Best of 2016: Machining centers improve output

James “Jay” Campbell had no idea that when he and his brother Larry were paid pennies per unit to help their dad deburr injection-molded parts every evening during their high school years, the experience shaped their futures. With more than a decade of hands-on experience, Jay founded Campbell Engineering in Lake Forest, California, 19 years ago, but he still considers himself more machinist than CEO. He consults Larry for advice and is thrilled that his own daughters and son-in-law now work with him at Campbell Engineering.

Jay’s company has found its niche milling highly complex, low-volume components – primarily aluminum parts for medical laser instruments, developing a reputation for high quality and customer service standards while delivering parts on time. Recently, Campbell Engineering has been evolving from a job shop into more of a contract manufacturer, as current clients ramp up part quantities. Adding a Makino PS95 vertical machining center (VMC) and a51 horizontal machining center has allowed the company to expand its capacity as it shifts its business model.

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