NEWSLETTER SPONSORS
9607 Broadway, Ste. C
San Antonio, Texas 78217
SAMA 2017
1st Quarter Edition
Seven Decades and Still Growing
Cox Manufacturing Company is expanding with SAMA’s help.
Quietly celebrated 60 years in business, Cox Manufacturing Company is much like many of our San Antonio manufacturers
that quietly provide their products and stable jobs without any fanfare. The truth is that some of these companies have a
long history of providing a vital part of our local and national economy and like Cox, are not seen for the vital role they play.
Spanning across seven decades now, Cox has been an integral part of the lives of many, without them even knowing. In
1956 Cox started with Swiss machines built for the watch industry and tooled them to become the prominent US supplier of
bobbins used in computer core memory. Everybody from NASA to IBM were using these, when Cox began supplying key
precision mechanical components to the first personal computer – the San Antonio grown Datapoint product.
Beyond making thousands and thousands of printer and disk drive parts for Datapoint, Cox has had a history of supplying
precision components to numerous industries over the decades. Many have been an integral part of American life, whether
people realize it or not. Rifles and shotguns on Walmart and Academy shelves include components from Cox. Numerous
automobile models have had parts in the windows, cruise controls, steering column locks, clocks, transmissions, and other
little components supplied across the decades. Today, Cox produces well over 1 million parts every week and shipped coast
to coast, and some overseas. Their parts are in airplanes, surgical instruments, medical devices, missiles, truck trailer odometers, tire inflation systems, and even millions of cattle ID tags.
Today, Cox is in the mist of yet another expansion, having now acquired additional acreage adjoining their 1604 property.
With a total of seven acres now, Cox just finished a 2000 sq. ft. addition and has another 6,000 sq. ft. permitted and under
contract. Cox sees a robust future for US manufacturing and sees huge opportunity for companies that put together the right
technology, the right team, and the right culture. Cox would also have to say SAMA has been an integral part of realizing that
success.
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Looking Forward Looking Back
Out with the old and in with the new!
Each January marks an important milestone along SAMA’s long and successful mission to promote manufacturing success in San Antonio: the
passing of the baton from the outgoing to the incoming Chairperson. In the 100 year arc of SAMA’s existence, one year is not a very long time,
and frequent change carries some risk, but SAMA plans carefully for this annual change, stewarding leaders along a path that ensures not only
continuity but vigor.
It takes a lot of energy and commitment to keep SAMA rolling. Committee chairs and volunteers have to regularly meet to promote SAMA’s
mission. They work together with staff to execute our programs that bond and educate our members and promote our common cause. In 2016
these efforts resulted in almost two dozen programs involving over 3000 participants. This diverse set of programs ranged from our golf tournaments to our trade show. Beyond these programs our member team works regularly with community partners on SAMA’s goals.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Continuity planning that allows for new leadership is an important component of healthy organizations. Duffy Shae now begins his tenure as
JEFF GARVENS
chair with new decisive energy. SAMA is lucky to have his commitment and I look forward to supporting him as he works hard for SAMA’s success.
It was an honor to serve our San Antonio Manufacturing community as SAMA’s chair in 2016. Manufacturing is vitally important to any economy, but especially so for San Antonio’s because manufacturing shares title as the #1 contributor to our local economy. It is critical that San Antonio’s 1600 manufacturers and 50,000 employees get proper recognition and support from our community. SAMA is critical to making that happen. SAMA is the voice and advocate for San Antonio area manufacturing. SAMA exists and succeeds
because of the incredible talent and hard work of its members. It has been humbling to work with such talented and selfless citizens!
“New leadership is an important component of healthy organizations”
- Jeff Garvin, Partner, Rolltechs Specialty Vehicles LLC
What Can Manufacturers Look Forward to
in 2017 – Optimism!
