SPIROL

Update
No. 2 2014

BRAZIL CANADA CHINA CZECH REPUBLIC ENGLAND FRANCE GERMANY KOREA MEXICO SPAIN UNITED STATES

Since 1948...
On the wall to the immediate left in the
boardroom of SPIROL International
Corporation
in
Danielson,
Connecticut are the portraits of
Hans A. Prym, Walther G. von
Conta, and Herman J. Koehl,
the three men from Germany
who would form what
would become the largest
manufacturer of engineered
fasteners in the world.

In this issue and the several following

we will take a look at what made
SPIROL the corporation it is today!

Following service in World War I on the Russian front,

Herman J. Koehl returned to his home town of Ensdorf,
Germany to take a job as a mechanic in the coal mines
of the Saar Valley. With money earned there, he paid a
tutor to prepare him to take the abitur (high school-college
preparatory) equivalency examination. One of the few who
passed the examination, he was accepted at Staatliche
Ingineur Schule in Aachen. Despite a very demanding
schedule, he worked his way through school, difficult today
and a rarity in Germany at that time.
After graduation in 1924, he joined William Prym-Werke,
a brass mill and notions producer in Stolberg, Germany
dating back to 1584. Already 28 at the start of his career, he
soon made up for lost time. Mr. Koehl achieved immediate
recognition for developing pin machines that increased
production to 650 pins per minute, a 26% increase, and next
for developing new, more productive safety pin machinery.
Some of the machines of the Koehl design are still in

production todayover 65 years later. He quickly advanced

and in 1931, at the age of 35, he was promoted to Technical
Director. During the 1930s, he developed over 200 patented
products and production methods in areas as diverse as
zippers and variable speed drives for textile machinery.
During World War II, he was successful in designing and
producing the worlds first seamless, hollow, jet engine
turbine blade. Recognizing this achievement, the U.S. Air
Force invited Mr. Koehl and his associates to the United
States after the war. By 1948 he found his inventive spirit
was not being satisfied, and with the consent of the Air
Force, he returned to private industry.
On January 1, 1948, Hans A. Prym and Walther G. von
Conta, two associates from his German days who had
immigrated to the United States in the 1920s, formed
a partnership, Prym Engineering Co. in Dayville,
Connecticut. The purpose of this company was to provide
the funds to employ Herman Koehl with his inventive mind.
He quickly developed a cover-your-own button and buckle,
a very successful notions product for the home seamstress
market. He became a partner on November 1, 1950, and
the royalties received from the button/buckle supported all
further development work of the partnership.
In 1950, Mr. Koehl invented a new flexible machine pin in
the form of a spiral, known today as the Coiled Spring Pin, to
which he also invented the machines used to automatically
produce them. The SPIROL Pin was born. In January,
1952, the name of the partnership was changed to
Connecticut Engineering and Manufacturing Company,
or C.E.M. Company. The next eight years were devoted
to introducing and establishing the SPIROL Pin in the
engineered component market.
By 1959, sufficient
success had been achieved to require incorporation and so
C.E.M. Co., Inc was formed. Herman Koehl was elected
President and he continued to serve the Corporation until
his passing in 1965.

The Win-Win for SPIROL and Customer!

November 2013 SPIROL received a web request from a
commercial molder, Mar-Bal of Chagrin Falls, OH, to install
a competitors Insert with our Model TA Insert Driver. Our
sales force sprung into action, an A-Order was submitted,
and both Corey Lee, Field Sales Engineer, and Andy
Robinson, Sales Manager, visited Mar-Bal to present
SPIROL and our capabilities.
The application is a high quality thermoset plastic handle
used on oven and refrigerator doors. The end user is
Electrolux. Since the material is thermoset plastic, the
A-Order recommendation was for an INS 51 (Cold Press)
Brass Threaded Insert, one at each end of the part.
The Installation Division quoted a Twin CR Installation
System, allowing the assembler to simply load the
handle into a nest, and activate the machine.
The handle is instantly clamped, both
inserts installed to a precise depth,
and laser sensed for presence
just prior to unclamping
and
removal.

Our technical expertise, support, and complete technical

solution (Inserts and Installation Equipment) resulted in a
win-win situation for both Mar-Bal and SPIROL. As of August
4th, the machines were ready for demonstration. Final
molded parts were nearing availability, and the customer
visited us for the run-off/qualification process.
This customer has many similar applications that require
Inserts, Pins, and Installation Equipment. Our success on
this project will "open the door" to future business with MarBal.
Next time you open your oven or refrigerator door, be
sure to remember how SPIROL's Inserts and Installation
Equipment contribute to the assembly and functionality of
your appliance.

Written by John Firlik and Lisa Wells

During the
negotiations
that
followed, we became aware
of a second project, to install
two headed, knurled, Solid Pins
into a series of molded plastic
control panels, also for use on Electrolux
appliances. Upon review of the project, two
Twin CR-style insertion machines were quoted to
meet production volumes. Each machine had to offer
adjustable center distances to accommodate several
panel sizes. Again, all the operator has to do is load
the part and activate the machine. To change control
panel size, the fixture is removed and replaced,
the entire right side insertion station is adjusted to
accommodate the new panel width by removing a
locator pin, and using a hand wheel to crank the
station to the correct new location. The locating
pin is replaced, retaining the insertion station in
proper alignment for installation.
An A-order was also submitted for this solid,
headed, knurled fastener product, and a
recommendation made, but the customer already
had a source for this product, and stayed with
it. Negotiations continued in regard to features
and benefits, then on March 17th, SPIROL
received the order for all three machines and the
recommended INSERT!

