421.
Marketing Contact Information;
Paul Carlsen
Kurt Mfg
5280 Main Street NE
Minneapolis MN 55421
Off: 763-572-4429
paulc@kurt.com
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