WETHERSFIELD — Drasgow Inc.’s mission statement says it the best.
The company banks on high quality, proper training and common sense — crucial factors when you’re competing in the global marketplace and perpetuating the machine trades in the United States of America.
It’s been recognized as one of Wyoming County’s success stories, in a town not normally associated with manufacturing. “You get to a point to where you have the confidence to do it,” said founder Karl W. Drasgow of his decision to start the company. “The Chamber of Commerce business pamphlet states that the average successful, small-business start-up is started by a person 40 years old with 20 years experience in that field, and that’s right about and survived last year’s economic downturn, in Western New York’s challenging environment. A Sheldon resident, Drasgow had about 20 years’ experience in the machinery trades and recognized that auto parts manufacturers were relying increasingly on independent suppliers. He left his job to start his own operation. The decision had its doubters, to say the least. “I think they thought I was crazy,” he said during an interview in his office. “Doubt wasn’t really the word, for some guy to come out here and start a factory and produce parts. “But he recognized the advantages. Drasgow Inc. uses lean manufacturing principles and just-in-time delivery. The techniques eliminate waste, while making efficiency a priority .Blueprints and purchase orders arrive via e-mail and steel deliveries arrive once per week. Parts are made on-site by local employees, who have very limited travel time and gasoline expenses. Completed orders are shipped out weekly. “It’s just a more-economical process for manufacturing than everybody driving long distances to Buffalo, to be in a building with huge overhead, because of its size,” Drasgow said. Western New York’s business environment is notoriously difficult by reputation, but Drasgow said he doesn’t think it’s impossible. He said the best place to start a business is where you know the most people. The company built its new, dedicated factory and office location three years ago on Poplar Tree Road. “To go somewhere else and start would have been much harder,” he said. “I produce parts in Western New York, but I’m on an even playing field with all the other manufacturers in Western New York. I think the difference is you just have to want to do it.” At the same time, Drasgow Inc. took a hit during the recent economic downturn, just like any of the other businesses affected, and the economy continues to be the company’s biggest issue. The company has weathered the worst economic recession in 30 years, but was still forced to reduce its work force. It employed 12 people before the downturn and was down to three at its worst point. “We got really hurt,” Drasgow said. “I think right now being a successful business is just being in business for a start-up. I haven’t done better than anybody else. “The company’s work force has since grown back to nine employees as the economy recovers. It used its slow period to repair its existing machines and install new equipment, to increase productivity in the future. Quality remains important — both in Drasgow Inc.’s products and its work force. Drasgow’s main focus is improving the company’s employee pipeline for future expansions. That includes education. Drasgow’s a member of the Wyoming County Business Education Council. He attends University at Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, has taken courses in Rochester, and will attend the Leadership Wyoming program this summer. His personal goal is to bring a machine tools program to Genesee Community College to support industry within the county. Teamwork has likewise been crucial. Drasgow said he built his company by working with the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency and Chamber of Commerce. The company has itself used the Genesee Livingston Orleans Wyoming Workforce Investment Board and Community Action. “The Bank of Castile has been instrumental in the success of Drasgow Inc.,” Drasgow said. It’s led to a success story for the business which makes about five million parts annually. “I’m very thankful to have my key employees on board and to have enough work at this time to keep moving ahead, “Drasgow said.
The Daily News
Posted: Saturday, February 20, 2010 1:00 am
Updated: 11:53 am, Thu Apr 8, 2010