Streator Dependable Mfg (Streator) is a renowned metal manufacturing company located in Streator, Illinois. For over 50 years, Streator has been providing top-quality precision metal components to customers in various industries. The company is known for its expertise in metal fabrication, machining, and assembly, as well as its commitment to delivering excellent products and services. In this article, we will take a closer look at Streator Dependable’s history, capabilities, achievements, and contributions to the manufacturing sector.
History and Milestones
Streator Dependable Mfg was founded in 1969 by Ralph W. Plum and Donald E. Rice. The company started as a small machine shop focused on screw machine parts. Over the years, Streator expanded its capabilities and capacity to become a full-service metal manufacturing company equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.
Some key milestones in Streator’s growth journey include:
- 1982 – Streator purchased its first computer numerical control (CNC) machine, allowing improved efficiency and precision.
- 1989 – The company moved to its current 100,000-square-foot facility to accommodate increasing demand.
- 1994 – Streator achieved ISO 9001 certification, underlining its commitment to quality.
- 2004 – Installed the first automated press feed system, enabling lean manufacturing.
- 2019 – Celebrated 50 years in business and unveiled a brand new website.
Through decades of experience and continuous improvement, Streator has established itself as a dependable manufacturing partner known for quality, reliability, and service. The company remains family-owned and headquartered in Streator, Illinois.
Products and Services
Streator offers a comprehensive range of manufacturing services that add value throughout the production process. The company’s products and services include:
Precision CNC Machining
Using advanced CNC machine tools, Streator delivers precision-machined components in various materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, and plastics. Capabilities include milling, turning, drilling, boring, tapping, and grinding. Parts can be made from customer drawings or reverse-engineered.
Screw Machine Parts
Leveraging high-volume automatic screw machines, Streator manufactures small, high-precision turned parts in diameters up to 1-1/4 inches. Quick turnaround times for prototyping and production.
Fabrication and Welding
Offers welding services like MIG, TIG, spot, and arc welding. Also, laser cutting, forming, shearing, punching, sawing, and other fabrication processes. Used to make brackets, stands, enclosures, guards, and assemblies.
Pressing and Stamping
Presses ranging from 25 to 300 tons for metal stamping services and the production of intricate parts and components through blanking, forming, and drawing processes.
Assembly and Finishing
From simple to complex assemblies, Streator has full assembly capabilities. The company also provides finishing processes like heat treating, plating, painting, and more.
Inventory Management
Streator helps customers optimize inventory by offering kitting, Kanban, and consignment inventory management programs. This reduces costs and ensures timely availability of components.
With this diverse range of manufacturing capabilities under one roof, Streator Dependable Mfg is a true one-stop shop able to take projects from design through production.
Industries Served
With five decades of manufacturing expertise, Streator serves a broad spectrum of industries with their metal component needs:
- Aerospace – Makes precision aerospace parts subject to tight tolerances, used in engines, airframes, landing gear, and other assemblies.
- Agriculture – Provides components for agricultural equipment like tractors, implements, and grain handling systems.
- Construction – Manufactures parts for construction equipment, including excavators, backhoes, cranes, concrete vibrators, and more.
- Food/Beverage – Produces machined and fabricated parts for food processing equipment, bottling/canning machinery, and kitchen appliances.
- Medical – Makes critical components for medical devices like imaging systems, sterilizers, exam tables, and surgical instruments.
- Transportation – Supplies automotive, trucking, and rail companies with essential drivetrain and structural parts.
- Oil/Gas – Fabricates housings, manifolds, valves, and pumps used in extraction, processing, and distribution.
This diversity of markets leverages Streator’s manufacturing agility and enables it to withstand industry fluctuations. Companies rely on Streator Dependable Mfg to consistently deliver components with the needed specifications.
Technology and Innovation
Streator Dependable Mfg places a strong emphasis on investing in technology to drive manufacturing excellence. The company houses an impressive range of state-of-the-art equipment to deliver maximum efficiency, speed, precision, and flexibility.
Some examples of Streator’s technical capabilities include:
- CNC Machining – Over 50 advanced CNC machining centers for milling, turning, and drilling. Capable of holding extremely tight tolerances.