Customer Spotlight: Faurecia Automotive

December 18, 2013 If you happened to be at the Detroit
International Auto Show last January, you might have
noticed that the new Chrysler 200 has been completely
redesigned for 2015. The Chrysler 200 is made right across
the river from SPIROL Canada in Sterling Heights, Michigan
and all of the press reviews for the car have been extremely
positive. Chrysler expects to sell anywhere from 200,000 to
300,000 of these vehicles annually, and production has been
ongoing for the last few months. SPIROL provides
the roll-formed Compression Limiters that are
used in the FEM (Front End Module)all
22 of them. This means that SPIROL
will be providing over 4,500,000 parts
for the Chrysler 200 every year!
This wouldnt be possible without the
hard work and dedication of every single

person at SPIROL. We have a great reputation in the

industry, and because of that, Faurecia contacted us two
years ago to help them develop the Compression Limiters
for this car. Faurecia is the worlds 6th largest automotive
supplier, and specializes in designing and manufacturing
Front End Modules. They asked SPIROL to help develop
cost-effective Compression Limiters that prevent cracking
or loosening of the plastic reinforcement brackets that are
located behind the front fascia. Our parts strengthen
the FEM and help make sure it is attached
securely to the vehicle, so when you see
the new Chrysler 200 on the road
you can be proud to know that
SPIROL has helped to make
it a successful car.
Written by Paul Stichhaller

Our Parts are Everywhere!

SPIROL products are found in over two dozen applications in your vehicle. Scan the QR code to view
our Automotive Applications Flyer and learn more by visiting www.SPIROL.com.
http://www.spirol.com/library/sub_catalogs/Automotive_Applications_na.pdf

SPIROL Achieves Gold Level Status in

Caterpillar Supplier Quality Excellence Process
April 1, 2014 SPIROLs Shim Division in Stow, Ohio,
achieved gold level status in the Caterpillar Supplier
Quality Excellence Process (SQEP) Recertification.

quality, service and support. From technical design and

engineering support through delivery, our teams are fully
engaged with CAT processes.

SQEP (Supplier Quality Excellence Process) is Caterpillars

operational excellence initiative that recognizes a suppliers
commitment to meet and sustain high quality standards.
SQEP incorporates industry proven quality tools and system
requirements (ISO, PPM, APQP, PPAP, SPC, TQM, Delivery,
etc.) to ensure that suppliers achieve superior quality and
deliver best-in-class performance.

Caterpillars SQEP certification recognizes their suppliers

dedication to providing excellence in quality, delivery and
cost, and is only awarded to those who demonstrate such
world-class performance on an ongoing basis. Each year,
suppliers are evaluated with increasingly strict criteria for
distinguishing outstanding supplier quality performance,
exceptional service, capacity planning, and delivery
performance. Caterpillars manufacturing standard combines
industry-proven quality system and process management
requirements from ISO/TS16949 with demonstrated results
to ensure expected supplier capability and performance.

The SQEP initiative is a critical aspect of SPIROLs on-going

dedication to being a preferred supplier to Caterpillar. Says
Gregg Neidlinger, SPIROLs
Global Account Manager
for Caterpillar, Receiving
the
SQEP
gold
acknowledgement
validates our global
commitment
to

Caterpillar developed this program to place a renewed

emphasis on supplier performance excellence. SPIROLs
Quality Manager, Anthony Canda, stated This is a huge
accomplishment and a direct result of all successes the
SPIROL team has driven towards over the past year.
Creating the CAT manufacturing cells, improving our part
mark and oiling processes, managing on-time shipments,
and providing top quality products and service are just a few
of items that deserve to be celebrated.
Congratulations to the Ohio team!

Record Sales in Distribution

August 27, 2014 US Distribution is on track to achieve its
4th consecutive year of record sales. FY2014 is projected
to close at the new high of $10.6 million representing an
average of 15% per year growth since 2009 ($4.8 million).
Since the inception of SPIROL Distribution in 2001, there
have been three major area's of focus:
1) Align with the top distributors in our industry and block
out competition through partnership programs
2) Obtain a complete understanding of the global
distribution competitive market
3) Provide world class customer service
The development and implementation of the Preferred
Distributor Program has played a major role in SPIROL
Distributions success. This program is seen as an elite status
for distributors familiar with SPIROL. The premise behind
the Preferred Program is commitment from the distributor to
purchase exclusively from SPIROL and focus on transaction
reduction, order consolidation, and competitive pricing.
Participation in industry events and associations, such as
trade shows and association meetings, has played a major
role in developing the relationships necessary to move the
distribution group forward. There is a tremendous amount
of work involved in coordinating and executing trade shows
for SPIROL to continue to be the top choice in
the fastener market. We actively participate in
the Hannover Fair in Germany, the National
Industrial Fastener Supply Trade Show in Las
Vegas, Nevada, the Fastener Fair in Mexico,
the Fastener Fairs in Germany, and we will
be showing for the first time at the Fastener
Fair Brazil this November and Fastener Expo
Shanghai next June. These events are an
opportunity for SPIROL to showcase ourselves

as a leader in the industry and meet potential new customers

face-to-face.
Michael Lentini, Distribution Sales Manager, is an active
member in the Fastener Distributor Trade Associations, and
has served as a board member on both the National Fastener
Distributor Association, and the New England Fastener
Distributor Association. Through this participation SPIROL
has developed the reputation as being the forerunner of our
products and the manufacturer of choice when technical
support and guidance is required. Actively engaging in the
industry associations has also helped SPIROL obtain a
better understanding of the distribution global competitive
environment.
The US Distribution sales and support team is lead by Michael
who has been with SPIROL for 11 years. Tim Thorstenson
was added to the team in late 2011 and has made several
contributions in new business through proactive efforts as
the Distribution Regional Sales Specialist. However, the real
backbone of the distribution service can be found within the
outstanding Customer Service team lead by Pat Palladino;
including Cassandra Frechette, Tammy Manning,
Katherine George, Kristina Davenport, Donna Carreaux,
and Sabrina Williamson.

