Steven Luedke is Quality Assurance Manager at Rolled Threads Unlimited. He’s been with us for over 25 years and we are certainly grateful that he is part of the team.
We sat down with him for a few moments and asked some questions. Here’s what we found out.
How long have you worked at Rolled Threads Unlimited? And what has changed since you first started?
I have been working for Rolled Threads Unlimited since 1994. I started as a machine operator where I learned about the equipment and the thread rolling process. After a few years operating machines, I had the opportunity to help develop a formal quality system in order for Rolled Threads Unlimited to become ISO 9001 certified.
This was a long, complicated process which entailed documenting processes, creating procedures, work instructions and training. It took a few years to complete, but I’m proud to say that we became ISO certified in 2000. Our quality system has been evolving and improving ever since then. The Rolled Threads Unlimited team does not just see this as a certificate on the wall, but a tool to continuously help us grow and improve. Our metrics and customer feedback are proof of that.
What is something important you’ve learned while on the job?
It is vitally important to listen and take action on the information and ideas that come from the employees performing the work. This is where many of the good ideas for change and improvements have originated at Rolled Threads Unlimited. They are the ones who work with the equipment, processes and materials every single day so they have great insights in how any changes may affect the process and their daily tasks.
What do you enjoy most about your job and working at Rolled Threads Unlimited?
I enjoy working here because I have opportunities to work on multiple projects in a variety of ways. No day is exactly the same and it’s fun to work on different projects and see the unique and cool fasteners that we are able to produce. Sometimes I’m leading a quality meeting, inspecting parts, or working with individuals in the shop. There is always something to keep me busy!
The past 12 months have been somewhat tumultuous with the impact of COVID-19. How have you and the Rolled Threads Quality Assurance team been impacted?
While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly impacted the industry, we were just thankful to be able to remain open and not be impacted too much. We were all a little worried at the beginning and we did end up have a few positive cases among our employees. However, we were able to step up and overcome the challenges. One of the many great things about Rolled Threads Unlimited is that we often wear many hats and so can cover for one another. We are certainly looking forward to the pandemic being over.
In your opinion, what sets Rolled Threads Unlimited apart from other thread rolling companies?
First, there is a family atmosphere at Rolled Threads Unlimited. We treat one another and customers with respect and try to do our best for one another.
Second, we enjoy taking on many different jobs – both large and small. Being a “make-to-print” job shop allows us to manufacture many types of different parts from many different industries.
Tell us something that others may not know about you, professionally or personally or both.
I enjoy the outdoors including nightscape and nature photography. I have taken some cool photos of the Milky Way including the aurora borealis. When I’m not working, you can usually find me spending time in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.