- Fabrication – Laser, press brake, and automated punching allow quick processing of sheet metal into parts.
- Quality Control – Vision systems, CMMs, and other precision inspection tools ensure accuracy.
- Material Handling – Robots and automated conveyance efficiently move materials through production.
- Data Integration – Streator uses manufacturing execution system (MES) software to collect real-time data and optimize production.
- Training – Investments in training on advanced technologies ensure employees can leverage capabilities.
The company also partners with technology providers and universities on research and development focused on next-generation manufacturing advancements. This drive for innovation enables Streator to stay ahead and meet evolving customer needs.
Environmental Responsibility
Alongside quality and delivery, Streator Dependable Mfg prioritizes environmental responsibility. The company is dedicated to sustainable manufacturing practices that minimize ecological impact.
Some of Streator’s green initiatives include:
- Energy-efficient lighting, and machinery designed to conserve electricity.
- Recycling programs to reduce waste sent to landfills. Streator recycles all metals, cardboard, paper, and other materials possible.
- Responsible for disposal of cutting fluids, oils, and solvents to avoid contamination.
- Sourcing raw materials from suppliers who also focus on sustainability.
- Compliance with all state and federal environmental regulations. Streator maintains required permits and reporting.
- Establishing an Environmental Management System (EMS) to continuously improve green practices and performance.
This environmental commitment has earned Streator Dependable certifications like ISO 14001. By integrating sustainability into operations, Streator maintains productivity while safeguarding ecological resources.
Awards and Recognition
Streator Dependable’s track record of manufacturing excellence has led to significant industry recognition over the years:
- Made In America Manufacturer of the Year – Streator won this national award in 2015 for its positive impact on US manufacturing.
- Illinois Manufacturer of the Year – Received this prestigious annual award from the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association in 2010.
- Best Places to Work – Featured multiple times on this regional list compiled by local business journals.
- Advancing Women in Manufacturing – Honored for its work to support women’s professional growth in manufacturing.
- Safety Awards – Multiple awards from the National Safety Council for safety performance and low injury rates.
- Quality Awards – Repeatedly won top awards from Precision Metalforming Association for quality systems.
- On-Time Delivery Awards – Frequently achieves awards from customers like Caterpillar and Deere for timely delivery.
This recognition motivates Streator Dependable Mfg to continue elevating its performance across all aspects of manufacturing.
Employment Opportunities
Streator Dependable provides exciting employment opportunities for people interested in manufacturing careers. The company employs over 500 people at its Streator headquarters and is frequently hiring talented individuals to join the team.
Typical positions available include:
- CNC Machinists
- Screw Machine Operators
- Welders
- Press Brake Operators
- Assemblers
- Quality Inspectors
- Material Handlers
- Process Engineers
- Designers
- Leadership/Management Roles
The company seeks motivated team players who take pride in their work. No prior experience is required for production roles, as Streator provides comprehensive on-the-job training to develop skills.
Benefits include health insurance, 401k with match, profit sharing, awards programs, and opportunities for advancement. The culture focuses on safety, collaboration, and growth. Overall, Streator Dependable offers very rewarding careers in manufacturing.
Training and Development
Streator Dependable Mfg maintains an industry-leading Streator Dependable Academy that provides skills training at no cost to employees. The academy contains hands-on labs with actual production equipment to simulate real working conditions. Workers can earn certifications and learn various processes like:
- CNC Programming
- Welding
- Press Brake Operation
- Measurement and Inspection
- Machining
- Industrial Print Reading
- Shop Math
- Lean Manufacturing
This training enables employees to expand their capabilities and qualify for new roles. Ongoing development is encouraged, as the company wants workers to constantly grow.
Streator also reimburses educational expenses for those pursuing college degrees and technical programs. The company partners with local trade schools, community colleges, and universities to offer internships and strengthen manufacturing’s talent pipeline.
Customer Service
Delivering an exceptional customer experience is central to Streator Dependable’s business approach. The company lives up to its name by making customer satisfaction its top priority. Streator’s customer service philosophy includes:
- Proactive communication and collaboration at every stage from design to delivery.