Above: Francisco Garcia, Sales Engineer, Ernesto

Castano, Operations Manager, and Thomas Buchta,
President SPIROL Industries, representing SPIROLs firsttime participation at Fastener Fair Mexico.
Far left: Vclav Kraus and Edouard Bams, Field Sales
Engineers, discussing Compression Limiters and Inserts
for an engine manifold and explaining function, available
options, and installation at the Hannover Fair.
Left: Michael Lentini, Christie Jones, Market Development
Manager, and Tim Thorstenson at the 2013 National
Industrial Fastener Trade Show.

NEW Coiled Pin and Compression Limiter Design Guides

Truly an engineered-fastener, the new
Coiled Pins design guide contains valuable
information
including:
specifications,
features and benefits compared to
other common press-fit pins, measuring
techniques, and installation methods. It
also contains easy-to-read schematics and
diagrams to support each key section.

A comprehensive look into SPIROL

Compression Limiters, the new design
guide includes: design considerations,
bolt and torque specifications, form and
function, and standard offerings of the
plastic protecting components.
Download both guides at www.SPIROL.com

SPIROL Scholarships Awarded for

2014/2015 School Year
June 17, 2014 SPIROL offers annual scholarships based
on an applicants demonstrated commitment to the pursuit
of academic excellence, involvement in extracurricular
activities and dedication to community service. In addition
to being well-rounded and committed to volunteering, in
order to be eligible for the SPIROL Scholarship, students
must have a 3.0 or higher and must be pursuing a degree in
Engineering, Basic Sciences or Manufacturing Technology.
Since 1993, SPIROL has awarded over $574,000 in
scholarships.
The scholarship awards range from a
minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $5,000 per year per
recipient, which can total up to $20,000 over the recipients
college career.

In addition to receiving money towards college, scholarship

recipients may elect to participate in paid summer
employment at one of SPIROLs facilities.
Below is a brief summary of the 2015 SPIROL Scholarship
recipients. Note that the eligibility requirement for the
particular major of study was newly established in 2011, so
there are a few existing scholarship recipients who were
grandfathered into the program with non-STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) related majors.
From left to right are Bill Hunt, SPIROL President; Connecticuts 2014/2015
SPIROL Scholarship recipients Ian Sorenson, Lauren Biernacki, Christian
Smutnick, Paulette Blagburn, Derek Meier, Marianna Bailey, Cameron Saracina,
Ellie Coffee; and SPIROL Chairman/CEO Jeff Koehl.

For 2015, there are seven returning SPIROL Scholarship recipients:

Blake Willis (Connecticut): Projected graduation is Spring
2015. Blake is majoring in Diplomacy and International
Relations with a focus on Economics and Mandarin/Asian
Studies at the John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and
International Relations at Seton Hall University.
Austin Blackman (Vermont): Projected graduation is Spring
2015. Austin is majoring in Computer Science at the George
Washington University in Washington DC.
John Fisher IV (Ohio): Projected graduation is December
2014. John is currently attending Geneva College in
Pennsylvania, pursuing his Bachelor of Science in
Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Mathematics.

Julia Burrowbridge (Ohio): Projected graduation is Spring

2016. Julia is currently pursuing a B.S. in Industrial and
Systems Engineering at Ohio State University.

Shelby Yee (Vermont): Projected graduation is Spring 2016.

Shelby is currently pursuing a B.S. in Geological Engineering
at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Ian Sorensen (Connecticut): Projected graduation is Spring
2016. Ian is attending the University of Connecticut and is
majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Elizabeth Ellie Coffee (Rhode Island): Projected
graduation is Spring 2017. Ellie is currently attending
Worcester Polytechnic Institute pursuing her B.S. in Civil
Engineering and plans on getting her Masters in Fire
Protection Engineering.
Lauren Biernacki (Connecticut): Projected graduation is
Spring 2017. Lauren is currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer
Science and Engineering at the University of Connecticut.

Derek Meier (Connecticut): Projected graduation is Spring

2017. Derek is currently attending the University of
Connecticut pursuing a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

There are three new SPIROL Scholarship recipients for the
2015 academic year:
Christopher Stocken (Vermont): Projected graduation is
Spring 2018. Christopher is attending Clarkson University
pursuing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Cameron Saracina (Connecticut): Projected graduation is
Spring 2018. Cameron is pursuing a B.S. in Aeronautical
Engineering at Clarkson University.
Marianna Bailey (Rhode Island): Projected graduation is
Spring 2018. Marianna is attending Worcester Polytechnic
Institute pursuing a B.S. in Chemical Engineering.

May 7, 2014 Paulette Blagburn, Database

Administrator, and Christian Smutnick, Inserts
Mechanic, were the two recipients of the SPIROL
Scholarship. They were chosen for the scholarship
not because they are employees of SPIROL, but rather
they were chosen based on their individual merits and
character by the QVCC Foundation. Since 1971, it has
been the mission of the QVCC Foundation to provide the
opportunity for residents of Northeastern, Connecticut to
attend QVCC and support educational excellence.

