DAYTON INNOVATION: HOW THIS SMALL BUSINESS USES PROBLEM SOLVING TO STAY AHEAD
Business Name: 5 Axis Grinding Inc.
Location: 86 Westpark Road in Centerville
Owner’s name: Scott Ameduri Years in operation: 12 Describe what your business does: 5 Axis Grinding is a rotary cutting tool manufacturer. Our tools are used in machining of aerospace, automotive and power generation industries, along with all small machine shops. Think of a drill bit or a router bit — these would be the simplest tool we make. We specialize in complex multifunction tools that reduce cycle time and improve productivity.
What inspired you to start this business? I had been in the industry and truly enjoy solving problems and adding value to our customers. Starting this business allowed me to pursue my vision.
How has your business embraced innovation? The business is built on providing our customers unique solutions. We bring that same passion to our facility. Always evaluating current processes and looking to shake it up. We rely heavily on our vendors/partners to introduce us to the newest innovative products. Our team has a weekly improvement meeting where we discuss opportunities to enhance the product or that manufacturing method, sometimes just personal challenges. Communication is a key to getting everyone to work outside of their comfort zone and bring creative thinking to the forefront.
What’s your biggest challenge right now? Currently business conditions have suffered dramatically due to the pandemic and associated shutdowns. Typically, our biggest challenge is getting new customers to embrace change and allow us the opportunity to improve their overall performance. In general, our society has lost faith in skilled innovative thinkers and placed value on price. We value our customers production and our goal is that they ship more product at the end of the day,
that’s how the cost of manufacturing reduces. It’s not about saving a few dollars on an individual tool.
What’s your biggest opportunity right now? As manufacturing and the economy are coming back online, we’re showing ourselves as an agile company that utilizes the latest technologies and provides in-house engineering, along with fast deliveries. Dayton has always been able to reinvent itself in the wake of industry changes. We’re the manufacturing partner that industry needs to be successful.
What do you want readers to know about your business today? 5 Axis Grinding Inc. seeks to be the manufacturing partner that our community needs. We sell on value and continuous improvement. We’re the company that doesn’t settle for good enough, always seeking to elevate our customers and their products. We consider ourselves a partner, not just a vendor.
We also work with local high schools to introduce students to the skilled work force. Today we work in climate-controlled spaces running half million-dollar grinders and equally sophisticated inspection equipment. We are committed to current conditions and also looking to educate the future workforce and provide options for their lives.