Motivating employees
The first order of business the three owners tackled after their purchase of the company from Royal Laser was empowering the employees to be more active within the company and the community.

"We believe giving back to the community helps not only the recipients of our efforts but instills pride within the workforce that they are part of a company that cares for their families and friends," says Rakesh Choudhary, who serves as Director and CFO of the business.

As for motivating employees, the company is involved in motivational skills training for supervisors, TPS training, 5S implementation, and quick die change.

Technology applications
Another focus of the owners is technology. Technology applications already in place at the company include a transfer system for the 1200 ton press, automation systems that insert hardware and check alignment, vision systems, and automating operations wherever possible to reduce costs. While the company uses products such as a Hamilton Feed System, some of their other technological innovations have been developed in-house, using the company's engineering experience and tool build capabilities.

"Giving Thunder the tools necessary to be at the cutting edge of developments with the latest equipment, software and training in new techniques - and putting those tools to work in the appropriate areas of our core competency - is what we are committed to doing for our employees and our customers," says Louie Paonessa, the Director and COO.

The company is currently working on its own R&D with respect to metal coatings to improve die life, and the development of a modular transfer system.

International goals
Being customer focused in an ever-shrinking world is the other cornerstone of their approach. For the owners of Thunder Tool, that means being where the business is - wherever clients need them around the globe.

"Growing the Thunder presence in Canada, establishing a location in the U.S. by merger, acquisition or building a state-of-the-art stamping facility from the ground up, as well as establishing a facility in Asia, will make Thunder a supplier that can support its customers strategically," notes B. Singh Hansra, President and CEO.

Thunder's goals are not based on a naive perception of the metal stamping business. The ownership has a collective 100 years of experience in this very competitive field, and as a newly independent business unit, they understand the value that their stamping capabilities can offer the right client base.

In January 2011, Thunder was certified by the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC) as a bona fide minority business enterprise.

"This certification helps our customers meet their requirements in satisfying their objectives regarding minority companies," notes Paonessa.

"Expanding manufacturing in Canada is our number one goal," explains Scott Kolb, the company's newest recruit. Kolb joined the company a short time ago as an Account Manager. "Launching the future begins here. As mentioned before, we want to strengthen our core competency and use Canada as the launching pad for our future growth. Using our expertise here will be invaluable for where our ownership and our employees take this company."