Summer 2014 Derek Meier, a local intern and recipient of the SPIROL Scholarship Program in Connecticut,
worked for Engineering this past summer alongside Matt Bartlett and Cody Swan specializing in Metal Cut
products. During the summer Derek worked in database management, CAD, and project management.
Since the start of his internship he has shown the capability to take a project from start to finish, while asking
educated questions along the way to better inform himself on how to be more efficient and effective.
Dereks projects this summer included:
Making updates to tooling layouts to reflect a continuous improvement change on our Tsugami Swiss
machines, updating over 400 individual layouts.
Making updates to our Vermont layouts to reflect the proper collets that are being used in
regular production.
Left to right: Cody Swan,
Creating tooling overlays in CAD for all Davenport screw machines
Derek Meier, and Matt Bartlett
so the mechanics can better understand the tool layout and
how to integrate the tooling to work properly in the machines,
resulting in a reduction in setup time.
Implementation of gage pins on tooling layouts to reduce
the amount of gross weight being consumed on multispindle equipment.
Addition of thread depth to production and distribution
prints for all of our blind end parts.
Creation of CAM DXF files in order to reduce CAM
cost from the manufacturer, by eliminating the
engineering fee add on.
Overall, Derek has been a pleasure to work with. His
experience will help him further his education as he
continues his sophomore year at UCONN this fall in the
Mechanical Engineering program.

Written by Matt Bartlett
7

Farewell, Alyson!
July 3, 2014 Its hard to say goodbye!, said Alyson Schvarcz during a mid-afternoon gathering in the front lobby
of SPIROL Connecticut. After 18 months of training as a Product Sales Engineer, Christie Jones, Market Development
Manager, provided the following farewell speech.
We are here to celebrate, and commiserate, Alysons successful completion of his 18-month comprehensive training agenda
and his long awaited return to his homeland in Brazil. I say that in addition to celebrating, we are in fact commiserating,
because we are going to miss you so much! You have become an instrumental part of the SPIROL Connecticut team and
you have become great friends with so many of us here.
Can anyone imagine leaving your friends, family, or your home for a year
and a half? Over these 18 months, Alyson has learned pretty much every
aspect of our business. This includes our manufacturing and production
processes, technical product knowledge and application, hes been trained
in quality, pricing strategies, how to quote parts and enter orders, hes
learned how to create Sales & Marketing materials and how to use the
information to grow awareness with customers and prospects. He has
been trained on how to determine the proper sales strategy for a given
situation and how to manage customer expectations. Ultimately, Alyson
has been trained on how to properly integrate technical and commercial
solutions for a winning proposal. In addition to all of that, he has learned a
ton about international trade and tariffs!
As one of your mentors, I can honestly say that I am so proud of you and
really appreciate all of your contributions so far. You are going to be sorely
missed.
Its been a tremendous sacrifice, and I do hope that you found it worthwhile.
I can confidently say that you are well-prepared to be SPIROL Brazils
Super Sales Man and I am very much looking forward to celebrating your
successes upon your return.
Saude!
Before his send-off, Alyson had a chance to share his thoughts and
experiences about his time in the United States.
How long were you in the U.S.?
I had one month of training in November of 2012 and than
18 months of training from January 7, 2013 to July 3, 2014.
What were your biggest surprises about the U.S.?
Did we live up to any stereotypes?
Americans dont only eat hamburgers. Great!
The winter was way colder than I could ever imagine.
The cost of living in Connecticut is higher than I thought.
Top: Alyson at his last CT
company event. The fact that in the U.S. drinking alcohol is not allowed in public
places is a big cultural difference to me, since in Brazil people are
Middle: An evening
allowed to drink alcohol pretty much anywhere.
at J.D. Coopers Your roads and highway systems are amazing. It is impressive how
for a farewell.
good the roads are even in the most remote areas.

A
big surprise is the fact that many people have guns in the US. It is
Bottom:
very uncommon in Brazil. Last time I had seen a real gun was about
Receiving
his official
20 years ago.
Killingly Redmen
t-shirt.

What did you miss the most from home during your stay?
Definitely my family and friends, and our beautiful weather.

Where did you visit? Is there any place you would like
to visit in the future in the U.S. or throughout the World?
I visited most of the states in the west and east cost. There
are still a few states that I havent had the chance to visit
but I would like to, like Texas and Louisiana. Regarding
throughout the world, I intend to visit all the continents, but
short-term I plan to visit all countries in South America and
also go to Western Europe.
What did you find most interesting about SPIROL as a
company and the products?
There are many aspects of SPIROL that I find interesting:
The amount of time and money invested in training and
employee development is unique and I appreciate it. Even

though it is not exclusive to SPIROL, I find our sales model

very interesting and efficient, when applied by the book.
The wide variety of applications that make use of our products
allow us to be involved in every market sector and work
together with several different companies and industries.
That was one of the reasons that made me decide to come
to work for SPIROL in the first place. The fact that Im one of
the first SPIROL employees in Brazil is also exciting. Being
part of something new has always been interesting to me.
Few people have the opportunity to learn everything Ive
learned so far at SPIROL. And of course I would not forget
to mention that it is a great and friendly place to work and
that I have met wonderful people at SPIROL.

Bon voyage, Hollie!

August 15, 2014 SPIROL was pleased to welcome Hollie Parks, who interned
in Connecticut Marketing Department under Christie Jones. Hollie travelled from
across-the-pond, England, and stayed with Patricia Palladino, Customer Service
Representative, during her time in the U.S.. She also shared her thoughts and
experiences about her stay.
How long were you in the U.S.?
I started in September 2013 and I am leaving at end of August 2014, so just shy of one
year.
What were your biggest surprises about the U.S.? Did we live up to any stereotypes?
One of the first surprises that stood out to me was the cost of higher education. In
comparison to the UK, American tuition fees are substantially higher.
Vacation days. Typically, when starting a full time job in the UK, we are granted about
five weeks paid vacation.
Food Portions. I was fully aware of the types of food to expect over here, but ordering
a small salad and still having enough to take half home was definitely a surprise.
In America, it is somewhat common to view a person prior to burial after theyve passed. In
England, unless they were your sister or father or someone immediate, you just meet the family
out for a reception after.
Friendly and helpful people. Having been a tourist for the last year I have been in
many situations where I have needed to ask strangers for directions.
The general stereotype of hard working/work orientated people was definitely met.
What did you miss the most from home during your stay?
My family and friends for sure, and also public transport! I love being able to get to places without
driving. Oh, and also, if I had stayed anywhere other than the Palladinos, I would have probably
Hollie stayed with Pat Palladino,
missed my parents cooking, but my needs were definitely met there!
Customer Service, during her
time in the U.S.A..

