Page 18 - MetalForming April 2017

Hydraulic Press
A custom 450-ton machine aligns nicely with Empire Level’s existing die-transfer system and squares away its forming challenges.
BY LOUIS A. KREN, SENIOR EDITOR
Closing in on 100 years in busi- ness, Empire Level, Mukwona- go, WI, has made its name as a top worldwide supplier of layout and measurement products such as levels, squares, utility tape and more. In 2014, Milwaukee Tool acquired the company, and since then, Empire Level has embarked on a $16-million investment in its workforce and equipment.
“From the invention of the Monovial, to the introduction of the first Torpedo Level, Empire Level has a strong history of innovation,” said Steve Richman, president of Milwaukee Tool, at the time of the acquisition. “We share a passion for delivering best- in-class solutions for our users. We are extremely proud to expand our port- folio with Empire Level, and we are committed to driving disruptive inno- vation and accelerated growth within the business.”
Acquisition Brings Culture Change
That it is. On the people side, Empire Level embarked on imple- menting a culture shift by increasing training opportunities, streamlining
internal processes and implementing surface improvements including a new paint job for the company’s 140,000- sq.-ft. manufacturing plant. More than 200 employees operating across three
shifts call Empire Level home, and the company has “sold” its products to these internal customers by using its marketing team to demonstrate the products and explain their quality and
16 MetalForming/April 2017
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