Lewis
C. Watson, CWI Inc.
| COMPANY/LOCATION: |
Lewis C. Watson, CWI Inc., Fairfield Glade, Tennessee |
| PRODUCT: |
On-the-job welding training, process development, and welding inspection |
| YEARS IN BUSINESS: |
6 |
| EMPLOYEES: |
2 |
| SITUATION: |
CWI Inc. is a two-person company that provides welding training, process
development, and welding inspection on a contract basis. With more than
50 years' experience in welding, Lewis C. Watson, president of the company,
was familiar with the Oak Ridge Centers for Manufacturing Technology's
(ORCMT) expertise and reputation in welding technologies. Watson called
the toll-free number to reach ORCMT's Technical Assistance Center, where
he requested assistance to determine the cause of a weld-cracking problem
in a difficult-to-weld material for which he was developing a welding procedure. |
| PROJECT: |
A sample of the material was analyzed by ORCMT's analytical lab scanning
electron microscope equipment and chemist Larry Walker, who identified
specific different materials in the sample and explained the reason for
the weld cracking. Identification of the cause of the cracking allowed
Watson to modify the welding process and eliminate the problem. |
| RESULTS: |
Watson rated the service received through ORCMT as excellent and noted
that the "personal attention applied by Larry Walker to my problem was
unattainable anywhere else in the welding industry. ORCMT's help has made
it possible for me and other small-business people like me to compete in
this industry."
Watson estimated that, over a two-year period, the technical assistance
helped him reduce production costs by up to $200,000, increase sales by
up to $200,000, and avoid potential sales losses of up to $200,000.
|
Technical assistances provided to the private sector by the Oak Ridge
Centers for Manufacturing Technology (ORCMT) and its manufacturing extension
partners throughout the United States.
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