Where did you visit? Is there any place you would like to visit in the future in the U.S. or
throughout the World?
I have visited Boston and New York several times, both of which I really like. When I first arrived last year I flew over to Las
Vegas for a weekend which was really fun. As well as city visits, I have seen some beautiful places in New England; New
Hampshire and Maine are great. I also love some of the coastline spots; Mystic, CT, Newport, RI, and Rockport, MA. On
my next trip to the U.S. I would like fly over to the West Coast! I then plan to visit the East Coast on the way home, to visit
everyone in CT and maybe New York some more.
What did you find most interesting about SPIROL as a company and the products?
The diversity and requirement of SPIROLs products and how a product that operates in the same way can assemble
anything from a Tractor to a Cosmetic Case.

SPIROL Solution Engineering in Action

2013 The SPIROL Installation Division developed and
launched a new standard pin installation product, the Model
PMH. The PMH is a heavy duty manual pin installation
press, capable of much higher forces than can be achieved
in our existing Model PM.
Prior to the PMH, the Model PM was our only manual
pin installation press, capable of light duty (200 lbs max)
installations only.
After a successful first year with 20 units of the PMH sold,
it became apparent a change was needed to make this
equipment more user friendly so that the customer could
make adjustments to accommodate size ranges of their
products.
Strengththe very feature that makes it so valuable and
worthwhile to have/offermakes it difficult to have vertical
adjustment to acclimate those variances.
Our current concept is to engineer the frame height per
application for each customer as they are ordered. This
makes it impossible for any of our worldwide locations to
keep these units in stock, readily available.
The task to conceive and create an adjustable, HEAVY DUTY
frame for the PMH was tackled by our entire engineering and
manufacturing team: Installation Engineers, Manufacturing

Engineers, Specialists, Service Technician, Machine Shop

and Assembly. A brainstorming session was held and ALL
ideas were solicited in rapid fire fashion, no critique allowed.
Then the ideas were discussed in detail and reduced to
those achieving consensus for feasibility. These were then
voted on and ranked:

wall mount / key slot

face mount press
dovetail / crank
stackable plates
design own casting
longer rack, torso, etc
opposing triangles / screw
big post - similar to PM
(2) posts with clamp
lift-up / slide in spacer
I-beam frame
bench vise style
telescoping concept
bigger, taller press

The Installation Engineers will now refine these to one, and

the enhancement process will proceed, resulting in a better
product for all.

Welcome to the New SPIROL Brazil!

March 5, 2014 For Alyson, Mario, Caio, and Juliana, this marks the unofficial first day of
work at the new address of SPIROLs Brazil office in So Paulo. The new location was more
than welcomed with the addition of a 500 square meter (5382 square foot) warehouse that
enabled them to successfully finish the Standard Inventory Project and started circulating
stock for existing business previously supplied from SPIROL manufacturing plants.
This has been seen as a great contribution to our customers
such as ALBEA and TAURUS who are now placing orders
locally with faster response and lower total logistics costs.
Other business transfers in progress includes AMERICAN
AXLE, FICOSA, CASCO, QUALIPAC, TRW and LEAR
CORPORATION. The option of local supply has set
the base for business growth in Brazil and
tighter relationship with our design partners.

10

Family Day 2014

July 13. 2014 SPIROL Mexico hosted its traditional Annual SPIROL Family Day event, which took
place this year at a country villa near the SPIROL MX facility. All employees and their immediate
family members were invited to enjoy an afternoon with their colleagues to spend some time at the
pool, ride the mechanical bull, sing, dance, and have some traditional carne asada tacos, as well
as watch the final of the World Cup. There were plenty of activities for the youngest members of
the families like painting, playing kids lottery to win prizes, inflatable bouncers and the traditional
piata filled with candy. Souvenirs were handed out to
all of the employees and everyone is looking forward to
next years event!

Top row, left to right: Ines Oliva, Shipper, and Magda Cordero, Davenport Operator, with their family; children in the pool; everyone rushing to the falling candy from
the broken piata; and Ernesto Castao Jr. taking his turn at hitting the piata.
Bottom row, left to right: Brenda Martinez, Customer Service Representative, with her daughter Mariel having some ice pops; Marco Mireles, Warehouse Supervisor,
with his daughter, Allisson, and the broken piata; Jorge Len, Quality Manager, Francisco Garcia, Field Sales Engineer, Mario Garcia, Product Sales Specialist,
and Alejandro Moreno, Brenda Martinezs husband, enjoying the event; Rubn Chapa, Field Sales Engineer, riding the mechanical bull; and the inflatable bouncer.

