COVID-19 Continues to Impact Small Businesses – with Adaptation at the Center of Change
The pandemic has changed the way companies do business and forced many to adapt to new realities in terms of labor, supply chain and material shortages. Companies will not be able to compete in the same way they have in the past. They need to assess their strengths and pivot to the new business climate.
First, the pandemic shut everything down and forced businesses to scramble as resources seemed to dry up overnight. Most recently the rebound has been fierce tempered by the resurgence of the Omicron variant. Everyone is trying to build inventory and make up for lost time, but challenges remain. A lack of labor and significant supply chain and transportation disruptions have strained available capacity and extended lead times to unprecedented lengths. Even if manufacturers have the machines to do the work, they cannot get raw material or workers to get the job done.
These issues affect manufacturers large and small. While large companies may have more resources to battle these issues, small companies too have resources of their own that allow them to adapt.
Pivoting Quickly to New Opportunities and Being Flexible are Key to Small Company Survival
Federal Gear and Machine (FGM) is adapting to these challenging times by pivoting its focus while upgrading its machining capabilities. Like many small specialty companies, Federal Gear and Machine has traditionally relied on the same steady stream of customers for its growth. With changing market dynamics and an aging workforce, FGM must look toward new markets and new technology to move it forward in the post-pandemic era.
New Name, New Focus
A lot has changed at Federal Gear. You may have noticed a new logo and website as we have officially become Federal Gear and Machine. We’re no longer just a gear manufacturing company, we’ve expanded our focus and capabilities as a precision 4-and 5-axis machine shop with a specialty in gears and splines serving old and new markets including military, medical and aerospace. We have grown in size and invested in additional equipment and technology to expand our machining capabilities and ignite a trajectory of growth in 2022 and beyond.
Short Lead Times
Federal Gear and Machine now provides CNC machining services for small run prototypes using gear milling that eliminates long lead times for custom tooling. Contact us if you need small run or prototype work.
CMMC Compliance
Federal Gear and Machine is working towards CMMC compliance and provides precision machining for unique exacting standards using special materials and coatings for Department of Defense (DOD) contracts.
Cutting-Edge Technology
A large investment in a new high-speed hobbing machine with automation has significantly increased FGM’s capacity for parallel axis gears. FGM is now able to efficiently manufacture large order releases of 500+ gears economically. Contact us if you need large quantities of gears cut in a timely fashion.
Additionally, the addition of a new state of the art EDM machine in April 2022 will more than double our EDM capacity.
AS 9100 Certification
Federal Gear and Machine is ISO 9000:2015 certified and working towards AS 9100 certification. This will allow FGM to apply its knowledge and capabilities to meet the exacting standards of commercial aviation, private aviation, and space exploration.
Ready to Grow With You
By investing in new equipment, people and processes, Federal Gear and Machine is well-positioned to emerge from the pandemic better than it was, and has adapted its gear and machining capabilities to meet the unique needs of new customers and new markets. Many of our customers need prototypes or a short-term capacity boost, while others partner with us as their long-term supplier. Whether you need prototypes, a long-term supplier or an innovative partner to help develop new products – from cut teeth to complete – we have the people, the capacity, and the capabilities to support you.
Contact us we’re ready to grow with you.