Trans-Matic opened its doors for business on March 15, 1968, in Holland Michigan. At the time we had only two production machines. We quickly built a team of highly skilled toolmakers, die designers, and support personnel into an effective organization during the mid 70s. We cut out our niche in the marketplace by developing a unique reputation for reliable deliveries. Many of our customers still refer to us as the most reliable firm in the eyelet industry.
In 1974, Trans-Matic joined the Scanlon Leadership Network. This tool allowed for the advancement of efficiency in the management sector of the company. We are still members of the network today.
Trans-Matic has had an impressive sales growth history. We can attribute this growth to several factors. We have had exceptionally high customer loyalty. For example, many of our customers have been with us for more than half the life of our company. Our management has always maintained a strategy to sell to a broad range of diversified clientele. This has helped the organization maintain strength and stability during economic recessions.
During the 1980s, Trans-Matic witnessed a tremendous restructuring of the American economy. Foreign competition had a substantial impact on some of our customers. We did not escape without being affected. Despite this obstacle, we successfully added new technology and advanced quality systems to stay competitive. The company continued to grow. We were listed as one of the top 100 fastest growing firms in the State of Michigan in 1986 with an annual compounded growth rate of 29.9% during the previous five years.
In the early 1990s, sales increased and we invested large amounts of capital into the Holland and Sanford plants, including a new CAD system, quality control and metrology lab equipment, rack storage systems and office furniture and equipment. We expanded our Sales, Quality Control, Purchasing, Engineering, and Maintenance departments. Also, in 1992, we opened another satellite facility in Tempe, Arizona. In 2002 this facility moved to a new building in Mesa, Arizona.
As part of Trans-Matic’s constant improvement in productivity, quality, and service, we began a Value Added / Value Engineering department in 1995. This department provided significant improvements in quality, design, and pricing. We continue to use this Value Added department as part of our Advance Product Development team, which was created in 1999.
In 1997, all Trans-Matic plants were certified QS9000/ISO9000. In 2004, these levels of achievement were raised by receiving ISO/TS16949 certifications in all plants. After some of the industry’s highest standards in quality and environmental controls were met, ISO14001 certifications were awarded to all Trans- Matic plants in 2001.
A milestone 1,000th part was ordered in 2003. It solidified Trans-Matic’s reputation as a dependable, well qualified manufacturing company. As we continue to improve upon this reputation we welcome new challenges and diverse projects.
In 2006, Trans-Matic became a global company. In order to meet and support our customers’ deep draw needs in the Far East, we began production at our China Division in the Suzhou District of the Jiangsu Province. While this facility provides a Far East presence, we continue to explore other growth opportunities presented by the international business marketplace.