SPIROL Mexico Takes Part in EH&S Training

February 2014 For most people, working on weekends
isnt such a great thing. But for some employees of SPIROL
Mexico, having to head to the workplace for three weekends
to learn what to do in case of an emergency
was more than worth the effort.
Volunteers
from
production,
the
warehouse,
administration,
and
engineering took part in Environmental
Health & Safety training that covered first
aid, fires, evacuation, and rescue. The
exercises they had to perform included:
how to approach an injured person in
an unsafe environment who needs help,

proper fire extinguisher use and technique, escaping the

workplace with little-to-no visibility as a team, CPR, and
procedures for carrying someone in a case by case scenario
without causing them additional harm.
This is the first time official training had been provided to
the employees who were taught by certified instructors of
local state authorities, hired as contractors to support our
EH&S initiatives. All participants were very proud to receive
training in a program that could someday save a life and to
be part of the SPIROL EH&S team.

11

A Winning Season
June 19, 2014 The Aces, sponsored by SPIROL, and
the Knights, sponsored by Gerardi Insurance, came
together in a match-up for The 2014 Killingly Little League
Championship. The event had extra SPIROL representation
when Mark Pelletier, Lead Sorter, coached the Aces and
Tim Thorstenson, Regional Sale Specialist for SPIROL
Distribution, coached the Knights. Both Mark and Tim are
very active participants in youth sports within the community
and through their efforts ended up in the championship game
as opponents.

It was a well played game by both teams, however, the

SPIROL Aces were able to put runs on the board early in
the game. With the Aces best pitcher on the mound, the
Knights were only able to put two hits together, one of which
was made by the Knights Left Fielder and lead-off hitter,
Aaron Thorstenson. When the final out was made, the Aces
became the champions with a 4 0 victory over the Knights.

Mark Pelletier (Left) and The 2014 Killingly Little League Champions, The SPIROL Aces.

A Good Run
Spring 2014 SPIROL Industries sponsored a local house
league soccer team in Cottam, Ontario. The Cottam
Recreational Soccer League has been active for over 20
years in the small village. The focus of the league is based on
skill development, team work, and fun. This year there were
350 players in four different age categories. The SPIROL
team, coached by Chris Stanton, Operations Manager,
was in the U9 Division and had a good season. The
competition was very close
among the five teams
in the division and
SPIROL finished
in 3rd place.

12

The coaches, Mark and Tim.

Above: Tim Thorstenson with his

son Aaron Thorstenson and stepson
Joshua Dumas.

Relay for Life 2014

The Relay for Life is an annual event in which more than 4
million participants in over 20 countries gather to raise muchneeded funds and awareness to save lives from falling victim
to cancer. The participants are encouraged to celebrate,
remember, and fight back: celebrate what survivors have
overcome, remember those we have lost, and honor those
who have fought or are currently fighting cancer. The relay
for life benefits the American Cancer Society whom has
funded research, treatment facilities, and patient care all
with the end goal of finding a cure to beat cancer.
This year we had a great Relay for Life team. The team
consisted of 12 members including: SPIROL employees,
family members, significant others, and interns. Team
members this year were: Matt Bartlett (our team captain),
Julie Jancewicz, Mike Bartlett, Cathy Bartlett, Jennifer
Worden (our team co-captain), Cassidy Worden, Ben Zern,
Nicole Zern, Sabrina Williamson, Peggy Snow, Bobby
McDonald, and Kayla Dutton. All team members worked
hard and our team was able to exceed our goal of raising
$4,000, with a final tally of $5,569.00 raised!
The Relay for Life took place on May 17-18, 2014 at the
Woodstock Fairgrounds in CT. On May 17th Sabrina, Matt,
and Julie started out early to represent SPIROL in the
corporate sponsorship lap. This year SPIROLs corporate
sponsorship was brought from a gold sponsorship level
up to a platinum level thanks to Bill Hunt and his generous
donation on behalf of SPIROL. SPIROL was presented
an award during the corporate sponsorship lap which was
accepted by Matt on behalf of the company. After the

corporate sponsorship
lap team members came
and went periodically
throughout the remainder
of the day, participating
in
various
events
and visiting the many
fundraising booths that
are set up around the track.
Around 6:00 pm the team met to
have our annual cookout together as
a team on the track. The cookout was
enjoyed by all and afterwards the team continued to walk
more laps around the track until nightfall. The next morning
Matt and Julie returned to the track to participate in the final
lap and the awards ceremony, SPIROLs team received the
Gold fundraising club level this year, which is one tier up
from last year.
All together the Relay for Life of Northeast Connecticut
raised over $280,000 which was a $10,000 increase from
the previous year! We really appreciate all of the support our
team received from all levels within the SPIROL Community.
Employees who participated in the fundraisers, the people
that sponsored a walker, and corporate sponsorships all
contributed to exceeding our goal. We would never have
been able to do it without the SPIROL Community. We all
had a part in an incredibly great cause. Congratulations
SPIROL!

Written by Matt Bartlett

Top: Teams walking laps together at the Fair Grounds for a common goal.
Bottom, left to right: Sabrina Williamson, Jennifer Worden, and her daughter Rosalyn. Matt Bartlett with his parents Cathy
and Mike, and Rosalyn and Sabrina being silly on the picnic table. Jennifer Worden showing off the Silver (now Gold)
fundraising club level sign.

13

Promotions & Transfers

August 18, 2014 Ben Davis transferred to the Engineering
Department as a Designer, reporting to Lisa Wells.

July 23, 2014 Jacqueline Foti was promoted to Field

Sales Engineer, South East, reporting Andrew Robinson.

Ben graduated from Central Connecticut State University

in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical
Engineering Technology. He worked for Lisa Wells as an
Engineering Intern during the summer of 2011 and was hired
full time into our QA department as a Quality Engineer in
August 2012. Ben's initial focus in Engineering will be tool
design. As he masters tool design, he will become involved
in other RST and Automation related design projects.

