Sirois Tool Co., Inc., founded in 1960 and based in Berlin, Connecticut, specializes in tooling and gages, offering capabilities such as manual and CNC milling and turning, wire and sinker EDM, and cylindrical and surface grinding.
Sirois Tool has been an NTMA member for decades, and over that time, they have made an active and ongoing effort to get involved and take advantage of what our organization has to offer.
We recently spoke with Alan Ortner, President of Sirois Tool, about the role NTMA has played in the company’s journey and why engagement remains one of the most important factors in realizing the full value of membership.
Sirois Tool’s NTMA Journey Began with Local Connections
Like many other manufacturers that get involved with NTMA, Sirois Tool initially joined to become involved in its local chapter. For Alan, that meant participating in events through the Connecticut Tooling & Machining Association, serving on the board and eventually taking on leadership roles as chapter president and trustee.
At first, the local chapter represented the primary source of value. The opportunity to meet manufacturers in their region and discuss their common challenges created meaningful connections and learning experiences.
Over time, however, those relationships encouraged Alan and the Sirois Tool team to become even more involved in NTMA.
Local Engagement Led to National Opportunities
As he continued to leverage chapter involvement, fellow members encouraged Alan to attend a national NTMA event. After experiencing the value of our annual ENGAGE conference firsthand, he became a regular participant in our national events.
As Alan’s involvement grew, he joined national committees, served on the Executive Committee, and became the NTMA Chairman for 2021 and 2022. Along the way, he discovered something many members experience when they attend national events for the first time: the challenges facing manufacturers are often remarkably similar, regardless of geography.
The national network introduced Sirois Tool to manufacturers from across the country who offered fresh ideas and valuable lessons learned. And while much of Sirois Tool’s experience in their early days of membership centered around learning from others, after decades of growth and involvement, the company more often finds itself helping other companies navigate challenges today.
The Power of a Strong Manufacturing Network
According to Alan, networking has consistently been the most valuable part of their decades of membership. The relationships developed through local chapter leadership and national conferences have helped Sirois Tool create a trusted network of manufacturing professionals spanning the country.
These connections result in opportunities to gain insight from a diverse range of manufacturing companies. There’s plenty to be learned from members who have operated successful businesses for generations, but newer companies can bring fresh ideas and perspectives; both groups have valuable lessons to share.
Shop Tours Create Learning Opportunities
According to Alan, visits to other manufacturing facilities have also been impactful. As Alan explains, “You can very easily get in your own little silo. But it’s amazing how much better you can be when you actually open your mind to considering what other people do and seeing how it’s done elsewhere.”
Seeing another shop’s processes, systems, and approaches can spark ideas that lead to meaningful improvements in your own facilities.
Value Gained Through NTMA’s Upskilling Resources
Developing Talent from Within
Sirois Tool has also leveraged NTMA’s workforce development resources, namely NTMA-U. While several members of Alan’s team have utilized NTMA-U as part of their professional growth, one team member’s unique story highlights the impact these programs can have.
This individual joined Sirois Tool as a janitor, but became fascinated by the work happening around him. He regularly stayed after his shift to learn more about their processes and manufacturing as a whole. Recognizing his interest and potential, Sirois Tool enrolled him in NTMA-U. Through a combination of the program and hands-on learning at Sirois Tool, this team member developed his skills and eventually became one of Sirois Tool’s top surface grinders.
This story is a powerful reminder that future talent can often be found within an organization if the company is willing to invest in upskilling.
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
As Sirois Tool continues planning for the future, Alan is encouraging young leaders within the organization to participate in NTMA’s Emerging Leaders program and attend local events and national conferences.
Just as previous generations of NTMA members helped guide today’s leaders like Alan, emerging leaders have an opportunity to build relationships and gain exposure to new ideas that can benefit both their careers and their companies.
Membership Goes Beyond Networking
Sirois Tool has also taken advantage of numerous NTMA member programs. These include:
- PTSolutions cutting tool programs
- Grainger member benefits
- Environ Energy purchasing programs
Additionally, Alan recommends that members stay informed about legislation and other industry developments through NTMA’s advocacy resources. Being up-to-date on what’s happening on a local and national level helps companies like Sirois Tool remain proactive in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Parting Advice from Alan: Get Involved!
Sirois Tool’s experience with NTMA offers an important lesson: While membership alone provides access to valuable resources, the greatest benefits come through active participation.
Attend chapter meetings. Visit other members’ shops. Join committees. Participate in conferences. Explore member programs. Enroll interested team members in NTMA-U. Build relationships.
For Alan and Sirois Tool, that journey started with a local chapter meeting decades ago and eventually led to national leadership opportunities, lifelong friendships, countless success stories, and an overall stronger, more resilient business.
And they’re just a few examples of how NTMA can add value. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to find out further ways you can take advantage of your membership, or join NTMA to start reaping the benefits!
