At In-Place Machining Company, our dedication extends beyond our customers and colleagues to include the vibrant communities our teams call home across North America. We remain steadfast in our commitment to integrity and excellence in every aspect of our work—whether delivering exceptional services to our customers, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for our employees, or contributing to the well-being of the communities around us.
In the months ahead, we look forward to sharing updates on our initiatives and the impact they’re making. In the meantime, we invite you to explore the following highlights from 2024 that reflect our unwavering commitment to doing what’s right—each and every day.
Western Machine Works: A Division of In-Place Machining Company, Champions Sustainability with Expert Rebuild of Poreba TCH 300 Lathe
In a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, Western Machine Works partnered with a renowned global machinery refurbisher to perform an extensive rebuild of a 1982 Poreba TCH 300 lathe. Instead of purchasing a new machine, Western Machine Works chose to invest in a sustainable rebuild, underscoring their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, while enhancing its service offering to customers.
A Legacy of Precision: The Poreba TCH 300
The Poreba TCH 300 is a heavy-duty lathe with a capacity to handle up to 118 inches in maximum diameter and 480 inches between centers. Originally manufactured in 1982, the machine was used by a company that has since gone out of business and it then sat idle for three years. Recognizing the machine’s potential, Western Machine Works decided to partner with FHPU Zak Poreba for its comprehensive rebuild, restoring the lathe to a like-new condition.
The Advantage of Rebuilding Over Purchasing New
The environmental impact of producing a new machine, from raw material extraction to energy consumption, can be considerable. By opting for a rebuild, Western Machine Works has significantly reduced its carbon footprint, minimized the use of raw materials, and avoided the environmental costs of disposing of still-functional equipment.
Rebuilding also brings significant financial benefits, as refurbishing existing machinery is often more cost-effective compared to purchasing new equipment. In addition, modernizing the Poreba lathe with state-of-the-art electronics and precision technology enhances its performance without the environmental burden of manufacturing a completely new machine.
Greg Allen, President of Western Machine Works, emphasized the importance of the rebuild project: “The maintenance team at our Portland, Oregon facility had the technical expertise to properly set up the refurbished lathe and ensure it met our quality and operational standards. The decision to rebuild proved the right choice, enabling us to expand our machining capabilities to better serve our customers in the wind, hydro, marine, pulp and paper, and other heavy industries,” said Allen.
By choosing a rebuild, Western Machine Works has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also demonstrated its commitment to a circular economy, extending the life cycle of industrial assets while minimizing the ecological footprint.
A Sustainable Future
As industries continue to focus on reducing their environmental impact, rebuilding machinery presents a sustainable solution that benefits both businesses and the planet. The project highlights how manufacturers can revitalize older equipment, extend their service life, and adopt more responsible production and waste management practices. Western Machine Works’ successful rebuild of Poreba TCH 300 lathe is a testament to how strategic sustainability practices can align with operational goals, paving the way for a greener, more responsible future in industrial manufacturing.
BEFORE AFTER
Breaking Barriers: Empowering Women Leaders in Machining and Metrology
At In-Place Machining Company (IPM), we take pride in fostering an inclusive workplace that values diverse leadership perspectives. In an industry traditionally dominated by men, our commitment to hiring and promoting women into leadership roles stands as a testament to our dedication to progress, innovation, and excellence. Precision machining, dimensional metrology, and machine alignment have long been regarded as fields where opportunities for women have been limited. However, at IPM and its family of companies, we actively challenge these old norms by identifying and empowering talented women to take on leadership roles across our divisions. Women leaders serve as powerful role models for the next generation, demonstrating that there are no limits to who can excel in industrial, precision-driven fields.
We believe that diversity in leadership is both a meaningful commitment and a valuable asset for our organization. Women leaders bring unique insights, skills, and approaches that drive creativity, collaboration, and stronger team dynamics. By diversifying our leadership teams, we ensure that our company remains agile, forward-thinking, and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our customers in industries like military and defense, clean energy, heavy manufacturing, and aerospace. Their contributions, whether in senior leadership roles, engineering and shop management, project management, technical field service, or customer engagement, play a key role in delivering the world-class results that our customers expect.
By embracing inclusivity and recognizing the importance of women in leadership, In-Place Machining Company is not only advancing our own mission but also helping to transform the machining, alignment, and metrology industries. The significance of this shift cannot be overstated – women in leadership strengthen organizations and drive innovation through diverse perspectives. At IPM, we are proud to break barriers and set new standards for inclusivity, creating a more equitable and dynamic future for our company, our customers, and the industries we serve.
IPM Helps Newport News Propeller Club Raise Money for Local Virginia Charities
IPM is a proud member of the Newport News Propeller Club and annually participates in the club’s Holiday & Fundraising event. This year’s event raised over $8,000 in donations and collected over 1,000 pounds of canned food for local charities in Virginia. On behalf of IPM, Will Austin, Director of Business Development, and John Parrott, Technical Representative, donated canned goods and their time to this incredibly worthy cause. At IPM, we are proud to partner with organizations that make a real difference. We look forward to continuing to create a positive impact both in our communities and for our customers.
IPM Participates in Annual Milwaukee Heart Walk
At IPM, volunteering and supporting charities are integral components of our mission to make a positive impact beyond our business operations. By actively engaging in volunteer work and contributing to charitable causes, we foster a culture of compassion and empathy within our organization. Volunteering provides our team members with opportunities to give back to the communities where we live and work, strengthening our bonds and enriching our understanding of the needs of those less fortunate. Additionally, supporting charities allows us to make meaningful contributions to causes aligned with our company values.
Please Contact Us if you would like additional information. Interested in joining our team? Check out available Career Opportunities today!
