Visions - Spring 2011 - (Page 12)

SUBSIDIARY Unique Machine Heralded For Longstanding Contribution to Alaskan Economy Alaska State Legislature Presents Citation to Flourishing SCOA Subsidiary For Pioneering Spirit and Lasting Success laska has watched its economy grow and prosper ever since becoming a state over 50 years ago. Bolstering that economy as a thriving company, Sumitomo Corporation of America’s subsidiary Unique Machine recently received a landmark citation from the Alaska State Legislature to honor the company’s far-reaching contributions to Alaska’s economy for over 30 years. As Alaska’s largest machine shop, Unique Machine has been serving the fishing, mining, construction and oilfield industries since its founding in 1973, and according to the prime sponsor of the citation,Alaska State Representative Chris Tuck, Unique Machine also has a longterm importance to the health of the Alaskan economy.The citation specifically states that “it is Unique Machine’s decades-long effort to introduce new machine tools that have increased our worker productivity, which qualifies the company as a true Alaska pioneer.” Acquired by SCOA in 2004, Unique Machine made its mark in oilfield manufacturing and threading support early on, and soon expanded to serve the machining needs of other industries. From overhaul and repair to elaborate manufacturing, Unique Machine developed the infrastructure and staff to handle any and all manufacturing, welding and fabrication requirements that a project could require. Looking to meet the challenge of expanding business opportunities, Unique Machine opened the Alaska Technology Center near their headquarters in Anchorage in June 2009.This 13-acre campus boasts multiple buildings for storage, machining and fabrication, along with seven acres of new pavement for staging areas.A campus rail spur allows Unique Machine the ability to ship heavy loads anywhere on the rail system and to rail-barge export from Alaska’s ports to anywhere in the Pacific Rim. RepresentativeTuck toldVisions magazine that he regularly expresses his gratitude for the company’s commitment to progress.“I continually thank Sumitomo for demonstrating their vision and confidence in Alaska's economic future by making such an important investment in Unique Machine's manufacturing opportunities,” he said. Unique Machine General Manager Pat Hanley stated that the citation was really recognition of the company’s body of work in the community.“I think it is one of the highest honors we could possibly achieve other than a SCOA President’s Award,” Hanley said.“I think the honor is especially important to our people who made this possible through hard work, perseverance, and having a shared vision. “Our growth is closely tied to the maturation of our state and economy.We all are proud of, and identify with, being connected to the success of various projects or operations over the years. Often times, I hear our employees discussing some of the success stories that 12 v i s i o n s S p r i n g 2 0 1 1 A Pictured above: Alaska State Representative Chris Tuck (left) presents Unique Machine General Manager Pat Hanley with the citation. are covered in the media, telling friends that ‘we did that’ or ‘we made that happen’.” Representative Tuck also stated in the citation that not only is Unique Machine a contributor to the economic welfare of Alaska, the company has the potential to be a catalyst industry that takes its place as a stepping stone toward introducing additional manufacturing industries. “The in-depth logistical capabilities inherent within Unique Machine’s business plan allow new industries to build upon the path created by this pioneering company,” the citation reads. “Our quality mission is quite simple,” Hanley explained.“We strive to obtain the highest level of customer satisfaction, and ensure that we have continuous improvement in our operations. In a larger context, our mission is to operate the company to meet the cultural expectations of Sumitomo, and ensure that we maintain the highest level of corporate compliance possible.” Hanley cites the birth of Unique Machine’s relationship with Sumitomo as a highlight in their progress to become a prime business success story, not only in Alaska, but within the Sumitomo family of subsidiaries. “One of the greatest moments in our company history was being acquired by Sumitomo,” Hanley said.“They have treated us extremely well, and allowed us to grow in ways we never thought possible.There is a special bond among theTubular Group companies, and that is shared by the SC Group Companies and Sumitomo staff with whom we work as well.We have made lasting friendships with many of the staff members since being acquired.Additionally, we have a very high level of support from the SCOA NewY Office’s Insurance personnel and the ork Management Information Systems department as well.” For more information, please contact Pat Hanley at Pat.Hanley@umalaska.com. Sumitomo Corpor ation of America

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Visions - Spring 2011

Visions - Spring 2011
Contents
SCOA Foundation - Japan Relief and More
Economic Impacts of Multiple Crises in Japan
Building the World’s Largest Wind Farm
Erecting the Structure of a New Value Chain
Unique Machine Heralded for Contributions to Alaskan Economy

Visions - Spring 2011