Riding The Space Wave
Compass only acquires really good companies. And Gray Manufacturing Technologies certainly was one when Compass acquired it in August 2020. But shortly thereafter, orders fell off from some of Gray’s aerospace and defense customers. In response to this and some other personnel moves, Compass recruited Jacob Trahan to take over the company in August 2021. Here’s Jacob’s story about Gray’s return to prominence.
What Interested You About The General Manager Job at Gray?
I think any talented person working in a CNC machine shop wants to run one. I first learned about machining from my grandfather, then worked in several shops myself. So I was ready and interested when Compass’s headhunter called.
But Why Gray and Compass and Not Some Other Shop?
Gary (Holcomb, Compass CEO) sold me on the idea that I would be fully in change, with lots of support from Compass. Plus, the Gray’s equipment base was amazing, with an incredibly large installed base of great 5-axis mills and lots of automation for lights out production. It was exactly what I was looking for.
What Were Your Immediate Priorities When You Started?
There were, and still are, three things we concentrated on. First, focusing most of our energies on serving the emerging space market. Second, reducing the tremendous amount of overtime Gray required of its employees. And third, being more proactive on equipment maintenance.
Tell Us More About Gray’s Current Market Focus.
Most of Gray’s business today comes from private space companies that have sprung up in the past ten years. They frequently have needs for complicated components made from titanium and other difficult-to-cut materials. Gray excels at making complex parts with exotic metals. Plus, the space market is growing quickly. It is a great market for us to serve.
How Have You Been Able to Reduce Overtime?
Not long before I started, some Gray employees were routinely working 60+ hour weeks. I knew this was not sustainable. So with a lot of effort, we recruited and hired a few more CNC machinist and programmers. We started a second shift and made changes to run even more lights out. We focused on dialing in our processes and our better preventive maintenance programs resulted in less unexpected downtime. All of this took time, but the result has been greater revenues with much less OT.
What Is The Culture Like Within Gray?
I think we have a very positive, productive environment. Evan Gross is our Operations Manager, my second-in-command. He has been with Gray a long time, is extremely knowledgeable, and is intensely committed to its success. Our Quality Manager Luke Honbarger is another key contributor. Luke is totally on top of everything related to quality plus handles our vendor base. In addition, we have six other employees who have been recognized as Compass’s Employee of the Month. I am confident there will be more to come in the near future.
What Does The Future Hold For Gray?
I am extremely excited about our future. We have great customers whose demand for precision components is growing quickly. We have an amazing set of modern 5-axis machines, most of which have multiple pallet capabilities for light out production. Plus our showplace 25,000 square foot facility has lots of available space for more machines. But most importantly, our employees want to succeed individually and as a group. It is an amazing combination.
Finally, What Would You Say To Someone Looking For a Job In a CNC Machine Shop?
Hahaha, I think you asked that same question to Justin Kovscek, my counterpart at R&D Machine whom you interviewed a few months ago (Leveraging Our Strengths: Q&A With R&D Machine VP/GM (August 15, 2023) – Compass Precision, LLC). My answer would be similar to his. You need to be ready with growing your skill(s) set, while contributing in any way you can. No one will be looking over your shoulder most of the time. So if you are willing to learn, want a profession not just a job, and value group success rather than individual achievement, CNC machining is a good way to go.
For more information about his experience at Gray Manufacturing and Compass, please contact Jacob Trahan directly at [email protected]. For overall information about Compass, please reach out to CEO Gary Holcomb at [email protected].