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WIRE EDM CASE STUDY

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Competitive Advantage
Hanson International is not your typical manufac-
turing company – not by a longshot. Hanson is a
world-class manufacturer of complex die cast
dies and plastic injection molds.
While many companies that serve the automotive
markets have struggled in recent years, Hanson
has thrived. What is it about this Midwestern USA
company located in the small community of
St Joseph, Michigan that sets them apart? Hanson International | St Joseph, Michigan
Two words; Competitive Advantage.
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EDM Today has recently visited the Hanson facility and met with several of their key people to learn just what
gives them that competitive advantage. We were welcomed by Hanson International Supervisor Elmer Rudlaff.
Elmer brought us into Hanson’s Wire EDM department, and proudly showed us their group of Sodick EDM machines.
When asked about the competitive advantage, Elmer explained that it is many things, but a very important part of
their success is due to their relationship with Sodick.

Elmer further stated that it is a true partnership. Working with
Elmer further stated that it is a true partnership. Working with
Sodick is like having an extra group of employees who keep
Sodick is like having an extra group of employees who keep
production moving. Elmer added that one of the many reasons
production moving. Elmer added that one of the many reasons
for their growth and success is the idea of doing more with less.
for their growth and success is the idea of doing more with less.
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As an example, he cited the benefi t of working with Sodick
As an example, he cited the benefi t of working with Sodick
Consumables Account Manager Susan Bauer. He considers
Consumables Account Manager Susan Bauer. He considers
Susan as being part of the Hanson team, and has put his trust
Susan as being part of the Hanson team, and has put his trust
in her to make sure their EDM needs are met.
in her to make sure their EDM needs are met.
Sometimes
Sometimes
Hanson
Hanson
takes on
takes on
projects that
projects that
are unique.
are unique.
Elmer ex-
Elmer ex-
plained that
plained that
whether it
whether it
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be advice
be advice
Elmer Rudlaff
Elmer Rudlaff
on how
on how
Hanson International Supervisor
to create
a special
program, or tackle cutting a special workpiece material, one call to
Susan is all it takes. She will coordinate a response from various
Sodick experts to provide a quick response.
Elmer also went out of his way to speak to the quality of
Sodick consumables. He indicated that Hanson customers have
come to expect consistent quality, fast project turnaround, and
high levels of accuracy. Sodick consumables give them the Sodick Consumables Account Manager
consistency and performance that allows them to get the best
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from their EDM machines.
Susan Bauer and Elmer Rudlaff
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