A Global Leader in Precision Components Goes for More

Utitec Inc.
Written by Jessica Ferlaino

When it comes to the design and production of precision components, Utitec, Inc. not only provides a range of services and the ability to customize parts according to material and application; it builds relationships, and that in turn drives innovation, which has served as the foundation of the company’s growth and success.

The breadth of Utitec’s offerings and capabilities is a testament to its deeply rooted expertise in the deep-drawn metal technology sector and its commitment to innovatively addressing its customers’ needs. It is these qualities that have led to the company’s recognition as a leading global player in the precision tubular and flat-stamped component markets.

The company’s roots date back to 1980, though it wasn’t until 2012 that it evolved into its current form and took on the Utitec, Inc. name, the result of an acquisition that was to enhance its standing in the deep draw metal technology sector.

Utitec has since made several acquisitions, including Atlantic Manufacturing Inc. in 2015 and Veridiam Medical S.A. in 2016. The latter established the company’s presence in Costa Rica under the Utitec Medical S.A. name, expanding its presence in several sectors including medical device and aerospace.

Starting with ‘Mission Critical’
It is important to note the mission-critical nature of the devices used in some of the industries it serves, such as medical and pharmaceutical device or aerospace: there is no margin for error. Utitec understands that and works tirelessly to design, engineer and produce precision components of supreme quality, regardless of material, volume, or shape.

Utitec continues to invest in its capacity to address its customers’ design challenges through investments in equipment and product innovation. When it comes to material selection, it is second to none, as it is an article of faith to the company that the right materials make all the difference in the production of high-precision components.

Not only does Utitec provide material expertise, to ensure specifications are being met, but it has outperformed with drawn refractory metals that were previously considered impossible to draw. Material testing is a unique strength of the company, and one of the important reasons why it excels with deep drawn, close tolerance projects, making the options truly endless. And, of course, making it a trusted partner for its customers across industries and sectors.

Satisfaction strategy
“We really strive to suit our customers’ needs, especially when it comes to secondary services,” says Drew Stone, Sales Project Administrator. This was the case a few years ago, when the company added vacuum heat-treating facilities to address a customer’s needs on a particular project. This is the level of commitment Utitec promises to all its customers.

As Stone notes, “We’re constantly adding these secondary processes to appease, based on our customers’ needs, and that kind of drives us forward and keeps us going.” It’s a simple strategy, but one that promotes longevity and success in the market.

With its customers’ component needs in mind, Utitec sets out to do what’s necessary to deliver on commitments, rising to the challenge when a project falls in its wheelhouse, collaborating with customers to guarantee product satisfaction, and so, customer satisfaction. No wonder Utitec Inc. is in the happy position of seeing substantial repeat business from its clients.

To support the product development and manufacturing prowess it’s regarded for, its facilities in Watertown, Connecticut – where it’s headquartered – and Costa Rica too, are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that enhances its design, tooling, prototyping and production capabilities. The facilities are ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified, some of the most rigorous standards anywhere.

The company’s services range from transfer and progressive presses, CNC milling and turning, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), laser cutting and electrochemical etching, to sand and bead blasting and so much more. As its services grow in line with customers’ needs, the list naturally grows more exhaustive.

Creating a reality
When asked why Utitec, Inc. has been so successful, Stone responds, “Our engineering and design support is just incredible. Our customers can come to us with a design concept and can work with our team and figure out: ‘This is our part. This is what we want to make. How can we make that a reality?’ and we have a whole team that comes together and makes that happen for them.”

Expertise is another point of differentiation in the market for Utitec, especially when paired with the resources inherent in the company. Along with this goes the enhancements that have been made to create an environment where people can thrive.

“We empower all of our employees to provide feedback within each department and I think that feedback is critical to [constant improvement] as we go forward,” says Stone of the training employees receive in order for them to be, “the best at what they do with that kind of quality and safety focus in mind.”

Building relationships
As such, relationship building is just as important as the components Utitec makes. “We try to maintain close relationships with our customers, our suppliers, our distributors, with every piece of the puzzle in the process, keeping that close connection and taking the extra steps to maintain those really close relationships,” says Stone. Textbooks agree that that’s the kind of attitude that maximizes performance and, thus, growth.

Feedback loops with both employees and customers is one way Utitec works to ensure positive outcomes across the board. As Stone explains, “It’s very customer driven. We’re here for the customer and we focus on doing the best possible job for them and their needs; that is a big part of who we are.”

As customers continue to identify their needs and Utitec continues to identify ways to develop precision components to address that demand, and as the company takes advantage of opportunities that present themselves, it will continue to expand. The company understands well that it is on a treadmill of the very best kind – expanding its capacities and offerings to address the ever-changing needs of its customers, growing alongside them all the while.

Meeting needs
“Our growth is really based on what the customers need. As customers come to us and say, this is what we want, this is what we need, then that will be our focus,” explains Stone, adding that the goal is to be undisputed global leader in precision-formed metal components.

If an unmatched commitment to its customers’ success, exceptional quality, safety, and service standards, and a passion to build relationships wherever it operates – in markets across industries and sectors worldwide – is what counts, Utitec, Inc. undoubtedly deserves its position as an industry leader and the universal respect for its standards of precision.

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