Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron, Chris, and Matt Lowrance.
Lowrance Machine is a family owned company founded by Jesse J. Lowrance, Jr. in 1964.
The value of hard work and commitment were ingrained in Jesse at an early age when he started his machining career in Houston. In addition to his full time job he worked late nights and weekends out of a garage to support his family. Over years of dedication, he crafted a successful reputation and was able to open the doors of Lowrance Machine.
The current President of Lowrance Machine is Ron Lowrance, Jesse’s son. Ron has paved the way as a respected and innovative business owner. He has used his experience, expertise and passion for success that he learned from his father and has passed these along to his sons, Chris Lowrance and Matt Lowrance. Together, Ron, Chris and Matt use the experience of three generations to guide Lowrance Machine through today’s ever changing market place.
The focus for Lowrance Machine has always been and will always be on building and maintaining lasting relationships with customers. Lowrance Machine is proud to be a company large enough to meet their customers’ growing needs, yet small enough to know them by name. They excel with the attention to service and detail of a small shop, but with the equipment, services and experience to tackle large projects. After 50 years in the business, they are a recognized leader in manufacturing molds and machined products specially made to meet your requirements.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As true with most manufacturers, Lowrance Machine is constantly challenged with maintaining or reducing the cost to manufacture goods sold despite increasingly stringent industry requirements, rising overhead costs and loss of experienced personnel primarily due to oil and gas industry downturns.
Lowrance Machine recognizes the need to continually improve metrics such as pricing, quality, on-time delivery, and customer service.
In keeping with the continuous improvement model, Lowrance Machine has identified many factors that have a significant impact on pricing and delivery. One key factor identified as impacting the cost to manufacture is how the company utilizes its personnel and CNC machines.
Lowrance Machine seeks to maximize the use of employees’ skills, knowledge and time. Additionally, it seeks to find ways to increase productivity and efficiency. Both are key in reducing the cost to manufacture.
Other challenges include:
– Regulations
– Traceability
– Balancing capital expenditures and machine maintenance with output/throughput
– Healthcare costs
– Global competition
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lowrance Machine – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
End-to-End Manufacturing services from raw materials to final inspection.
A business is only as strong as what it can provide its customers. At Lowrance Machine, we take great pride in our service offerings and capabilities. We’re dedicated to making your experience as seamless as possible from start to finish.
STENGTHS:
-Customer service
-Fast turnarounds
-The know how/knowledge to accomplish what the customer needs.
SUCCESS:
Ron Lowrance: My father’s mantra was always “figure out how you can, not give excuses for why you can’t”. More than once I heard him tell a customer “yes, we can do that”, and as soon as he hung up the phone he would comment “I don’t know how, but we’ll figure it out”.
Figure it out he did with much success.
Jesse applied that can do attitude to every aspect of his life and I (Ron Lowrance) find myself continuing in that philosophy. It gives me great sense of accomplishment in our business to achieve on time deliveries, excellent quality, and continuous customer satisfaction.
CAPABILITIES:
– CUSTOM RUBBER MOLDS
Lowrance Machine has been providing resources in the engineering, reverse engineering and machining of molds since 1964. We specialize in: Rubber Molds (Compression, Transfer, Injection), Mold Engineering, Reverse Part Engineering, Open Pour Molds, Mold Repair, Mold Inserts,
– ENGINEERED COMPONENTS
Our team understands that providing quality components results in measurable benefits to our customers’ bottom line. We utilize the newest software packages for control and automation of our processes, all the while being continuously monitored by our experienced professionals.
– NON-STANDARD SPECIAL FASTENERS
We can manufacture Non-Standard Special Fasteners to your drawings and specifications. No drawing, no problem! Send us a sample part and we will reverse manufacture the sample provided.
– INDUSTRIAL REPAIR
Our Team has the knowledge base that comes not only from training but decades of experience working on virtually every type of industrial repair. Our can-do attitude will ensure that you are back up sooner and running more reliably. Common repairs include: shaft repairs, thread repairs, broken bolt removal, and large/small part rebuilds.
– PLASTIC INJECTION MOLDS
This is a new addition to our capabilities – added this service in 2015. Lowrance Machine provides precision mold services for all types of applications/industries. We have the equipment to maintain and achieve close tolerances. We guarantee all molds to guarantee that you get the parts you need.
– CNC AND MANUAL MACHINING
Our Lathe and Mill operations are the backbone of our company and accomplished by our well-trained and experienced machinists. We are able to provide our customers with a complete and cost-effective supply solution. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines are used to manufacture parts by utilizing computers to precisely machine material into desired forms. Tasks like repairs or single part manufacturing can sometimes be done faster on a manual machine.
– QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Lowrance Machine recognizes that having a Quality Management System is required to meet our customers demanding needs. We are ISO 9001-2008 certified. Our success is measured by performance, evaluation, review, and a Kaizen Program of Continuous Improvement. Additionally, we use a Calibration Tracking Software.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Continue the practice of providing excellent customer service. The focus of Lowrance Machine has always been, and always will be, customer service. Starting with Jesse, the Lowrance family has always believed in building lasting relationships with customers.
Industry diversification. Located in Houston, Texas the oil and gas industry has always been Lowrance Machines key industry. That will probably never change but we will continue to focus on diversifying.
Upgrade equipment.
Equipment diversification
Increase transparency to employees and customers
Provide better/more employee benefits
Expand building (we are or will soon be out of room)
CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE!
Contact Info:
- Address: 13510 East Hardy Rd, Houston, Texas 77039
- Website: http://www.lowrancemachine.com
- Phone: 281-449-6524
- Email: info@lowrancemachine.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lowrancemachineshop
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LowranceMachine
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lowrance-machine-shop-houston-6
- Other: https://www.flickr.com/photos/machineshophouston/with/7985439299/
Image Credit:
Carlinos Photography: http://www.carlinosphotography.com/
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