For 12 months Jacqui had been working for SPIROL as an

Applications Engineering Trainee, reporting to Mike Pasko.
In that role Jacqui gained broad exposure to SPIROL and
worked on projects for such customers as Smith & Wesson,
Sturm Rugger and Toly Products of Malta. In addition,
Jacqui participated in the small engine tear down project.
This involved preparing several technical papers detailing
how small engine manufacturers could improve product
performance and quality, and simplify the assembly of
their engines by incorporating products manufactured by
SPIROL. All of this exposure has given Jacqui incredible
knowledge of the various solutions offered by SPIROL.

July 14, 2014 Jordan Mahon was promoted to the position

of Automation Service Technician. Jordan has worked for
SPIROL since January 2011 in our Connecticut Machine
Shop. As Service Technician, he will continue to report
directly to Mark Avery.
Jordan is a 2011 graduate of H.H. Ellis Technical High School
where he earned a diploma in Manufacturing Technology and
General Studies. He began his employment with SPIROL
through the Work Share program where SPIROL partners
with Ellis to hire and mentor a selected Senior during their
final semester of High School. Through this program, he
earned his high school credits to finish his certificate program
while working in our Machine Shop gaining actual production
experience.
Through his employment at SPIROL, Jordan has some
basic knowledge of our machines and machine components.
During the following month he transitioned into a machine
assembly training program, and coupled with his machinist
background he progressed quickly and was soon on the road
installing our equipment! While not on the road for services
and representing SPIROL, Jordan will continue to work in
our Machine Shop.

Happy 60th Birthday!

14

July 17, 2014 Andy Freeman,

Managing Director SPIROL Europe,
celebrated his 60th birthday. With his heavy
interest in gangsters, Colette Kearns, Management
Accountant, baked the white hat with pin-stripes suit cake.
The following night Andy held a hog roast with a live band
and invitations for all employees, who presented him with
a digital camera and some champagne.

Prior to joining SPIROL Jacqui graduated from WPI with

a BS in Management Engineering with a concentration in
Operations Management. Besides being an on-campus
leader, during her undergrad Jacqui participated in projects
ranging from mapping the efficiency of public schools to
conducting patent litigation research.
Jacqui will leverage her Engineering experience to help
become an extension of our customers design department.
She will focus on establishing relationships with potential
customers; developing business with companies such as
John Deere, Taurus Small Arms, and Briggs and Stratton;
penetrating identified new targets; and supporting our
existing customer base.
Congratulations everyone!

Kinga Runs a Marathon

I decided to celebrate my 40th birthday by running a
marathon. I signed up for the Helsinki Marathon last year in
August where I finished it in 4 hours and 38 minutes. The
last 3 km felt like the road to hell and I could not believe
it when, within sight of the Olympic Stadium, the course
started climbing up another hill. However when they called
out my name as I entered the Stadium I felt all the training
was really worth it. I felt like a proper athlete.
This past spring I ran a half marathon in
Bournemouth in aid of the British Heart
Foundation. I finished it in 2 hours and
8 minutes. Everyone at SPIROL UK was
very generous with their donations which
helped me raise 400 for the charity. I
will be running the Pembrokeshire Half
Marathon this autumn and then we will see
what is next.

Kinga Zamoyska, European
Distribution Sales Manager

Goin to the Chapel

April 10, 2009 Gina DiGioia, Accounting Coordinator, and Steven Buechs, Machine Builder,
started dating. He proposed February 17, 2013 at their house (he planned on proposing on the
21st, Ginas birthday, but couldn't wait). They were married at an outdoor ceremony on May
17, 2014 at CT National Golf Club in Putnam, CT. The weather was perfect even though rain
had been predicted the entire week until that morning. Heat Treater, Marvin Mebane, was their
officiant. As soon as Marvin heard of the engagement he asked Gina and Steve if he could
be the one to marry them. Of course they said yes. They plan to take their honeymoon to the
Caribbean for their first anniversary.
July 5, 2014 Dawn Brayton, Procurement Manager, and Kevin Ball, Inserts
Mechanic, were married and also officiated by Marvin Mebane. The two
held their ceremony in Rotary Park in Putnam, CT with immediate family in
attendance. Dawn and Kevin enjoyed the rest of the day with the family at Six
Flags New England and enjoyed a getaway to New Hampshire this past August,
visiting Anheuser-Busch for a brewery tour and New England Dragway to see
Funny Cars Under the Stars.
Left: In SPIROL CT fashion, surprise gifts and celebrations
were held for the couples from their coworkers.

Above: Gina and Steve lucked

out with a beautiful day for their
wedding.

Congratulations to the newlyweds!

So the question remains, who is Marvin Mebane? Marvin is the Head Heat Treat Operator
for SPIROL Connecticut who started at SPIROL in September 2002. As mentioned,
Marvin had presided over two weddings for his coworkers this year. Since his
graduation from WISE Ministries in May 2012, he has served as an Ordained Minster
and officiated 27 weddings.
On Sundays you will find Marvin as a man dedicated to his faith at the Open Bible
Baptist Church in Brooklyn, CT, accompanied by his wife, Carla, and his sons.
Most recently he had earned his real estate license. This proud father of three,
who also served in the U.S. Navy, certainly does it all by also serving on the
Safety Committee, the Scholarship Committee, and provides training for new
employees at SPIROL CT.

Baby Announcements
March 2, 2014 Daniel Fitzsimmons
and his wife, Ling Hu, became the
proud parents of Luca James that
Sunday morning at 9:33 am. He
weighed in at 8.4 lbs (3.8 kgs) and
is 54 cm long.
So far he has been pretty relaxed
and has slept a lot, but when he
wants to get loud he can turn up the
volume really quick, said Daniel.