- Transparent processes where customers have visibility into order status and can provide feedback.
- Willingness to take on challenging, complex projects and deliver customized solutions.
- Flexibility to adapt to customers’ changing requirements, market conditions, and priorities.
- Continuous improvement mindset using customer input to enhance quality, value, and responsiveness.
- Post-project follow-up to ensure expectations were met and identify opportunities to better serve customers in the future.
Streator Dependable’s focus on customer service excellence helps build trust and long-lasting partnerships with companies across diverse industries.
Competitive Advantage
Streator Dependable Mfg sustains a powerful competitive advantage in the precision metal manufacturing industry based on:
- Breadth and Quality of Capabilities – With comprehensive services including machining, fabrication, assembly, and more, performed with sophisticated technology and strict quality control, Streator provides customers with a convenient one-stop manufacturing solution.
- Cost Effectiveness – High production volumes, skilled teams, robust processes and automation allow Streator to offer significant value to customers. Streator helps them reduce total costs.
- Delivery Performance – Streator’s impressive on-time delivery rate ensures customers can count on getting parts when they need them, avoiding costly delays.
- Customization Skills – Streator has expertise taking projects from concept through prototyping and into optimal production, providing both standard and custom solutions.
- Longevity and Reputation – Over 50 years of manufacturing experience and many awards validate Streator as a well-established industry leader customers can trust.
- Culture of Innovation – With technology investments and forward-thinking practices, Streator stays ahead, developing better ways to serve customers.
These powerful advantages make Streator Dependable the manufacturing partner of choice for critical components and assemblies.
Future Plans and Goals
As an established company with five decades of growth, Streator Dependable is focused on further expanding capabilities and capacity to better serve customers. Key goals moving forward include:
- Increasing skilled workforce by 25% to handle additional demand and upcoming retirements. Streator is heavily investing in recruitment, training programs, and promoting manufacturing careers.
- Expanding capabilities in automation, robotics, and data-driven manufacturing powered by Industry 4.0 innovations. This will improve quality consistency and labor productivity.
- Purchasing additional large-scale CNC machining centers to increase production volumes for tight-tolerance components. This will also reduce lead times.
- Expanding supplier partnerships locally and nationally to ensure continuity of high-quality inputs, continue diversifying customers, and identify new market opportunities.
- Continuing to improve sustainability by minimizing waste, energy usage, and environmental impact at every step while maintaining profitability and growth.
- Leveraging experience and talents to move into new, adjunct manufacturing markets with growth prospects.
By sustainably building on strengths, investing smartly, and innovating, Streator aims to take a leading position in precision metal manufacturing.
Customer Testimonials
Streator Dependable has earned outstanding feedback and loyal partnerships by fulfilling its commitments to customers. Here are examples of customer testimonials:
“We have worked with Streator Dependable for over 15 years. They consistently deliver complex fabricated weldments and assemblies on-spec and on-time to support our production. Streator is adaptable to our changing needs and truly feels like an extension of our team.”
Manufacturing Director, Fortune 500 Aerospace Company
“Outstanding supplier! Streator Dependable is our go-to source for precision gearbox housings, sleeves, and other critical drivetrain components. We can count on their expertise in machining and quality control to meet our tight specifications every time.”
Sourcing Manager, Heavy Equipment Manufacturer
“Streator Dependable has been instrumental in helping us achieve leaner manufacturing systems. They provide excellent service and ideas like Kanban, kitting, and consignment inventory to optimize our supply chain. Overall a fantastic partner!”
VP of Operations, Food Processing Equipment Company
Such glowing testimonials confirm that Streator Dependable delivers results and values partnerships. The company is committed to continuously improving based on customer feedback.
Conclusion
Streator Dependable Mfg has established a stellar reputation over 50+ years for reliable, versatile metal manufacturing. The company lives up to its name by offering customers exceptional quality, delivery, expertise, and service. With comprehensive capabilities, state-of-the-art technology, and strong culture, Streator Dependable is positioned for continued success and leadership. Current and prospective customers can feel confident entrusting their vital precision component needs to this premier manufacturing partner.