Rey Chavez, President/CEO, SAMA
Per National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) surveys and my personal visits with local
manufacturers, there is a positive outlook for our industry’s future. During NAM’s recent 2017
State of Manufacturing Kick-off Tour in Round Rock, TX, both Jay Timmons, President/CEO,
NAM and David Farr, President, Emerson & NAM Board Chair, highlighted the reasons for this
positive outlook.
Timmons said, “manufacturing has been a policy lynchpin for the new administration, and we
now have the chance to capitalize on this opportunity through policy and education, unleashing a surge of manufacturing jobs in America that will last for generations.” Farr commented,
“we have a chance to work together and redefine how our country sees and supports manufacturing.”
In February’s Dallas Federal Reserve Bank Manufacturing Outlook Survey, manufacturers commented they have a renewed positive outlook. Texas factory activity increased for
the eighth consecutive month and new orders, as of January, climbed to a multiyear high of 15.7 points.
With production increasing and the new administration’s review to jump-start the U.S. economy by crafting new policies on taxes, job creation and trade, it is obviously clear,
What Can Manufacturers Look Forward to in 2017 – Optimism!
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(continued from page 1, “Seven Decades and Still Growing”)
Most recently, SAMA assisted Cox in bringing together a resolution to road blocks
that were creating barriers to expand on its current site. Helping bring together
San Antonio’s “Business Retention” team and “SAWS”, SAMA stood by Cox as various obstacles were delaying a recent expansion plan.
Over the years, SAMA has had programs that have fostered a lean manufacturing
mindset, a culture of high team engagement, and a strategy for marketing its capabilities – not to mention the invaluable connection with industry peers. Naturally,
Cox believes you have to be truly involved with SAMA to glean these benefits, and
sometimes it may mean giving your time and insights away to others. Some things
SAMA does, like workforce development programs take “Vision” and time to see the
fruit, and Cox certainly sees the fruit. Without question, Cox always feels these
contributions are central to their success. With Cox being recognized now for the
last three years in a row as an INC 5000 fastest growing private company, it is hard
to argue that being involved in SAMA has not been highly beneficial.
“Cannot image achieving three consecutive years as an INC 5000
fastest growing company without SAMA.”
- Bill Cox, President & CEO, Cox Manufacturing Company
South Central Texas Manufacturing Trade Show and Conference
Dollie Bodin, The Trade Group and SAMA Trade Show Co-Chair
SAMA’s 103-year history includes an annual trade show dating back to when people stood by the hundreds at La Villita to visit familiar manufacturers such as, Roegelein Meat
Packers, Pearl Brewery and Oakwell Farms Dairy. Most of these names have evolved with change thru the decades. The SAMA trade show has also evolved to enhance the showcasing of our current manufacturing community. Last year started our new brand while keeping our focus the same - show case our manufacturing community TO our manufacturing community. We moved the event to the bigger side at The Freeman Expo Hall which resulted in larger spaces for product demonstrations.
Needing enhanced feedback from our members, Bill Cox, Cox Manufacturing, not only stepped up to help grow this event as the title sponsor but also brought expertise with
national trade show environments. He also speaks for the manufacturing side and easily conveys what is of value, and why, for manufacturers at trade shows.
His insights helped SAMA realize that rebranding was needed and so the “South Central Texas Manufacturing Trade Show and Conference” was tooled. Last year’s show reached
out to a state-wide market, attracted exhibitors and attendees nationally and from Mexico. This resulted in increased attendance and higher business lead interactions.
There is no doubt; this event is a key asset to the SAMA manufacturers. It is also the only pure manufacturing trade show in the area, offering exposure and a one day experience
to find B2B solutions for manufacturing.
Because of our new focus, manufacturers should not overlook this event! Currently, exhibitor reservations are well ahead of where they were this time last year. Go to
www.sama-tx.org to reserve your booth today.
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Why Now?