April 14, 2014 Oscar Paco

Garcia, Sales Engineer, with his
wife, Alejandra, became the proud
parents to their daughter, Camila.
Born at 10:00 am in Puebla,
Mexico, Camila was born 4.9 lbs
and 18 inches. She is a little baby
but she has been doing well.

August 16, 2014 The day has finally arrived! Max Budziosz was born on the afternoon
of this past Saturday. He weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and is 20 inches long. Both mom, Jen,
and baby are both healthy and doing well. Max is very well behaved, barely cries, and
when he does I can calm him almost immediately. The whole not-changing-any-diapers
thing was over approximately 20 minutes after birth. Since then, I've changed all but
two diapers (which the nurses did), and I've been covered in every possible diaper
constituent.
Alek Budziosz, Applications Engineer SPIROL Canada
Congratulations to the new parents!

15

Service Awards
Years Connecticut Canada
45

Patricia Palladino
Dante Gingras

40
35

Dave Wickiser

20
15
10

Russ Radant

April 1, 2014 - August 31, 2014

Vermont

Mexico

France

Thomas Buchta

Sue Fish

Mara Loncar
Yout Suong

Steve Venerus
Randy Dupuis

Kathy Gauthier

Mark Munger
Nicole Sylvestre

Andy Robinson
Phil Rosenkaimer
Frank Suggs
Christian Smutnick
Hans Wanner
Chris Jezncach
Jordan Mahon

Daniel McLean
Jasvier Mudan
Jayme Lauzon
Sukhvir Gill
Jerry Ouellette
Ed Rubinski
Dan Dalziel

Kevin Ward
Ernie Horton
Anna Czaban
Ray Fotion
Frank Cammalleri
Catherine Carter

Canada
04/07/14
06/02/14
06/17/14
06/23/14
07/07/14
07/17/14
08/25/14

Mexico

Ibarra Renteria
Benjamin Candelario
Guzman Vazquez
Cesar Antonio
Hernandez Felipe
Maria de Jesus
Rodriguez Alcantar
Oscar Eduardo
Benavides Rivera
Clemente
Zamora Urazanda
Alan Ulises
Ramos Zavala Luis
Gerardo
Vazquez Flores
Carlos Alexis
Manny Wu
Connie Li
Li Na
Cindy Meng
Jason Almonte
Joshua Douglas
Tyler Martzolf
Roman Laskey
Robert Lewko

England

Andrew Freeman

Gary Menard
Brian Deparasis
Bill Hunt

Oscar Francisco
Garcia Ruiz
Sue Freilino

Nathan Doyle
Wayne Maciuk

Mario Enrique
Garcia Escobedo
Rueban Chapa
Lopez

Jeff Keener
Murielle Chevalier
Keith Krysiak
Ronja Fischer
Luis Cruz
Dave Dunn
Bret Simmons
James E. Tonge
Mike Abbott
Mike Keays
Rob Fuqua

Alecia Smith
Robert Peterson
Andrew Gracey
Alexandra Duffield

Quality Manager Trainee

Sorter
Regional Sales Specialist
Sorter
Facility Custodian
Shipper
Dual Disc Grind Operator

03/19/14

Setup Mechanic

04/28/14

Davenport Operator

04/28/14

Secondary Operations

05/26/14

Davenport Operator

06/02/14

Davenport Operator

07/07/14

Davenport Operator

07/28/14

Secondary Operations

08/07/14

Davenport Operator

China
03/25/14
04/10/14
04/18/14
04/21/14

Customer Service
Customer Service Team Leader
Quality Technician
Accounting Clerk

04/14/14
05/27/14
05/27/14
07/14/14
07/14/14

QA Technician
Machine Operator
Machine Operator
Machine Operator
Shipper

Vermont

Find us on

Darren Graham
Sean Wood

Jesus Armando
Paez Paez

Welcome New Employees

16

Ohio

China
Dan Fitzsimmons

March 19, 2014 - August 31, 2014

Ohio

Terry Wain
Matt Bartley
Mike Swaisgood
Melvin Johnson
Tom Butorac
Mike Dunn
Dee McCrea
Natalie Lewis

Shane Lowden
William Skewis
Darren Milne
Nathan Innes
Lee Richmond

04/21/14
04/29/14
05/28/14
06/02/14
06/02/14
07/14/14
08/25/14

California
06/23/14

England
04/14/14
06/16/14
06/16/14
06/23/14
06/23/14

France

Benoit Magnen
NIcolas Goyard

03/24/14
06/02/14

Flex Pool
Flex Pool
Flex Pool
Flex Pool
Manufacturing Manager
Finisher
Operator - Bench
Regional Sales Engineer

Press Operator
Finishing/Heat Treat
RST Operator
Secondary Operations
Press Apprentice
Field Sales Engineer
Logistics Coordinator

Connecticut

Rachel Mather
Kristina Davenport
Joseph Kubik
Cody Gaboury
Gregory Doyon
Nathan Daley
Joseph Remuck
Tara Meinck
Jonathan Labbe
Gwendolyn Luke
Robert Wells
Brian Kupstas
Cassandra Frechette

04/07/14
04/07/14
04/21/14
05/19/14
05/19/14
05/27/14
05/27/14
06/23/14
06/30/14
07/14/14
07/21/14
08/11/14
08/18/14

Machine Operator
Customer Service Rep
Heat Treater
Flex Pool Sorter
Finisher
Machine Operator
Production Supervisor
Applications Engineer
Flex Pool Sorter
Project Engineer
Finisher
Mechanic - Maint Repair
Customer Service Rep

To submit an article to this employee newsletter,

contact Dan Cote at [email protected].

2014 SPIROL International Corporation. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically,
except as permitted by law, without written permission from SPIROL International Corporation.