Union Machine Milestones
           
               
 

 

Charles Weiler
Founder of Union Machine

A Distinguished History

For fifty years Union Machine has maintained its identity as a flexible, responsive family business adhearing to the vision and philosophy of its founders: to provide personalized service, innovative
solutions and reliable quality and delivery.

   

1953
The dream of Union Machine was iniated by Charles Weiler and Waclaw Malhowsk, both of whom worked at General Electric - Malhowshi as a shop foreman and Weiler as a draftsman and inventor. Even as a fledgling "cellar shop" the hard working founders were dedicated to precision and quality…and their customers took notice.

1954
Charlie and Waclaw sense opportunity in the emerging aerospace industry and purchase Union Research Laboratory in Lynn, Massachusetts. By using their inginutity to design, build and modify machinery to meet specialized electronics industry demands the company rapidly secures a foothold in the burgeoning areospace segment.

1955
Wes Harper, Charlie's son-in-law (and also a GE "alum") joins the company as a part time jig and fixture maker. Wes' passion for quality and education is reflected on his emphasis on training and team approach to production improvements.

1964
Founder Charlie Weiler passes away. Wes assumes leadership and acquires Waclaw's interest. The company continues to flourish as Wes works to solidify its position in areospace. The company is renamed Union Machine Co. While Wes runs operations and sales, Louise, Wes' wife, manages the office side of the business.

1965
Solifying Union's family orientation, Wes brings his oldest son Eric on board. For five years Eric learns to master the business at night and persues an education days… interupted by a stint with the military during Vietnam.

1970
Eric takes the reigns as Wes's health fails, building on the legacy of innovation, quality and consutlative management established by his father and grandfather.

1976
To meet demand, Union moves to larger facilities and acquires it's first numerical control machining capabilities, CAD/CAM engineering and computerized financial systems. The company also re-asserts its agressive innovation by stepping up automated quality and manufacturing systems and integrating computerized statistical process controls…years ahead o
f competitors.

 

1985
To accomodate steady growth, facilities expand again and plans are made for a custom designed building.

1987
Union moves to a ultra-modern facility in Peabody. Production control becomes 100% automated and manufacturing is significantly enhanced by a major investment in staff and state-of-the-art equipment

1994
Union relocates again. This time to a highly efficient custom designed shop located in Groveland. Multiple shifts maximize utilization of the latest CNC equipment. Tools, experience and training pay off as technicians process multiple operations simultaneously.

1997
The company is certified as a ISO 9001 supplier. Major computer system upgrades are implimented to increase efficiency and assure Y2K compliance. Additional multiple operation turning centers are installed adding significantly to capability and capacity.

2001
Ground is broken on a major expansion to Groveland.

2002
Union expands into its new space and adds nearly a dozen machines acheiving new levels in quality, size and throughput. The company also awarded AS9100 certification.

2004
Union named "Family Owned Small Business of the Year" by the US Small Business Administration. Award