Generational Quality: Balancing Tradition, Innovation and Continuous Improvement

Pictured above is Corey Fox, MMT EAB member and Operations Manager for Accede Mold and Tool. Fox discusses the importance of maintaining high-quality standards in moldmaking through continuous improvement, leveraging technology and preserving industry knowledge and expertise. Source | Angie Steingass, Marketing Manager, Accede Mold & Tool Co. Inc.

Q: How do you think your family background and grandfather's founding of Accede Mold & Tool have shaped your leadership style and commitment to the company?

Our family's history in the business keeps me motivated to continue Accede's success. From my grandfather and Roger (Fox), I've learned a lot about managing and maintaining Accede's high standards, including ensuring employee satisfaction and a clean, safe environment. My commitment is to keep Accede advancing and producing high-quality molds, balancing traditional expertise with innovation to keep the company competitive and attract new talent to the industry. 

I was a very young, fresh apprentice when my grandfather still owned Accede. I wish I had more time to work and learn from him. The best thing I have learned from Roger is to always invest back into the business and your employees. Make sure to find a great, reliable management team. Happy employees increase their desire to do great things and maintain a positive work environment.

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Q: How has your background as both a machinist and moldmaker influenced your approach to managing manufacturing operations at Accede?

I have a personal connection and dedication to the company's mission and the moldmaking craft. I understand that quality is the foundation of Accede and what keeps us among the top American mold builders. Our commitment to quality is a core value, passed down through generations of leadership and our primary goal is to maintain this high level of quality, whether through training, looking towards future technological advancements, particularly in automation and robotics, acquiring new machines, creating a positive work environment and addressing industry challenges like workforce recruitment. We are always striving to improve.

Q: How does your work at Accede fuel and/or influence your passion for automotive craftsmanship?

My background as a moldmaker has influenced my approach to fabricating my Jeep. Although working on the Jeep involves more on-the-fly engineering, it provides me with opportunities to quickly come up with ideas and solutions to various issues. It provided me with the motivation to be more precise when creating parts for my jeep, resulting in tighter tolerances when building molds.

Q: What is the biggest challenges facing mold builders today?

Our biggest challenge here at Accede is finding qualified employees, a situation that has changed drastically in the last two years. Out of ten interviews scheduled, only one or two candidates actually show up.

Q: What strategies or approaches has Accede tried to address this challenge of finding qualified employees, and have any been particularly effective?

We are revamping our apprenticeship program with new trainers and equipment. We have hired a full-time apprentice manager, a former high school technology teacher, who has the patience and ability to work with the younger generation. We are also in the process of purchasing a new Prototrak mill to spark the kids' interest in CNC machining.

The most effective method we have found for training young, new machinists/moldmakers is to have them start working with the machines as soon as possible. They are usually fascinated by how technology and automation have enhanced and accelerated the machining processes, which piques their interest. We aim to have them shadow an experienced machinist who can explain the significance of tolerances and the function of the molds we build.

Robots and automation seem to spark more interest in the younger generation. We plan to involve them more in programming and CNC operations, focusing on efficient and effective use. This approach aims to increase the younger generation's interest in this field.

Q: What technological advancements do you predict will have the biggest impact on the moldmaking industry in the next five years?

Finding new ways to automate and use robotics, while maintaining a high level of quality, will significantly impact the future of moldmaking. At the same time, we hope these advancements in technology will generate interest in manufacturing among the younger generation.