Company Milestones
Early History
From 1978-1982, The owner of Cole Manufacturing, Dave Cole, was a tool and die apprentice at ACD, Inc in West Bend, Wisconsin. After receiving his Journeyman’s card, Dave left ACD for other opportunities - to learn the tool and die and engineering trade. He returned to ACD in 1997 and decided to purchase it. Dave renamed the company Cole Tool and Manufacturing Corp.
At that time, Cole Tool and Manufacturing employed four tool makers and occupied 6,400 square feet. |
| Dave Cole working at a Bridgeport Milling machine in 1979. |
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1998
New technology is added with the purchase of a CNC mill and wire EDM machine. The machines were then linked to the design system through the company server for more accurate tooling.
1999
In an effort to better service customer needs, Cole Stampings, Inc was formed to provide quality metal stampings. This brought the company to a higher level of customer service.
2001
Keeping with changes in the tool and die industry and the requirements from customers for shorter lead-times and more accurate tooling, a Mitsubishi FA fully submersible wire EDM machine was added.
2003
In the tradition of technological advance, 3-axis machining was added to Cole Stampings. This capability, along with diversifying into newer technologies, gave Cole Stampings the ability to completely service the largest customer.
2004
As the pursuit for the highest quality in tooling and metal stamping needs increased, it became evident that a certified quality program would be required. This was achieved in August of 2004 through the internal efforts of Cole Tool and through IMSM and QAS, the certifying entities. Cole Tool and Mfg, Inc and Cole Stampings, Inc both received ISO 9001:2000 certification.
2005
A new 300-ton Komatsu press with a state of the art Wintriss control and a CWP feed-line was added, increasing capacity and decreasing lead times. The Wintriss control is linked to the company server, allowing for instantaneous information for the operator. |
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2006
In an effort to reduce redundancy and show a united front, Cole Tool and Manufacturing, Inc purchased Cole Stampings, Inc, and the company was renamed Cole Manufacturing Corp.
2007
The remodeling of the existing building and construction of a 10,000 square foot addition was completed. Cole Manufacturing now occupies 26,000 square feet. The addition gave us improved traffic flow through the shop, and allowed for the implementation of new technologies. This included the addition of a Durma 6 axis CNC press brake, a 200 ton Komatsu punch press, and a Genesis RC3L robotic welder. With production now evolving into a more |
| The Genesis RC3L Robotic Welder |
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| efficient process, quality needed to be checked more efficiently. This was done with the purchase of six foot FARO arm. Solidworks was also a huge step forward for Cole as well. With 3D design, tools can be designed more accurately and cost-effectively. These additions help us to better serve our customers. |
2008
To allow Cole Manufacturing to be more competitive and versatile for its customers, a Mitsubishi laser with a pallet changer was purchased as well as a Genesis Versa 2G robotic welder to keep up with the increased demand for welded complete assemblies. With the assistance of local vendors, Cole has the capability to provide it’s customers with parts that are painted or coated and ready to assemble. This, as well as in house assembly, has been in increased demand. Through the launch of a Lean Manufacturing program, costs have been reduced, quality has increased exponentially and customer service has increased significantly.
2009/Today/Future
Moving ahead into its 12th year in business Cole Manufacturing continues to provide our customers with the highest of quality parts and service. Cole currently employs 25 knowledgeable and courteous employees. In the coming years Cole will continue moving forward to meet and exceed its customers expectations.
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