Training Can’t Wait for Tomorrow
We have heard it and know a problem exists but who has the time and resources to address it – right now. Manufacturers have talented workforce, but reality is that some of
them will be retiring over the next few years. Companies are then faced with who will be
left to fill those needs with the right skill. Finding trained staff can be time consuming and
difficult with companies spending countless hours looking to find the right person to fill
jobs.
What if companies could invest in a talent pipeline to ensure economic progression? There are several programs in our city that begins at the grassroots level – our youth. One of
those programs is Alamo Academies. With a 16-year track record of successfully training students at the high school level, this 2-year program of study also integrates them with
companies to do on-the-job training (OJT) through their paid summer internship. Students begin intense college level training during their junior year of high school and build
the foundation needed for manufacturing such as calculations, print reading, and precision measurements. They also earn industry certifications such as 10-hour OSHA and Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician Safety and Quality Certification in the Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Academy. Upon successfully
completing their first year of the program of studies, the student’s OJT begins in the summer for 8 weeks allowing students to gain firsthand experience in the real world. Seniors
return to learn advanced classes and graduate with 34 college credits, multiple industry certifications and experience in the field. Companies gain the opportunity to hire a future
skilled and motivated employee after high school graduation. (www.alamoacademies.com)
After graduation, students can further their manufacturing pathway by applying to TXFAME or Palo Alto College’s Industrial Technology program. TXFAME is a combination education/training program where students earn certification as an Advanced Manufacturing Technician (AMT). During the week, students will attend classes at a local community
college and work for a local employer – all while being paid a competitive wage. After five semesters, the student will have earned an Associate’s degree in Applied Science in
Advanced Manufacturing Technician Track, 60 college credit hours, two years of work experience and the AMT certification. (http://www.210pathways.com)
The Palo Alto College Industrial Technology Program prepares students for entry into the industrial and commercial areas of manufacturing, assembly, and distribution. With two
specialization options for the Associate of Applied Science—Instrumentation and Manufacturing—students will receive enhanced training for specific skills needed in the industry. Instrumentation Technology is the installation, maintenance and calibration of devices used in the automation of industrial processes. The program will teach future technicians to maintain, troubleshoot, operate, and plan the assembly of industrial technology systems. Manufacturing technology provides the tools that enable production of all manufactured goods. Technicians will also assist engineers in design and oversight of these systems. (www.alamo.edu/pac/industrial-technology)
Investing some time and resources into trained students, who could potentially be your skilled technician, maybe worth it in the long run. Perhaps your company is not thinking
about training now but maybe you should.
SAMA Luncheons 2017
The SAMA Membership Luncheons are held at then San Antonio Country Club, 4100 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, Texas 78209.
Registration & Networking—11:15am | Plated Lunch—11:30am | Program—12:00noon
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
”Final Four Returning to San Antonio in 2018”
Presentation by Jenny Carnes, Executive Director, San Antonio Local Organizing
Committee, 2018 NCAA Final Four
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
”Mayoral Debate for the City of San Antonio”
Debate will feature candidates in the race for Mayor of San Antonio
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
“San Antonio Manufacturing Issues and Initiatives”
Presentation by Jenna Sauceda-Herrera, President/CEO, San Antonio Economic
Development Foundation
Thursday, June 8, 2017
“Water Projects & Availability Update”
Presentation by Robert Puente, President/CEO, San Antonio Water System
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
“San Antonio Manufacturing and its Economy”
Presentation by Keith Phillips, Dallas Federal Reserve Bank, San Antonio Branch
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
“Manufacturing Workforce for Tomorrow”
Presentation by Jennifer McNelly, Executive Director, Manufacturing Institute
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
“Air Quality & Non-Attainment—What Does It Mean for Bexar County”
Presentation by David Brymer, Director, Air Quality Division, Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
Thursday, November 2, 2017
“Energy Plans & Availability”
Presentation by Paula Gold-Williams, President/CEO, CPS Energy
Tuesday, December 5, 2017
“Coming Soon!”
Presenter To Be Determined
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