The Challenge: In November of 2000, Gulf South Machine was facing a difficult challenge. Since their founding in 1969, they had retained their technical competitive edge. However, they realized that to stay at the forefront of their profession and technology they had to make some changes. “Our initial challenge was how we would remain competitive in a changing manufacturing environment. We were still machining one of our customer’s high volume parts using two conventional CNC Turning Centers, a Machining Center and a cylindrical grinder, not to mention the initial raw material sawing operation. This process achieved high part output but also came at a high labor cost for it required four operators and created a lot of work in process.” – Ron Buchta, Plant Manager

The Solution: Ron read an article in one of the trade publications about a multi-axis mill turning center with twin spindles, barfeeder and a parts catcher. “This article caught my attention and I began looking for the right machine for our application. We needed all the features mentioned in the article, plus a Y-Axis for milling. The Eurotech Elite Model 730SLY met all of our requirements. We took delivery of our first Eurotech Elite 730SLY machine in November 2000.”

The Engineering Process: The Eurotech Elite 730SLY was put in a cell with the cylindrical grinder, a CNC Stamper, part dip tank, shipping racks and crates. The 730SLY completes all turning and milling operations plus allows the operator enough time to deburr, stamp, grind, inspect, rack, dip and crate the parts. This process only requires 1 operator and eliminates work in process. The only other personnel involved in the process of the part is an operator that saw the bar stock for the barfeeder and a Q.C. inspector for final inspection.

“I’ve had our first Eurotech machine since 2000 and it is great. Our shop is a testimonial to the longevity of the machine; most machines you read about are new and not as reliable as our older Eurotech. It runs day and night Monday -Thursday. We’ve put about 80-90 hours on it a week. The machine runs extremely well.” – Ron Buchta

The Benefits and the Importance of Shaving Costs: Benefits begin with the sawing operation cutting 85% from the saw time with the use of the barfeeder. The fact that 1 operator is able to do what previously took 3 operators cut our labor cost. The 2 CNC Turning Centers and Machining Centers are now available to fill additional orders from our customers and the elimination of work in process opened up valuable space in the plant. The shop has benefited greatly with the addition of the Eurotech 730SLY. We find it so user friendly that we use it a lot for training new employees. The machine is still in service today running 80 to 90 hours per week producing high quality parts efficiently.       

A True Rags to Riches Story Three brothers, fleeing the Nazi invasion of Russia with their parents, settled in Germany until the American liberation of that country in the 1940’s. The war-refugee brothers and their parents immigrated to Louisiana in 1949 to be farm sharecroppers; further immigration to Chicago where two of the brothers, Mitch and Larry, learned the machine tool trade. In 1968 Mitch and Larry moved down to Louisiana and started a machine tool reconditioning business together. They began CNC machining in 1972, and their brother Stan joined the business in 1975 to provide electrical engineering expertise. It’s a story of dreams, of hopes and of hard work. Most importantly it is a story of the American dream and the door of opportunity that is open to all.

Today, Gulf South Machine, Inc. is dedicated to precision manufacturing which includes manufacturing from bar stock, forging, and castings. They have an integrated machining facility with manufacturing and quality processes for aerospace structural parts, transmission subassemblies, oilfield components, and prototypes. Their experienced staff has the knowledge and experience to meet their customers’ needs with:

• 30,158 square feet manufacturing facility
• 9 CNC Milling Center 3 and 4 axis capable
• 22 CNC Turning Centers

GULF SOUTH MACHINE, INC. P.O. BOX 730 PONCHATOULA, LA 70454 TEL 985-386-9401   FAX  985-386-9206 [email protected] www.gulfsouthmachine.com