About Us
Cole Manufacturing Corp
Early History
From 1978-82, Cole Manufacturing Corp owner, Dave Cole, was a tool and die apprentice at ACD, Inc in West Bend, Wisconsin, working for then owner, Curt Drewanz. After receiving his Journeyman’s card, Cole left ACD for other opportunities to learn the tool and die and engineering trade. He returned to ACD in 1997 and purchased the company where he had served his apprenticeship. The company was renamed Cole Tool and Manufacturing, Inc. At that time, Cole Tool and Mfg employed four tool makers and occupied 6400 square feet.
Dave Cole working at a
Bridgeport milling machine
ACD Building in 1979
Company Milestones
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.
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.
Today
Moving ahead into its 10th year in business, Cole Manufacturing Corp occupies 10,000 square feet and employs 18 people. Through the launch of a Lean Manufacturing program, costs have been reduced, quality has increased exponentially and customer service has increased drastically.
Tomorrow
Plans are being finalized for a 10,000 square foot addition to the existing building. This will allow for better traffic flow through the shop, allow us to hire more employees and add new technologies to our system. All of this will help us to serve our customers better.
Employees
David (Dave) Cole, President and CEO of Cole Manufacturing Corp, has been involved in the Tool and Die Industry since 1978. He received his Associate's Degree in Tool and Die from Moraine Technical College in West Bend, Wisconsin. Dave served his apprenticeship at ACD, Inc and worked as a tool and die maker/designer at ACD and Ward Tool. In 1989, he went to work at KMC Stampings and was quickly promoted to Senior Design Engineer. While at KMC, Dave was given the opportunity to further his education.
Dave attended seminars across the country, learning new metal forming techniques. In addition, he earned a Certificate of Management from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dave also gained experience traveling with the sales department as a technical contact for potential new stampings.
In 1997, Dave bought ACD, Inc and renamed the company Cole Tool and Manufacturing, Inc. At the time, there were four employees. Dave's first priority was to invest in technology by purchasing a CNC milling machine and Mitsubishi wire EDM machine. Through increased sales and modernization, Cole Manufacturing Corp currently employees 18 people.
Dave and his wife Sue live in West Bend; they have a daughter and a son. In his spare time, Dave enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, working out and cooking for family and friends.
Jonathon (Jon) Sievert, Director of Operations, has overall responsibility for operations in Cole Manufacturing’s two divisions, Cole Tool and Cole Stampings. Jon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Cardinal Stritch University in 2004, graduating Summa Cum Laude and receiving an award for the highest GPA in his graduating class. He is also a State of Wisconsin Journeyman Tool and Die maker and has earned certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt and in Lean Manufacturing. Jon is currently working on achieving his MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Before joining Cole Tool in 1999 as a tool and die maker, Jon was a tool and die apprentice and the safety manager at Accord Manufacturing in Jackson, WI. Since joining Cole Manufacturing, Jon has worn many hats including tool and die maker, tooling engineer, quality manager, project manager and manufacturing manager.
Jon and his wife Angela live in West Bend, Wisconsin and have one daughter. He enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on the local sports teams.
Sheila Schaub, Executive Assistant, has been with Cole Manufacturing Corp since 2000. Along with other clerical duties, her job includes accounts receivable, accounts payable, reception, payroll, human resources and processing paperwork.
Sheila owns a condo in West Bend. She enjoys going to boat races, playing volley ball, bartending, and spending time with her nieces, nephews and family.