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1987 FIN – Erie Bolt Begins Producing Sub-Assemblies for US&S

April 14, 1987 FIN – Offering sub-assemblies may be a marketing alternative for traditional fastener producers, according to Harry Brown, president of Erie Bolt Corporation/Erie Forming Technologies.
Brown told FIN that the Erie, Pennsylvania-based company recently finalized details on its first sub-assembly contract with Union Switch & Signal of Pittsburgh.

Erie Bolt, which produces fasteners and machined forgings for US&S electronic railroad switches, has identified the production of sub-assemblies as a natural extension of current market capabilities.

Brown explained that US&S had earlier initiated a “vendor partnership” program. Vendors such as Erie buy the additional parts required to produce an entire sub-assembly.
The vendor acts as a purchasing wing with total access to all other vendors who supply parts necessary to complete the sub-assembly, Brown told FIN.
The purchasing is done in confidence, he added.
Both parties benefit because business is guaranteed for the vendor and the turnaround time is shortened for the customer.

In the case of a railroad switch Erie manufactures the fasteners and forgings, buys the top plates and brass fittings, assembles the whole switch in-house and offers the completed sub-assembly to US&S.

Brown said Erie has further developed the vendor partnership program and will begin offering sub-assemblies to other customers beginning in May.
He says he also has met with other major manufacturers in the fastener industry who also believe that producing sub-assemblies is an innovative way to generate more business.

Founded in 1913, Erie produces standard and specialty, ferrous and non-ferrous fasteners and forgings.

Erie Bolt was purchased by an inside management group late last year. The team includes Norman Strandwitz, vice president of sales & marketing; Charles Bell, former president and part-time consultant; and Brown.

Erie Bolt is operating on a four days/10-hours-a-day work week with employees owning 20% of the company’s stock.
Brown said upper management leaves much of the responsibility of lowering production costs and increasing benefits up to the employees.

Erie Bolt Corp/Erie Forming Technologies is headquartered at 1325 Liberty St., Erie, PA 16502. Tel: (814) 456-4287. ©1987/2010 Fastener Industry News. 1986 FIN – Erie Bolt Sold to Investment Group December 29, 1986 FIN – Erie Bolt Corporation/Erie Forming Technologies has been sold to an investment group.
Group president Harry Brown told FIN that the group includes Norman Strandwitz as vice president of sales & marketing, and former president Charles Bell as a part-time consultant.

Brown has been with Erie Bolt since 1985 as vice president. He previously was with Industrial Fastener division of Bethlehem Steel in Lebanon, PA.
Strandwitz has been with Erie Bolt for 15 years. Previously he was with the Shakeproof division of ITW and National Lockwasher.

During the past year, the company has undergone a number of changes ranging from market reorganization to equipment installation and updating.
Under the new ownership a renegotiated labor package will go into effect January 1, 1987, reducing manufacturing costs in exchange for a 20% stock ownership plan for all employees.
©1986/2010 Fastener Industry News.

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